Senior Policy Associate
Position Summary
IPA Peru has been leading field-based randomized evaluations since 2003. Our work in Peru and other LAC countries without IPA country office is defined by strong engagement with key decision-makers and foundational research in: education, gender-based violence, social protection, financial inclusion, and health.
IPA Peru and J-PAL LAC are currently implementing a project to support the Agency for Environmental Assessment and Enforcement (OEFA in Spanish) in establishing an innovation lab, which, in turn, is expected to enhance the environmental efforts of the Agency in Peru.
In this context, we are seeking a Senior Policy Associate to lead the activities of this technical assistance. The selected candidate will facilitate the development of the Lab's design and institutionalization, guide the incubation and evaluation of the Lab's research portfolio, and monitor the overall progress of the project.
Responsibilities
20% Research-related activities:
Facilitate the scoping of innovations and research projects (RCTs), monitor their development, and ensure their smooth implementation.
Moderate the conversations between government officials and Principal Investigators during the implementation of the lab's research portfolio.
Support the scoping of research funding for the lab's research project
40% Policy Outputs
Under the supervision of the project management, lead the development of products related to the design and institutionalization of the lab, such as the lab's services, learning cycle, protocols, and others.
Lead the development and implementation of scaling plans for innovations with a proven positive impact.
Lead the knowledge transfer to OEFA and ensure their ability to autonomously manage the effective functioning of the lab.
Systematize lessons learned to inform IPA's growing lab portfolio.
20% Meetings and protocols:
Lead conversations and interviews with key stakeholders to develop products related to the institutionalization of the Lab.
Hold regular check-in meetings with management staff from IPA Peru CO & J-PAL LAC.
Work with administrative, HR, and finance staff to ensure compliance with IPA protocols across all processes.
Attend the IPA Peru office and the OEFA office on assigned days and hours in Lima.
20% Project management:
Plan and monitor project activities to meet assigned objectives and deliverables.
Lead and guide the project team.
Under the supervision of the Policy Manager, lead the project's donor reporting.
Qualifications
Required
Education:
Bachelor's degree in economics, political science or other social science disciplines
Experience
6 years of relevant work experience with at least 3 years of experience working for the public sector or working/coordinating closely with the government
Experience preparing concept notes, policy briefs and/or other communication materials for decision makers and donors.
Technical skills:
Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of impact evaluation.
Quantitative skills and knowledge of data management and analysis in Stata
Communication Skills:
Strong oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English
Confidence in communicating with different audiences such as donors, researchers and government staff
Preferred
A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Science, or related fields.
Familiarity with the process of policy innovation and the policy making cycle.
Knowledge, experience or interest in environmental topics.
Basic skills in qualitative research techniques
Reports to
Policy Manager
Deadline to Apply
February 3rd, 2025
Contract Duration
12 Months
Working Model
On Site / In person
Location
Lima, Peru
Application Instructions
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.