Job Summary
- Employer: Innovations for Poverty Action
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Policy and Research
- Closing Date: 2026-10-12
Key Responsibilities
- Provide technical assistance and project management support to individual Lab engagements from design through implementation, including contributing directly to the technical delivery of Lab opportunities.
- Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) efforts related to the Embedded Labs program, helping to assess the program’s progress and impact and establish new best practices for government engagement.
- Support the program’s knowledge management and training efforts, including developing and delivering onboarding materials and training for both Embedded Labs staff and other IPA teams on Embedded Labs fundamentals.
- Generate new knowledge and public-facing outputs related to Embedded Labs, such as case studies, toolkits, and evidence reviews, and support implementation of the program’s communication strategy to disseminate these outputs to internal and external audiences.
- Identify and pursue business development and fundraising opportunities in collaboration with country office and global staff, and coordinate grant reporting and deliverable management across Embedded Labs engagements.
- Provide coordination for strategic events such as summits, conferences, workshops, technical working groups, and roundtables, including the annual Cross-Country Learning Exchange.
Requirements
- Master’s degree in economics, development, international relations, public administration, public policy, or a closely related field strongly preferred; will accept additional experience in place of a master’s degree.
- 3+ years of relevant experience analyzing and communicating complex research results to various audiences, including at least 1 year of experience working closely with large NGOs or governments, preferably in an LMIC country context.
- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in the use of rigorous evidence for international development policy.
- Strong quantitative skills, including exceptional ability to understand academic research studies and analyze bodies of research.
- Expertise in leading teams to draw policy lessons from research and communicating them to various audiences.
- Excellent communication skills, including clear, precise, non-technical written and presentation skills; requires a strong written voice and effective spoken communication and presentation style.
- Proven ability to multitask and successfully complete projects on tight deadlines with little supervision.
- Willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, and learn and adapt quickly.
- Experience supervising staff teams and managing multi-country projects.
- Strong ability to manage up and across.
- Experience with IPA and/or partner institutions strongly preferred.
- Experience as part of a government team, and/or as a researcher, and/or with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) (preferred).
- Experience in education or social protection (preferred).
How to Apply
About the Company
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a global research and policy nonprofit that conducts randomized evaluations to test and scale effective solutions to poverty. In Malawi, IPA operates active research programs examining agricultural adoption, health systems, education outcomes, and financial inclusion, working with government ministries and local partners to generate evidence that informs national policy. The organization's Malawi-based teams collaborate with institutions such as the National Economic Planning Commission and district health offices to design and implement field experiments. IPA's work in the country has contributed to understanding how cash transfers, mobile money, and agricultural extension services affect rural livelihoods. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in the United States, IPA maintains dedicated staff and long-term research infrastructure in Malawi.
Rigorous evidence for better policies and lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and education are typically required for a Senior Policy Manager role in Malawi?
Most employers require a master's degree in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field, plus at least 5-7 years of relevant experience. Professional certifications in monitoring and evaluation (M&E), data analysis, or project management are highly valued. Strong quantitative skills and experience with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often essential for research-focused policy roles.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Senior Policy Manager in an embedded labs program?
Daily tasks include coordinating with government ministries to embed research teams, managing relationships with policymakers, overseeing research implementation, and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations. You will also supervise junior staff, prepare technical reports, and present evidence at stakeholder meetings. Travel to field sites and government offices in Lilongwe and other districts is common.
How does local work culture in Malawi affect expectations for this senior-level position?
Malawian workplaces value respect for hierarchy and patience in building trust with government partners, so relationship-building skills are crucial. Punctuality is appreciated, though meetings with public officials may start flexibly. Demonstrating cultural sensitivity, local language proficiency (Chichewa), and long-term commitment to national development goals strengthens your effectiveness.
What career progression opportunities exist for policy professionals in Malawi's development sector?
Senior Policy Managers can advance to Director or Country Lead positions within international NGOs, move into government advisory roles, or transition to multilateral organizations like the World Bank or UN agencies. Some professionals establish consulting firms or pursue PhDs to specialize further. Building a strong publication record and policy impact portfolio accelerates upward mobility.
What benefits are typically offered for senior policy roles with international research organizations in Malawi?
Benefits usually include health insurance (often with family coverage), annual leave of 20-30 days, pension or provident fund contributions, and professional development allowances. Some employers provide housing allowances, relocation support, and travel insurance for international assignments. Terms vary significantly between local NGOs and international organizations, so negotiate based on your experience level.
How should I apply for senior policy positions in Malawi, and what do employers prioritize?
Apply through organization websites, LinkedIn, or development job boards like Devex and ReliefWeb; tailor your CV to highlight policy engagement and government partnerships. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience influencing policy, strong writing samples, and references from senior government or academic contacts. Prepare for competency-based interviews focusing on stakeholder management and evidence translation skills.