Job vacancy Research Associate (RA)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a United States-based non-profit organization dedicated to discovering, and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA designs, rigorously evaluate and refines these solutions and their applications together with decision-makers to ensure that the evidence created is used to  improve opportunities for the world’s poor.

Summary

IPA seeks qualified applicants for Research Associate positions for various research projects to be based in Accra and Tamale, with frequent travel to remote field locations within Ghana. A Research Associate at IPA is generally in charge of one specific long-term research project, which can be related to various sectors, including education, financial inclusion, public health and agriculture.
IPA is recruiting Research Associates throughout the year through a common application process. The shortlisted applicants from that common application process are then considered for any RA position that opens in the following 6 months.

Position Summary
The RA will ensure compliance to research ethics, assist the Principal Investigators in the design of survey instruments, coordinate surveyor training and surveying activities, be responsible for the collection of high- quality data, and perform data management duties. S/he will also manage recruitment and finances for surveying and evaluation activities.

In particular, the RA will:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Public Health, Agriculture, Development studies or related field. A Masters degree is preferred;
• Fluency in written and verbal communication in English and the ability to draft reports is essential;
• At least two years of experience in project management, preferably in relation to supervising, designing, and implementing data collection and/or fieldwork activities, and managing teams of field staff.
• The ability to outline project objectives and to plan work in a structured and systematic manner in alignment with stated objectives, assessing progress and making changes to project plans to reflect changing timelines and field realities;
• Quantitative data processing and analysis skills. Knowledge of STATA is preferred;
• Curiosity and willingness to learn;
• The ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including the Principal Investigators, the IPA Ghana management team, implementing partners, government officials, and field staff;
• Demonstrated experience in budgeting and financial management;
• Excellent problem solving and analytical skills and strong attention to detail;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a diverse team and high-level stakeholders;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines, often with limited supervision;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Experience in education, financial inclusion, agriculture and public health research is a plus.
• Authorization to work in Ghana
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree