Position Summary

IPA Ghana is seeking a Policy Manager to lead IPA Ghana’s provision of technical assistance for the scale up of evidence-based early-childhood education (ECE) policy and programming in Ghana. This project leverages rigorous evidence on what works in early childhood education to inform the implementation of Ghana’s ECE policy, with the ultimate goal of improving nationwide kindergarten learning. As part of this effort, IPA is currently working with the Ghana Education Service, Right to Play, and Sabre Education to scale a comprehensive Kindergarten teacher in-service teacher training (INSET) package to provide Kindergarten teachers with training on employing play-based learning pedagogy in ECE classrooms. This position will support the government to scale the package to reach over 60,000 Kindergarten teachers across Ghana.

The Policy Manager will work collaboratively across IPA and partners to lead IPA’s technical support to implement and scale various components of the ECE policy. The Policy Manager will drive critical learning, promote evidence-based scaling strategies, oversee MEL approaches to inform program implementation, and facilitate shared learning across partners. The Policy Manager will also lead the relationship with government partners and other key stakeholders and manage project scope, delivery, and finances. Given the dynamic nature of working with government stakeholders from national to school-levels, the Policy Manager will be highly skilled in adaptive management and negotiation, revising activities and timelines to best support the project. The Policy Manager will report to the IPA Ghana Country Director with dotted line oversight from a Global Associate Director of Policy.

Responsibilities

Project management 20%

● Manage IPA’s technical assistance for the scale-up of the in- service teacher training (INSET) package in Ghana, which includes policy and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) activities

● Drive policy and MEL workstreams forward towards a common goal of the evidence-based scaling of the INSET package, ensuring workstreams are well-coordinated and timely, and that IPA delivers on our strategies, activities, and outputs

● Directly supervise a highly functioning team to conduct this technical assistance, paying particular attention to their professional growth

● Lead the development of business development opportunities, including participating in donor conversations and writing proposals

Financial reporting and donor management 10%

● Directly oversee project financial management, including supporting the creation of the project’s operating budget, being accountable for ongoing budget management, and developing and monitoring activity-specific budgets for the project;

● Lead donor reporting

Stakeholder engagement 30%

● Cultivate relationships with key local top-level decision-makers in the education sector related to the INSET package and other areas of the ECE policy, and ensure the project has their buy-in;

● Advocate for the evidence- and data-informed scale-up of the INSET package and fidelity of implementation at scale when engaging with key stakeholders

● Work together with the global policy team to lead and/or participate in strategic events for policy purposes, including but not limited to summits, conferences, workshops, technical working groups, and round tables. Support researchers and country management to participate;

● In collaboration with researchers and in support of the country director, represent IPA locally in policy conversations and events

Sharing evidence to inform program scaling and institutionalization 20%

● Provide recommendations and insight from previous and ongoing research findings to inform critical decisions on implementation activities

● Update INSET package implementation plans based on previous research findings and results from additional testing of theory of change assumptions and program adaptations

● Engage with government leadership about potential institutional changes to incorporate the INSET package implementation into institutional frameworks and budgets

Implementation of MEL strategy 20%

● Oversee implementation of MEL activities, Including:

• Developing and pursuing the INSET package learning agenda
• Supporting partners to inform key assumptions in the theory of change, including developing testing strategies to address learning needs
• Supporting GES staff to execute the MEL activities associated with program Implementation
• Identifying potential adaptations to the existing model needed at scale, and conducting small-scale pilots of promising adaptations within the ongoing roll-out
• Train partner staff on MEL activities associated with program implementation

Qualifications

Required

● Master’s degree in economics, development, international relations, public administration, public policy or a closely related field; Bachelor’s degree holders may be considered based on experience.

● 5+ years of relevant experience analyzing and communicating complex research results to various audiences, including at least 1 year of experience working closely with large NGOs or governments, preferably in a developing country context.

● Demonstrated commitment to the use of rigorous evidence for policy.

● Knowledge of government policy making processes, systems for nationwide program implementation or development financing.

● Experience organizing events, such as conferences, workshops or round table discussions.

● Proven ability to multitask and successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision.

● Willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, and learn will be essential for doing well in this position

● Ability to supervise staff and manage projects independently.

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate with senior officials in government and other partner organizations.

Preferred

● Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the education sector in Ghana

● Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; proficiency with Publisher and Photoshop or other graphics editors is desirable

● Understanding of research methodologies and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) is a plus.

Reports to

Country Director

Deadline to Apply

February 28th, 2025

Location

Accra, Ghana

​
 

Application Instructions

Click here to apply now.

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 900 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Safeguarding at IPA

At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals,  particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.

IPA's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)

As an organization, IPA is dedicated to improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable populations through evidence and policy. We also recognize how important it is for our staff to reflect the diversity of the places where we work and the communities we work with. As such, IPA is committed to hiring from a diverse pool of candidates, from a range of backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, and perspectives. We know that this makes our work stronger and more responsive to the challenges faced by those we work with and for and we encourage people from historically underrepresented groups to apply. Click here to learn more about IPA’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an affirmative action-equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-202-386-6200. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org. Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager