Summary

The position offers an exciting opportunity to gain first-hand experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research and policy engagement, as well as the opportunity to work in close collaboration with experienced policy partners and colleagues from IPA’s global and Colombia office.The Senior Policy Associate will support a new IPA initiative to work with government and implementing partners to develop, research, and integrate evidence-based programs that jointly support displaced children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. The Senior Associate’s work will contribute to the development of a greater dual generation perspective in policy, programming, and research in Uganda and internationally.

Responsibilities 

• Lead the development of a collaborative policy and research agenda for IPA’s Dual Generation Initiative
• Conduct a policy and practice needs assessment exercise, by interviewing policymakers and program implementers who deliver programs for parents and children
• Analyze and document the priorities of government and humanitarian partners
• Conduct regular stakeholder outreach, plan and execute meetings with partners in government and humanitarian and development program implementers
• Participate in technical working groups and communities of practice
• Supervise a highly functioning team to conduct targeted research to inform and advance the agenda
• Develop and facilitate methods for equipping decision makers with relevant evidence to lay the foundation for putting a dual generation approach into action
• Regularly communicate updates, analysis, and findings to the Policy Manager and the project team in the global office

Qualifications 

• A bachelor’s degree in social science, public policy, psychology, economics, or related fields. A Master’s degree is a plus,
• Experience within or partnering closely with the humanitarian and/ or early childhood development sector
• Experience with the public sector, particularly with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Gender,
• Office of the Prime Minister, Education Response Plan (and other response plans) is a strong plus
• Excellent project management and organizational skills,
• Good knowledge of the Ugandan early childhood and humanitarian system is preferred
• Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices
• Must be able to work under pressure, independently and in a team, and meet deadlines, flexibility, self-motivation, and pro-activity highly valued,
• Ability to find quick and effective solutions to unforeseen circumstances,
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English

Application Instructions 

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 on 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 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. 

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.

Disclaimers

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.