Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Nigeria has announced an exciting career opportunity for qualified professionals interested in research, policy development, poverty reduction strategies, and evidence-based decision-making. The organization is currently recruiting for the position of Manager, National Poverty Lab, a high-impact leadership role designed for individuals passionate about using research and data to drive social and economic transformation.
This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of public policy, research, governance, and development while contributing directly to programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods across Nigeria.
The National Poverty Lab initiative seeks to strengthen the use of evidence, innovation, and policy research in addressing poverty-related challenges. Through collaboration with government agencies, researchers, development partners, and policymakers, the program supports data-driven solutions that can improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.
For professionals with experience in project management, public policy, economics, development research, monitoring and evaluation, or social impact programs, this role represents a significant opportunity for career advancement and national-level impact.
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ABOUT INNOVATIONS FOR POVERTY ACTION (IPA)
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Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a globally recognized research and policy organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to poverty and development challenges.
Founded in 2002, IPA works with researchers, governments, NGOs, and development organizations to design, test, and scale programs that improve the lives of people living in poverty.
The organization conducts rigorous research across multiple sectors, including:
- Education
- Health
- Agriculture
- Financial inclusion
- Governance
- Gender equality
- Social protection
- Economic development
IPA operates in several countries worldwide and is known for its strong focus on evidence-based policymaking and impact-driven development programs.
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POSITION OVERVIEW
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Job Title: Manager, National Poverty Lab
Organization: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-Time
Sector: Research, Development, Public Policy, Poverty Reduction
The National Poverty Lab Manager will lead efforts to strengthen evidence generation, policy engagement, research coordination, and strategic partnerships focused on poverty reduction initiatives.
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ROLE PURPOSE
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The Manager, National Poverty Lab will support the development and implementation of innovative strategies that help policymakers and stakeholders make informed decisions based on research findings and data.
The role focuses on connecting research with practical policy solutions that can improve social welfare outcomes, reduce poverty, and strengthen development interventions.
This position requires a strong understanding of development challenges, policy systems, stakeholder engagement, and project management.
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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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The National Poverty Lab Manager will be responsible for a wide range of leadership and coordination functions.
Key responsibilities may include:
- Managing the implementation of National Poverty Lab initiatives
- Coordinating research and policy engagement activities
- Supporting evidence-based decision-making processes
- Building partnerships with government agencies and stakeholders
- Managing relationships with development partners and donors
- Overseeing project planning and execution
- Facilitating knowledge-sharing events and workshops
- Monitoring project performance and impact indicators
- Supporting research dissemination and policy communication
- Coordinating stakeholder consultations and meetings
- Developing strategic reports and recommendations
- Managing project budgets and operational activities
- Identifying opportunities for program expansion and innovation
The role requires both strategic leadership and strong operational management capabilities.
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QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
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Applicants are generally expected to possess:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Political Science, Public Administration, International Development, or related field
- Master’s degree may be considered an added advantage
- Strong academic background in research, policy analysis, or development programs
- Demonstrated experience in managing complex projects
Candidates with advanced training in monitoring and evaluation, economics, governance, or public policy may have additional advantages.
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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
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The ideal candidate should have several years of relevant experience in:
- Development sector programming
- Policy research and analysis
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Government relations
- Program implementation
- International development initiatives
Experience working with research institutions, development organizations, NGOs, donor-funded projects, or government agencies is highly valuable.
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REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
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Successful applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership abilities
- Excellent project management skills
- Policy analysis expertise
- Strategic thinking capabilities
- Research interpretation skills
- Strong communication and presentation abilities
- Stakeholder engagement experience
- Data-driven decision-making skills
- Team management and coordination abilities
- Report writing and documentation expertise
The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders is critical to success in this role.
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IMPORTANCE OF THE NATIONAL POVERTY LAB
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Poverty remains one of the most pressing development challenges globally and within Nigeria.
The National Poverty Lab aims to:
- Generate actionable research evidence
- Support informed policymaking
- Improve poverty reduction strategies
- Strengthen government decision-making processes
- Promote innovation in development programming
- Encourage data-driven social interventions
By connecting research with policy implementation, the initiative helps ensure that resources and programs achieve meaningful impact.
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WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
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The Manager, National Poverty Lab serves as a bridge between research findings and practical policy action.
The position contributes to:
- Better social protection programs
- Improved economic development policies
- Increased effectiveness of poverty interventions
- Enhanced public sector decision-making
- Stronger partnerships across development sectors
The role offers a rare opportunity to influence programs and policies that directly affect millions of people.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
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Working with Innovations for Poverty Action provides exposure to high-level research, international development practices, and policy engagement.
Career benefits may include:
- Leadership experience in development programming
- Exposure to global research networks
- Collaboration with government institutions
- Professional growth in policy and research sectors
- Opportunities to influence large-scale social programs
- Access to international development expertise
Professionals in similar roles often advance into senior leadership positions within research institutions, international organizations, and development agencies.
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WORKING WITH IPA
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IPA is widely respected for its commitment to rigorous research, innovation, and evidence-based development solutions.
Employees benefit from:
- Collaborative work environments
- Exposure to international experts
- Learning and development opportunities
- Meaningful social impact work
- Professional networking opportunities
The organization encourages innovation, critical thinking, and continuous learning.
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APPLICATION PROCESS
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Interested applicants should submit their applications through the official recruitment portal.
Application Link:
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter
- Academic certificates
- Professional references
- Relevant supporting documents
Candidates are encouraged to carefully review application requirements before submission.
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TIPS FOR A STRONG APPLICATION
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To improve your chances:
- Highlight policy and research experience
- Demonstrate project management achievements
- Showcase stakeholder engagement skills
- Include monitoring and evaluation experience
- Emphasize leadership accomplishments
- Quantify measurable impacts where possible
- Tailor your CV to the role requirements
A well-structured application significantly improves competitiveness.
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FINAL THOUGHTS
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The Manager, National Poverty Lab position at Innovations for Poverty Action Nigeria represents an outstanding opportunity for experienced professionals seeking to contribute to poverty reduction, public policy improvement, and evidence-based development.
By combining research, partnerships, innovation, and policy engagement, the role offers meaningful opportunities to influence social and economic development outcomes at a national level.
Professionals with strong backgrounds in development, research, economics, governance, and public policy are strongly encouraged to apply for this impactful career opportunity.
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