Program Director, Sector and Thematic Work

The Program Director, Sector & Thematic Work is a new leadership position at Innovations for Poverty Action. The Program Director will work with the Chief Program Officer, broader Programs team and Research, Policy and External Relations Team to develop IPA’s approach to sector and thematic work. This will include strategies on best linking global and local research and policy agendas so that IPA’s 16 country programs can best leverage and contribute to a global body of evidence. The Program Director will be responsible for developing and implementing an action plan to strengthen IPA’s sector thematic and sector work so that it aligns with IPA's 5-year strategic plan and is coordinated withThe Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, IPA’s sister organization.

As part of shaping and developing IPA’s future research and policy approach as it relates to sector and thematic agendas, the Program Director will be responsible both developing new work that aligns with the overall plan as well as for overseeing and integrating existing sector and thematic efforts. The Program Director will oversee IPA’s 5 existing US-based research initiatives, which are in the areas of finance, small & medium enterprise, social protection and post-conflict. Developed to spur research around specific research agendas, IPA’s portfolio of initiatives includes more than 20 million dollars and a staff of 18 members. Their efforts include the management of competitive research funds, researcher trainings, dissemination events, stakeholder roundtables, and policy communication resource production. In addition to guiding and coordinating these efforts, the Program Director would also help to ensure that initiatives get internal support as well as support with donor and researcher partnerships.

As a member of the Global Programs team, which includes both geographical and sector work, the Program Director will also work closely with the broader team to ensure that sector work supports country priorities and country programs have appropriate resources and expertise in focus sectors.

Responsibilities:
The specific responsibilities of the Program Director include:

• Lead the development of IPA's approach to sector related policy on behalf of Programs
• Develop and implement an action plan to ensure that IPA’s global body of evidence is reviewed, analyzed and shared across sectors, and that new work builds onto what has already been learned
• Work closely and coordinate activities with IPA’s partners, The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab, donors and researchers both in the development and implementation of IPA’s plan to sector and thematic work
• Coordinate (within IPA as well as with JPAL, IFMR, 3ie, CEGA, EPOD) the planning and design of policy activities, including events, at the regional and global level
• Direct nascent efforts to build global efforts to develop sector expertise and a global network around sector oriented themes global Sector (e.g. Agriculture, Education and Health)
• Manage and oversee IPA's 5 existing initiatives and works with Chief Program Officer to ensure initiative staff are well managed and developed as well as to better incorporate these initiative efforts into the IPA’s overall structure and broader approach to policy and research
• Work with broader Programs and functional teams to ensure that initiatives and sector oriented staff receive appropriate internal support
• Help develop and manage external relationships with donors and researchers on behalf of IPA and specific initiatives and projects
• Works with IPA’s Development team to fundraise for sector and thematic work, vets new funding opportunities in terms of their alignment to IPA’s strategy and mission
• Lead the coordination of information on sector and thematic work and resources
• Prioritize sector and thematic work and resources across sectors and countries in coordination with broader Program Team.
• Oversee and advise on the design and drafting related policy publications (background notes, briefcases, and bulletins) and outreach documents summarizing key academic studies related to priority sectors.
• Deliver presentations and represent IPA's programs at conferences and meetings with partners
• Help guide the development country program capacity in policy, especially as it relates to their priority sectors, and to refine as well as a standard approach to policy engagement

Qualifications:

• At minimum, MPA, MPP and/or Masters in a relevant subject area such as economics, statistics, public policy, development, etc. as well as at least 10 years of leadership and direct management experience
• Demonstrated thought leader committed to working with senior management to define and grow IPA’s sector and thematic work
• Experience working with donors, government agencies, policymakers, and researchers to discuss and assess the state of evidence
• Ability to present academic research in clear simple language and to engage policymakers and donors in discussion on using and scaling rigorous evidence
• Experience developing policy events as well as policy resources and publications
• Experience in reviewing academic literature on randomized evaluations to draw out policy lessons, conducting literature reviews and assessing the most effective policies is required
• Passion for research and evidence based policy-making
• Knowledge of randomized trials and experience in multiple sectors is strongly preferred
• International work experience preferred

How to apply:

Application Instructions:

1. To apply, please click here
2. If you are unable to access our application system, ADP, using the above link, please send your cover letter and resume with Program Director, Sector and Thematic Work in the subject line to:jobs@poverty-action.org