Position Summary

We are looking for a dynamic individual who understands the DFS sector in Tanzania, has existing relationships with policy makers and the private sector and is able to foster new relationships to execute the research initiative. You believe in evidence based decision making and the importance of rigorous academic research that can influence policy priorities and other sustainable practices in the DFS sector in the country.  Working closely with the Country Director in Tanzania and the global Financial Inclusion Program, you will drive the initiative in-country through establishing relationships with key stakeholders of the DFS industry and promote the use of actionable research for decision making.

In order to address the question of ‘affordability’, TADFRI focuses on 5 areas of investigation, and 8 projects within. The areas of investigation include interoperability;  market structure & competition;  regulatory environment; taxes & levies; and provider costs, including agent network administration, and infrastructure. Each area of investigation is led by academics, expert consultants or IPA staff. You will coordinate with individuals leading these workstreams to regularly provide input on local context and other policy priorities, with the aim to ensure that the research outputs remain relevant and robust, in addition to leading lines of investigation yourself. You will also be responsible for the development or related policy briefs, communication and dissemination, financial management, and resource planning and supervision. 

Responsibilities

Stakeholder Management (50%): 

1. Work with project leadership to manage and support a high-level and far reaching stakeholder engagement strategy, across public and private sector sectors. This will include, but is not limited to, managing partnerships with public sector entities (examples include the Bank of Tanzania, Tanzania Revenue Authority, Ministry of Finance and other financial sector regulatory bodies) and private sector entities (such as Banks, Mobile Money Providers, Associations, Fintechs and other relevant actors in the private sector)  

2. Ensure consistent and constructive collaboration across stakeholders, identifying key individuals and areas of mutually beneficial engagement 

3. Work with Tanzanian technical lead consultant, the IPA Financial Inclusion Program (FIP) team, and the IPA Country Director, to ensure continued partner and government support of research ideas and studies and to ensure access to information and administrative data critical for the research process 

4. Identify and overcome challenges and risks related to project partnership management 

5. Manage and support an on ongoing dissemination process

Coordinate the Implementation of Research Streams & Development of Policy Briefs (35%):

1. Lead Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders representing each element of the ecosystem in order to collate perspectives on DFS affordability

2. Cross-examine and analyze KII results and institutional priorities to identify important themes and challenges 

3. Support the implementation of selected research studies through enabling partnerships with required stakeholders, such as mobile money providers, commercial banks and public sector entities and collaborating with principal investigators (PIs), consultants, internal teams

4. Overcome challenges and risks related to establishing partnerships, convening stakeholders, legal requirements etc, to allow independent and objective research implementation 

5. Contribute to and support dissemination of 4-6 high impact policy briefs based on project workstreams and research activities

Communication and Dissemination (15%): 

1. Work with IPA communications team to design strategies for dissemination of findings that  influence public and private sector decision making

2. Work with topical experts to disseminate overall research findings to relevant stakeholders in Tanzania 

3. Build consensus around a set of policy recommendations that align with public and private sector stakeholders’ incentives 

4. Support the development of the research inception report and prepare regular progress updates and presentations for stakeholder blocks 

5. Support all implementation of results activities       

Qualifications

Required

1. More than five years of experience working in the digital financial services (DFS) industry in Tanzania and/or internationally. Demonstrated understanding of the DFS landscape in Tanzania including: pricing, regulations, competition, market structure, interoperability, consumer impact etc.

2. Ability to engage with and build consensus among high level executives at public and private sector institutions; Comfort in developing external relationships and leading project development discussions with funders and high-level stakeholders in general

3. Experience managing multi-year programs, including coordination with multiple external and internal stakeholders,  adherence to timelines, active monitoring and identification of risks, and implementing appropriate course correction strategies 

4. An existing network in the financial sector space in Tanzania 

5. Ability to develop project related high policy briefs, needs assessment reports, and other external facing research products and deliverables

6. Proactive and collaborative attitude, entrepreneurial mindset and versatility

7. Exceptional communication skills in English and Swahili (written and oral)

8. Ability to travel within Tanzania (10 to 20%)

9. Passion for making data-driven decisions and an understanding of bridging research to policy

10. Masters Degree in Economics/ Business Administration / Public Policy or commensurate applied work experience 

Preferred: 

1. Familiarity with quantitative research methods and randomized controlled trials

Reports to

Tanzania Country Director and the Director of the Financial Inclusion Program at IPA Global. 

Desired Start Date

As soon as possible

Location

The position will be based at IPA’s office in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Contract Length

The initial contract will be for one year, with the possibility of an extension based on project funding.

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.