Research Manager

Job Overview

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Nigeria is recruiting a Research Manager based in Abuja to lead cutting-edge social science research projects. This role entails managing a portfolio of three to five large-scale research projects across Nigeria, primarily focusing on survey coordination, stakeholder relationships, and advancing IPA’s mission to reduce poverty through evidence-based policymaking. Significant travel across Nigeria is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage multiple research projects, ensuring timely execution of milestones and quality deliverables.
• Lead the design of research methodologies, including sampling and data collection strategies.
• Provide technical guidance in both quantitative and qualitative research approaches.
• Coordinate with Research Associates and partners to maintain smooth project workflows.
• Manage relationships with partners, including government entities at various levels and other organizations in West Africa, especially for projects on Gender and Digital Connectivity.
• Supervise project teams, including permanent and short-term staff, and oversee financial management and budget compliance.
• Facilitate communication between IPA Nigeria’s country director, field teams, principal investigators, and other stakeholders.
• Assist with proposal development, outreach, capacity building, and policy formation to enhance project impact and innovation.
• Promote best practices and foster organizational learning within IPA Nigeria.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Economics, Demography, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related quantitative fields required; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of professional experience managing social science or economic field research projects.
• Proficient in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel, Stata, R, or Python and data collection software like SurveyCTO or ODK.
• Experience in survey design and managing field data collection teams.
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects concurrently and coordinate diverse stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for conveying complex research findings to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated skills in mentoring and coaching team members.
• Commitment to teamwork, cultural sensitivity, and working effectively in a diverse environment.
• Passionate about applying data-driven decision-making to development challenges.

Additional Information

Location: Abuja, Nigeria. The role requires approximately 40% travel to project sites across the country. Fluency in English is essential.

Safeguarding Commitment: IPA maintains a strict safeguarding policy to ensure a safe, respectful, and ethical work environment, especially for vulnerable populations. All staff are expected to uphold these principles.

Reports To

Associate Director, Research

About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

IPA is a nonprofit dedicated to discovering and promoting effective poverty alleviation strategies by conducting rigorous evaluations worldwide. Since 2002, IPA has partnered with hundreds of researchers to conduct evidence-based studies informing programs that impact millions globally.