Vacancies and How to Get a Job at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is recruiting qualified professionals for two exciting opportunities available to candidates in Sierra Leone. The vacancies include a senior leadership position overseeing operations in Sierra Leone and Liberia and a programme management role supporting international education research projects.

These Innovations for Poverty Action jobs in Sierra Leone 2026 offer opportunities for experienced professionals interested in research, international development, public policy and improving education outcomes. Both positions provide exposure to international development partners, researchers, government institutions and major donor-funded programmes.

Whether you have extensive leadership experience or a background in research and programme management, these vacancies could be worth exploring.

About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is an international research and policy nonprofit organisation focused on finding practical solutions to global poverty. The organisation works with academic researchers, governments, development agencies and other institutions to evaluate programmes and identify approaches that can improve people's lives.

Founded in 2002, IPA has collaborated with hundreds of academics and conducted more than 1,000 evaluations across different countries. Its research supports better decision-making in areas such as education, healthcare, economic development and social protection.

IPA's work combines research with practical policy engagement, helping governments and development organisations use reliable evidence to improve their programmes.

For professionals interested in international development, working with IPA offers an opportunity to contribute to research and initiatives with long-term social impact.

Available Positions at Innovations for Poverty Action

The following positions are currently available:

• Country Lead, Sierra Leone and Liberia – Freetown, Sierra Leone.
• (Associate) Program Manager, Education Sector – Multiple countries, including Sierra Leone.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Role

1. Country Lead, Sierra Leone and Liberia

Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Requisition ID: 1830

What You'll Do (Simplified):

The Country Lead will provide strategic and operational leadership for IPA's activities in Sierra Leone and Liberia. This is a senior management position involving responsibility for research programmes, government relationships, funding and organisational performance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Develop and implement strategies that support IPA's objectives in both countries.
• Supervise senior country teams and ensure programmes achieve their targets.
• Build strong relationships with government officials, international researchers, NGOs and development partners.
• Oversee research activities and ensure findings contribute to practical government policies.
• Provide leadership for Embedded Evidence Labs working with institutions such as the Ministries of Education and Health.
• Identify funding opportunities and develop proposals to attract new donors.
• Monitor financial performance, operational compliance and organisational risks.
• Represent IPA at important policy meetings and international development forums.

The position reports to the Regional Director and requires international and regional travel when necessary.

Who This Role Is Best For:

This opportunity is suitable for experienced development professionals, senior programme managers, policy specialists and research leaders.

Applicants should have:

• A master's degree in development economics, international affairs, international public policy or a related discipline.
• At least seven years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience managing large teams and complex development projects.
• A strong understanding of applied research and public policy.
• Experience engaging government officials, donors and academic institutions.
• Knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Experience in education or social protection programmes.
• Strong strategic planning, communication and fundraising abilities.

Experience with randomized controlled trials (RCTs), institutional capacity building and evidence-based policymaking will be an advantage.

Estimated Salary Range: Negotiable based on experience.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through IPA's official recruitment portal.

Application link: Apply for Country Lead, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

The official vacancy does not specify a closing date. Interested applicants should check the application portal for current availability.

How to Increase Your Chances:

• Highlight your experience leading development projects across multiple countries or regions.
• Demonstrate your ability to manage relationships with senior government officials and international donors.
• Include measurable achievements from previous research, policy or development programmes.
• Explain how you have used research findings to influence decisions or improve programme delivery.
• Provide examples of successful fundraising, team management and strategic planning.

This is a senior leadership appointment. Applicants should demonstrate strategic impact rather than simply list their previous job responsibilities.

2. (Associate) Program Manager, Education Sector

Locations: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Peru, Colombia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Côte d'Ivoire.

Requisition ID: 1829

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026.

What You'll Do (Simplified):

The successful candidate will join IPA's Education Sector team and support the SCALE project, a multi-country initiative delivered with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and other implementing partners.

The project focuses on expanding effective education programmes and ensuring that research findings inform education policies and practices.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinate education research projects involving universities, government institutions, donors and implementing organisations.
• Monitor project budgets, timelines, deliverables and work plans.
• Support research design, data analysis and preparation of research reports.
• Prepare policy briefs, presentations and other communication materials.
• Maintain regular communication with funders and project stakeholders.
• Support education programme planning and partnership development.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to proposal preparation.
• Track donor relationships and fundraising activities.

The position reports to the Education Program Director and may involve office-based, hybrid or remote work, depending on the country arrangement.

Who This Role Is Best For:

This opportunity is suitable for programme managers, research professionals, education specialists and international development practitioners with relevant experience.

Applicants should have:

• A master's degree in international public policy, development economics or a related field, with quantitative methods coursework.
• At least four years of relevant professional experience.
• Experience in education research, policy engagement or programme management.
• Knowledge of education interventions and research methods, particularly randomized controlled trials.
• Experience working with international donors such as FCDO or USAID.
• Strong project coordination, analytical and communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Experience in primary data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) initiatives will be an advantage.

Important Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must already have permanent work authorization in the country where they wish to be based. Candidates who do not meet this requirement will not be considered. International travel of up to 20% may also be required.

Estimated Salary Range: Negotiable based on experience.

How to Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit their applications through IPA's official recruitment portal.

Application link: Apply for (Associate) Program Manager, Education Sector.

The application deadline is November 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the closing date.

How to Increase Your Chances:

• Show evidence of successfully coordinating research or education projects.
• Highlight experience working with international development organisations and donor-funded programmes.
• Demonstrate your ability to manage project timelines, budgets and stakeholder expectations.
• Include examples of research reports, policy briefs or analytical presentations you have prepared.
• Highlight experience with quantitative research, qualitative analysis and RCTs.
• Demonstrate how your work has contributed to education improvements or better programme decisions.

Candidates should also make their preferred country of employment clear and ensure they meet its work authorisation requirements.

Recommended Next: Vacancies and How to Get a Job at UNFPA Sierra Leone (Salary, Roles & Application Guide)