Advisor, Right-Fit Evidence Unit

IPA’s Right-Fit Evidence (RFE) Unit has supported dozens of partners across the development and humanitarian sectors to embed evidence and learning into their work. The Advisor will play a key role in delivering evidence- and data-driven Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) advisory services to implementers and funders, helping them shape more effective programs and policies and transform how they use data for decision-making. The Advisor will report to an RFE Manager and collaborate closely with peer Advisors, other RFE colleagues, and IPA colleagues across country offices.

Responsibilities

Technical capability strengthening (70–85%)

Collaborate with partners and project teams to develop and refine their Theories of Change (ToCs) and MEL frameworks

Offer continuous, hands-on technical guidance, coaching, and training to partners on MEL design, data collection methods, survey instrument development, data management, analysis, and the use of evidence for decision-making

Prepare and present high-quality advisory and analytical deliverables that communicate findings and recommendations clearly and effectively, while maintaining high standards of quality

Conduct detailed quality checks on deliverables

Design and adapt workshop content and materials to meet partner needs; plan and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and collaborative learning events, and coordinate their logistics

Manage portions of project workplans and administration (such as documentation, note-taking, file storage, and work plan tracking)

Stakeholder engagement and partner management (5–10%)

Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with key external stakeholders, including direct interaction with leadership staff from partner organizations

Serve as a strategic thought partner to foundations, NGOs, and governments, helping them unpack complex programmatic and strategic questions and identify actionable insights

Accompany and provide feedback on data collection design and implementation as needed, such as coaching partners on prototyping activities or designing action-oriented process evaluations

Contribute to knowledge exchange within RFE and across IPA by sharing insights, lessons, and good practices that strengthen the organization’s collective expertise

Business development (5–10%)

Contribute to the development of new RFE engagements by participating in scoping meetings, designing methodologies, and crafting concept notes or proposal documents

Contribute to IPA’s impact potential through proactive reflection on lessons learned to suggest systematic improvements in current and future engagements

Contributing to RFE strategy and team development (5–10%)

To support the growth and development of a diverse team of about 40 staff based in over ten countries around the world, the Advisor may:

Take a proactive role in knowledge management of RFE products

Support at least one goal within RFE’s annual strategic plan

Encourage a positive work environment rooted in IPA values

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, international development, social science, or a related field

2–5 years of relevant work experience, which includes, for example, work in MEL, data analysis and management, consulting and project management, and research and development

Superior analytical, quantitative, and conceptual thinking skills

Entrepreneurial self-starter mindset, highly adaptable and versatile, with strong multitasking skills

Passion for making data-driven decisions a reality in the international development sector

English fluency (verbal and written)

Ability and willingness to travel internationally (up to 20%)

Master’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, international development, social science, or a related field (preferred)

Prior experience in consultancy or provision of similar professional services (preferred)

Expertise in international development and/or humanitarian work (preferred)

Appreciation for the strengths and limitations of various data collection and evaluation methods and the ability to match the appropriate method(s) to a variety of circumstances (preferred)

Familiarity with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (preferred)

Professional proficiency in Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese (preferred)

Lived and/or work experience in Africa and/or in low- and middle-income countries (preferred)