Director, U.S. Household Finance Initiative (New Haven. CT or Washington, D.C.)

• Reports To: Deputy Executive Director for Research and Policy
• Location: New Haven, CT (strongly preferred); location in Washington, D.C. may be considered
• Application Deadline: July 15, 2013                      

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), is an international non-profit research organization. Based in New Haven, CT, with offices in Washington, D.C. and worldwide, IPA works with partner organizations and academic researchers to create and evaluate approaches to solving development problems, to communicate “what works” in development and to scale up successful projects in a variety of fields, including health, education, finance, governance and agriculture.

Initiative Summary:

The U.S. Household Finance Initiative (USHFI) brings researchers and financial institutions together to create knowledge to enhance the financial capability of low- and medium-income households in the United States.  USHFI aims to design new innovations or adapt existing programs and products in ways for the mutual benefit of potential consumers, suppliers and financial institutions. 

Position Summary:

IPA seeks a qualified applicant for the position of U.S. Household Finance Initiative Director. The position offers an opportunity to manage and lead a growing research initiative which supports cutting-edge development research. The position will be based out of New Haven, CT (location in Washington D.C. may also be considered) and will travel frequently within the United States. The position reports to the Deputy Executive Director for Research and Policy, and works closely with the researchers that lead the initiative.

The Director will lead the development and growth of the Initiative, by working with partners, representing the initiative and IPA in public forums, growing the research network, fundraising and disseminating results and informing policy. The Director will also initiate and supervise ongoing impact evaluations, and work with Principal Investigators to generate a body of evidence on the comparative impact and cost effectiveness of a variety of programs and financial products to help people increase savings, manage debt, and improve overall financial decision making.

Responsibilities:

• Leading the development of a strategic plan for the Initiative;
• Financial oversight and fundraising;
• Expanding the network of partner organizations;
• Represent USHFI and IPA to important stakeholders;
• Expand network of Initiative researchers;
• Refining the initiative research agenda in collaborate on with Principal Investigators and other stakeholders;
• Initiating the development of new research including engaging with researchers on the technical design and funding support for projects;
• Lead growing and high-performing staff to produce cutting edge research, disseminate results and mobilize implementing organizations to scale up proven interventions.

Qualifications:

This is a leadership position with IPA that requires both strong technical and management skills.

• A Master’s or PhD in economics, public administration, public policy, or related field is desired.
• Five years minimum experience in economics or social science research, with a background in randomized control trials; related work experience may also be applicable. Combination of work and research experience is preferred;
• Fluency in English, with strong oral and written and communication skills. Proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required;
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to represent IPA in public forums and to present results and pitch research ideas to partners, donors, and policymakers;
• Experience in asset-building or economic development programs in the United States targeting low-income American households preferred but not required;
• Excellent management and organizational skills; exceptional attention to detail; flexibility; self-motivation; and an ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently;
• Experience in asset-building or economic development programs in the United States targeting low-income American households

Application Instuctions:

Please follow the application instructions below.  Any applications or CVs submitted outside this process will not be considered. Note, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

1. Send an email to jbrown@poverty-action.org and cc jobs@poverty-action.org, following these instructions:

• In the subject line: Copy the following position line: 100876IPAUSA, Director, USHFI
• Attachments: Please attach only your CV and cover letter
• In the email body:  Put your full name, first (given) name followed by last (family) name

2. Qualified candidates: Please submit an application through J-PAL’s common application,indicating that you are interested in applying for a "Type 3" position.  Please note: you are not required to include transcripts or letters of recommendation upon initial submission. After submitting, you can edit your application at any time and may add these materials, if requested.

3. Fill out our EEO-1 Voluntary Self Identification Form.

IPA is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.

All persons shall have the opportunity to be considered for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the USHFI Director.  The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs-info@poverty-action.org.