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 development partners 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, microfinance, governance and agriculture.
Position Summary:
IPA seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Project Coordinator based in Lilongwe, Malawi. IPA is working with the Malawi Microfinance Network (MAMN) and the Reserve Bank of Malawi to study the effect of fingerprint identification of borrowers on loan repayment rates, financial access, and investments and consumption. This research builds upon previous work in Malawi, which showed that fingerprinting increased loan repayment rates for paprika farmers, especially those who would otherwise have been expected to have low repayment. We will extend the previous work by implementing fingerprinting at a national level, in conjunction with Malawi's new credit reference bureau.
The Project Coordinator for this project will play a crucial role in supporting the intervention as well as the data collection. In the initial phase, the Project Coordinator will collaborate with MAMN and local microfinance institutions around technical issues, outreach, and training. The Project Coordinator will ensure that the research design is adhered to, and will supervise baseline and endline surveys as well as the compilation of administrative data from numerous microfinance institutions.
Responsibilities:
- Management of the scale-up of biometric identification technologies in the microfinance sector
- Meeting with government officials and technical consultants
- Supporting local branch staff in the implementation of fingerprint collection
- Designing survey questionnaires
- Conducting qualitative research
- Running pilot exercise
- Refining study design and surveying instruments
- Managing survey teams
- Checking and analyzing data
- Cleaning data and assisting in preliminary analysis
- Assisting in the writing of project reports as well as policy memos.
The Project Coordinator is also responsible for coordinating with project partners running the program being evaluated in order to ensure a smooth incorporation of the IPA impact evaluation into the implementation of the partner.
Desired Qualifcations and Experience:
- Master's degree in the economics, social sciences, public policy or related fields.
- Experience living in a developing country
- Excellent management and organizational skills
- Strong quantitative skills
- Fluency and excellent communication skills in English
- Flexibility, self-motivated, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player
- Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations
- Knowledge of Stata (strongly preferred) or other data analysis software preferred
- Familiarity with randomized controlled trials preferred
Application Instructions:
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. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
1) Send an email to jobs-malawi@poverty-action.org and cc jobs@poverty-action.org, following these instructions exactly:
- In the email body: Copy exactly the following position line: 100815 IPAMalawi, Project Coordinator
- Attachments: Please attach ONLY your resume and cover letter.
- In the subject line: Put your full name, first (given) name followed by last (family) name.
Please do not include any text besides your name in the body of the e-mail. Adding extra text will interfere with the processing of your application
2) Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application indicating that you are interested in applying for a 'Type 3: Research Manager or Project Coordinator' position. Please include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose, CV, and transcripts.
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 Project Coordinator. 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.
