Country Lead, Sierra Leone and Liberia

About the role

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is looking for a Country Lead to oversee its operations and policy influence in Sierra Leone and Liberia, based in Freetown. The role provides strategic leadership for the research portfolio, policy engagement, Embedded Evidence Labs and scaling programs, manages relationships with donors, researchers and senior government partners, and develops and oversees a policy and research team. It reports to the Regional Director.

Key responsibilities

• Set and implement the country strategy in line with IPA Global and regional priorities, and lead country-level planning and annual work plans.
• Lead the policy impact strategy, oversee the Embedded Evidence Labs, and represent IPA at high-level policy forums with donors, government and partners.
• Work with Research Managers, Research Associates and Principal Investigators to ensure projects meet quality standards and integrate research findings into policy engagement.
• Identify and secure new funding, develop concept notes and proposals, and cultivate donor relationships and strategic partnerships.
• Oversee compliance, financial health and risk management, and escalate security and reputational risks.

Required profile

• Master's degree in development economics, international affairs, international public policy or a related field.
• Seven or more years of relevant experience, preferably in applied research and public policy in the development sector.
• Experience with quantitative and qualitative research projects, strategy design and implementation, and business development.
• Fluency in English; willingness to travel to country office locations and elsewhere.
• Preferred: evidence-to-policy translation, leading large teams, RCTs, and experience in education and social protection sectors.