Research Associate

Job Summary

IPA Sierra Leone is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual with outstanding project management, data analysis, people management, and communication skills as a Research Associate to support the implementation of Family Planning Evaluation Study in Sierra Leone. The Research Associate position is a unique opportunity to combine significant project management experience with involvement in cutting-edge development research on a growing and passionate IPA Sierra Leone team.

As an ideal candidate, you not only have a solid technical foundation in impact evaluation methodology, but you can also independently guide and direct the activities that happen both upstream and downstream of any rigorous, randomized evaluation. You enjoy contributing to high-performing teams that drive the production of the highest quality research for our clients and partners. You excel in solving problems using clear, strategic, and creative thinking. You have a strong social acumen and are excited about the opportunity to broaden, deepen, and manage meaningful relationships with high-level clients and partners across the public, academic, non-governmental, and multilateral sectors.

Responsibilities

Project and Research Management 

• Coordinate research and implementation activities across all relevant stakeholders, serving as the key link between field staff, the research team, and Principal Investigators; keep the Country Director and (Associate) Research Manager apprised of all project developments

• Oversee the full data lifecycle, including survey design and piloting, data collection supervision, quality checks, cleaning, and preliminary analysis; ensure data is readily accessible to researchers and supervisors

• Maintain detailed project documentation, including accurate records of interviews and subject confidentiality, and prepare timely, high-quality progress and results reports for PIs, research partners, and funders

• Manage project finances, including budgeting, expense tracking, and financial reporting; ensure all team members adhere to required protocols and procedures

Staff Management

• Recruit, train, and supervise field-based research teams, providing ongoing guidance and support to ensure project standards are met

• Provide targeted training and supervision for research project staff, including Field Managers, to build capacity and maintain performance

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Maintain timely communication with PI teams and partner organizations, including regular updates, responses, and participation in key stakeholder meetings

• Support the country office in project and policy development as needed

Other duties as assigned by the (Associate) Research Manager or Country Director

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, public health, or a related quantitative social science field

• Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience

• Strong quantitative skills, including knowledge of economics and econometrics; demonstrated proficiency in Stata and experience with data management, cleaning, and survey programming

• Excellent organizational and management skills

• Ability to collaborate effectively across geographically and culturally diverse teams

• Willingness and ability to live and work in Sierra Leone

Preferred

• Master's degree in economics, public policy, public health, or a related quantitative social science field

• Experience managing field staff in developing countries

• Strong communicator who conveys information clearly and drives action across a variety of settings

• Collaborative and self-directed, with the ability to contribute to team goals while managing independent workstreams

• Data-driven mindset, using evidence to inform decisions and policy

• High attention to detail with a commitment to quality outputs

• Entrepreneurial, positive, and solutions-oriented approach aligned with IPA's core values

Location

Sierra Leone

Deadline to Apply

20 March 2026

Reports to

Research Manager

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and advances what works to improve the lives of people living in poverty. 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 people living in poverty. 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 1,000 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 the 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.