MEL Associate, Poverty Embedded Evidence Lab at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) – Apply Now
Are you passionate about data-driven decision-making, monitoring and evaluation, social protection programs, and evidence-based policy development? Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is currently recruiting qualified candidates for the position of MEL Associate, Poverty Embedded Evidence Lab.
This exciting opportunity is ideal for professionals with experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), data analysis, capacity building, research, and development programming. The successful candidate will work directly with a government partner agency to strengthen its ability to generate, analyze, and use evidence for better policy and program outcomes.
Job Overview
Position: MEL Associate, Poverty Embedded Evidence Lab
Organization: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Location: Kaduna, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-Time
Sector: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), Research, Social Protection, International Development
Requisition ID: 1791
The MEL Associate will be embedded within a government agency implementing social protection programs for vulnerable populations. The role focuses on strengthening monitoring systems, improving data quality, building staff capacity, and promoting evidence-based decision-making across programs such as nutrition support, education interventions, cash transfer programs, and livelihood initiatives.
About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Innovations for Poverty Action is a global research and policy organization dedicated to discovering and advancing solutions that improve the lives of people living in poverty.
Since its establishment in 2002, IPA has collaborated with leading researchers, governments, and development partners to conduct rigorous evaluations and generate evidence that informs policies and programs worldwide. The organization has conducted over 1,000 evaluations in more than 50 countries, helping governments and institutions implement proven solutions to poverty challenges.
Position Summary
The MEL Associate will work closely with government officials, program managers, researchers, and development partners to establish practical MEL systems that improve program performance and policy outcomes.
The role combines technical expertise in monitoring and evaluation with capacity building, data analysis, mentoring, and organizational learning. It offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and social protection programming.
Key Responsibilities
MEL Systems Development and Implementation
The successful candidate will:
- Support the development of agency-wide MEL frameworks.
- Develop theories of change and results frameworks.
- Design program-specific MEL plans.
- Create indicator tracking systems.
- Strengthen data collection and quality assurance processes.
- Develop standard operating procedures for data management and reporting.
Capacity Building and Technical Assistance
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and delivering MEL training workshops.
- Coaching M&E officers and program staff.
- Supporting practical application of MEL tools and methodologies.
- Building staff capacity in data collection and analysis.
- Developing training materials and learning resources.
- Promoting institutional learning and continuous improvement.
Data Analysis and Visualization
The MEL Associate will:
- Analyze quantitative and qualitative data.
- Prepare dashboards and performance reports.
- Develop data visualizations for decision-makers.
- Generate actionable insights from program data.
- Support real-time monitoring systems.
- Produce evidence-based reports and learning products.
Evidence Generation and Research Support
The role involves:
- Supporting surveys and primary data collection activities.
- Coordinating focus group discussions and key informant interviews.
- Assisting with impact evaluations and research studies.
- Collaborating with IPA researchers and partner institutions.
- Supporting learning agendas and evidence generation efforts.
- Contributing to policy-relevant research outputs.
Stakeholder Coordination
Responsibilities include:
- Working closely with government departments.
- Supporting collaboration across multiple stakeholders.
- Coordinating MEL activities and reporting.
- Facilitating evidence-to-action discussions.
- Strengthening partnerships that support data use and learning.
Qualifications and Requirements
Interested applicants should possess:
-
Bachelor's Degree in:
- Statistics
- Economics
- Demography
- Development Studies
- Public Policy
- Social Sciences
- International Development
- Related quantitative or social science fields
-
A Master's Degree in a relevant discipline will be considered an added advantage.
Experience Requirements
Candidates should have:
- Minimum of three years of professional experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL).
- Experience in social protection, poverty reduction, livelihoods, or development programs.
- Experience designing and implementing MEL systems.
- Experience building institutional capacity and training staff.
- Experience managing multiple projects or workstreams.
- Experience working with government agencies is highly desirable.
Required Technical Skills
Applicants should demonstrate proficiency in:
- Advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Statistical software such as:
- Stata
- R
- SPSS
- Power BI.
- Tableau.
- Data management systems.
- Data quality assurance methodologies.
- Quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
- Monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Essential Competencies
Successful candidates should possess:
- Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
- Excellent communication abilities.
- Strong facilitation and training skills.
- Ability to translate technical findings into practical recommendations.
- Project management and coordination skills.
- Cultural sensitivity and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Passion for evidence-based development and poverty reduction.
Why Work with IPA?
Joining IPA provides professionals with the opportunity to contribute directly to improving development outcomes through rigorous evidence and policy engagement.
Benefits include:
- Working with a globally respected research organization.
- Exposure to high-level government and policy engagement.
- Professional growth in monitoring, evaluation, and research.
- Opportunity to influence social protection programs.
- Collaboration with international researchers and development experts.
- Meaningful contribution to poverty reduction initiatives.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is suitable for:
- MEL Associates
- Monitoring and Evaluation Officers
- Research Officers
- Data Analysts
- Development Professionals
- Social Protection Specialists
- Program Officers
- Public Policy Professionals
Professionals passionate about using data and evidence to improve public programs and development outcomes are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their applications through IPA's official recruitment platform.
Applicants should ensure that their CV highlights experience in monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, research, capacity building, and development programming.
Early application is strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of international development opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The MEL Associate, Poverty Embedded Evidence Lab position at IPA presents an exceptional opportunity for professionals seeking to strengthen government systems through evidence-based decision-making and effective monitoring and evaluation practices.
If you possess strong analytical skills, experience in MEL systems, and a passion for improving development outcomes through data and research, this role offers an excellent platform to create meaningful impact while advancing your career in international development.
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