Advisor, Right-Fit Evidence Unit at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic and technical advisory expertise: target credible, actionable, and cost-effective advice on MEL systems to build government capacity to identify and improve on challenges in implementation during DL roll out, including but not limited to the following examples: 
• Lead the data collection design process, analysis, and reporting in collaboration with the Sr. Research Associate and GES to ensure that learning is effectively incorporated in implementation progress
• Guide GES in the development of MEL tools, such as monitoring forms and revision of the reporting platforms to ensure effective usage at the school and district level
• Design prototyping and pilot exercises to answer key learning questions and reduce risks in implementation success, such as testing new content adjustments 
• Lead on updates and roll out of live digital teacher training evaluation, analysis, and reporting systems for teacher training to enable the reinforcement of key points based on feedback from evaluation results dashboards. 
• Support on the design of potential nimble RCTs to test different models of refresher trainings and follow up nudges to improve adoption of teaching practices, in collaboration with academic researchers

Workshop design and implementation:

• Design and facilitate various kinds of external MEL-related workshops, improving the capacity and ownership of government around long-term MEL practices 

Professional deliverables:

• Own the preparation and presentation of various types of advisory and analytical deliverables, maintaining the highest standards of communication efficiency

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor’s or Master´s degree in economics, public policy, international development, or related fields and ;
• 2-5 years of relevant work experience, including experience in M&E (public sector), organizational performance/R&D/operational research (private sector), or experience in management consulting/other professional services. Exceptions may be made for excellent candidates who do not meet this criterion. 
• Superior analytical and conceptual thinking skills
• Strong client-facing and presentation skills. Ability to present information in a structured and insightful way, both in writing and orally.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with partner organizations;
• Self-starter, entrepreneurial mindset, versatility, and ability to learn at a fast pace.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills; attention to detail;
• Familiarity with statistics and data analysis (including strong command of Excel)
• Willingness to travel within Ghana;
• Capability to manage multiple tasks efficiently;
• Passion for making data-driven decisions a reality in the international development sector

Preferred additional qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, social science, or a related field
• Familiarity with the Education Sector
• Experience living and working in developing countries, particularly Ghana
• Familiarity with the concepts surrounding the Theory of Change and the core tools of M&E (both quantitative and qualitative research methods)
• Familiarity with SurveyCTO, Open Data Kit or similar survey software
• Ability to use Stata, R or similar statistical software
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials;