Operating since 2009, IPA Ghana is one of the largest IPA offices, with locations in Accra and Tamale. We have implemented over 60 studies, including foundational research on differentiated instruction, agricultural insurance, and the Graduation Approach. IPA Ghana boasts of strong internal control systems, quality data collection, long-serving, and highly experienced staff. Our staff strength ranges from 30 to 55.

The Associate Research Manager will be responsible for the overall management of a portfolio of 2-4 research projects, most of which will be in the education, public health, Social Protection, financial inclusion or agriculture sectors and will include wide-scale surveys across multiple regions of Ghana. Each of these projects is expected to be staffed with a permanent team of 1 to 4 staff and up to 30-100 short-term staff during survey periods.

Responsibilities

The Associate Research Manager will be responsible for the overall management of research projects. In particular, as part of the research component of the position, the ARPDM will:

• Work with Principal Investigators to ensure their adherence to research design, sample selection, data collection, data management, and general research protocols, as well as overall project objectives and timelines;
• Directly supervise permanent research project staff, with an eye on their professional growth;
• Coach, manage, and support a team of Research Associates and Field Managers in the implementation of complex impact evaluations around the country.
• Keep the Country Director appraised of all developments on the project within their portfolio, and serve as a key link between the field office, project staff, and Principal Investigators;
• Ensure compliance with IPA’s research quality protocols, promote inter-project best practices and take the lead in sharing best practices with projects through formal and informal trainings;
• Work with field office staff to ensure sound human resource and operational management of projects;
• Oversee project financial management, including creation and monitoring of project budgets, and ensuring smooth integration of projects into IPA financial systems;
• Take part in regular meetings with local government officials and other partners to ensure the success of programmatic activities; and
• Support the dissemination of interim results via presentations and reports to non-academic audiences.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, political science, international development, public policy, or other related field;
• At least 3 years of work experience in a similar position;
• Excellent project management skills;
• Previous experience in managing research projects and sound understanding of research methods, including quantitative data management;
• Experience in developing research projects, experience with budgeting and project planning;
• Previous experience working on fundraising with public and private donors;
• Demonstrated experience in research and policy engagement;
• Passion for connecting rigorous impact evaluation research to policy makers and practitioners and communicating what works in development;
• Experience in grants and contracts management, preferably in a research setting;
• Excellent management and organizational skills and ability to work independently;
• Advanced communication and presentation skills in English.

Preferred

• Proficiency in Stata
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa
• Proficiency in Excel macros and in SurveyCTO programming