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

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is recruiting a Senior Policy Manager, Embedded Labs Program to help governments use research and data to make better public policy decisions. The full-time position combines programme management, policy research, stakeholder engagement and international development.

For professionals searching for Innovations for Poverty Action jobs in Sierra Leone 2026, this opportunity may interest candidates with experience in public policy, research, government partnerships or monitoring and evaluation.

The position is listed for an existing IPA country office, with international travel of up to 25% required. However, the official vacancy does not specifically name Freetown as the duty station, so applicants based in Sierra Leone should confirm whether the position can be based in the country's office before applying.

About Innovations for Poverty Action

Innovations for Poverty Action is an international research and policy nonprofit established in 2002. The organisation works with researchers, governments and development partners to identify effective ways to reduce poverty and improve people's lives.

IPA conducts rigorous evaluations of development programmes and helps decision-makers use the findings to improve policies and services. Its research covers areas such as education, financial inclusion, health, gender and social protection.

One of its initiatives is the Embedded Labs Program. These teams work within government institutions to strengthen the use of data and evidence in public policy. The programme currently spans multiple countries and sectors, making coordination, knowledge sharing and effective communication important parts of its work.

Available Position

• Senior Policy Manager, Embedded Labs Program – Existing IPA country office; international travel required.

1. Senior Policy Manager, Embedded Labs Program

Organisation: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Work arrangement: Full-time
Location: Existing IPA country office; confirm Sierra Leone eligibility
Reports to: Senior Director, Embedded Labs
International travel: Up to 25%

What You'll Do

The Senior Policy Manager will support the growth and delivery of IPA's Embedded Labs Program. The role combines technical support to individual projects with wider programme development and engagement with governments, researchers and development partners.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting the design and implementation of individual Embedded Labs projects.
• Providing technical assistance and project management support to programme teams.
• Helping monitor programme results and identify lessons that can improve future government partnerships.
• Developing training and onboarding materials for staff working on Embedded Labs.
• Producing research summaries, case studies, toolkits and evidence reviews for internal and external audiences.
• Identifying funding and business development opportunities with country offices and global teams.
• Coordinating grant reporting and ensuring programme deliverables are completed properly.
• Organising conferences, workshops, roundtables and cross-country learning events.
• Representing IPA in discussions about evidence-informed policymaking and government programme delivery.

This position requires more than an ability to understand research. The successful candidate must also explain complex findings clearly, coordinate several activities at once and help government partners turn evidence into practical decisions.

Who This Role Is Best For

The opportunity suits professionals with experience in public policy, international development, applied research, programme management or evidence-based decision-making.

A master's degree in economics, development, international relations, public administration, public policy or a related field is strongly preferred. The official listing states that additional experience may be accepted in place of a master's degree.

Candidates should also demonstrate:

• At least three years of relevant experience analysing and communicating complex research findings.
• At least one year working closely with a large NGO or government institution, preferably in a low- or middle-income country.
• Strong quantitative and research analysis skills.
• Experience translating research into practical policy recommendations.
• Excellent written communication, presentation and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to manage projects, meet tight deadlines and work with limited supervision.
• Experience supervising teams or managing multi-country projects.

Experience with IPA or its partner institutions is particularly valuable. Previous work in government, monitoring, evaluation and learning, education or social protection is also an advantage.

Estimated Salary

The vacancy notice does not disclose a salary figure.

Salary: Negotiable based on experience.

Candidates should confirm the compensation package, employment terms and any applicable benefits through the official recruitment process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply through IPA's official recruitment website.

1. Visit the official Senior Policy Manager, Embedded Labs Program vacancy page.
2. Read the full job description and confirm the location and eligibility conditions.
3. Review the required qualifications and prepare an updated CV highlighting relevant policy, research and programme management experience.
4. Select the application link on the official vacancy page and follow the submission instructions.
5. Confirm whether the position can be based in Sierra Leone before completing your application.

The official listing does not specify a closing date. Check the recruitment page for the latest application status and deadline before submitting your documents.

How to Increase Your Chances

Demonstrate how you have used research to influence decisions. Explain how your analysis helped a government institution, NGO or development partner improve a policy, programme or service.

Show that you can manage complex projects. Include examples of coordinating teams, managing deliverables, handling competing deadlines or overseeing partnerships across different organisations.

Highlight your writing and presentation skills. The role involves producing evidence reviews, case studies and training materials. Mention relevant publications, policy briefs, reports or presentations you have prepared.

Provide evidence of stakeholder engagement. Describe your experience working with government officials, researchers, donors or senior programme managers.

Include relevant technical experience. Experience in quantitative research, monitoring and evaluation, programme learning or evidence-informed policy will help demonstrate your suitability.

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