(associate) program manager – education sector

OVERVIEWInnovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit organisation dedicated to discovering and advancing effective solutions to improve the lives of people living in poverty.Since its establishment in 2002, IPA has worked with leading academics and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine programmes that address global poverty.IPA invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals for the position of (Associate) Program Manager – Education Sector. The successful candidate will support the implementation of the SCALE project, a multi-country initiative delivered in partnership with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implementing partners.The role will involve coordinating education research and policy activities, managing project stakeholders, contributing to research outputs, developing partnerships, and supporting fundraising initiatives.JOB TYPE: Full TimeDate Posted: Monday, 9th November 2026Application Deadline: Monday, 30th November 2026Reports to: Education Program DirectorPOSITION: (ASSOCIATE) PROGRAM MANAGER – EDUCATION SECTORJOB SUMMARYThe (Associate) Program Manager will manage assigned education projects, coordinate principal investigators, IPA country offices, implementing partners, funders, government stakeholders, and other IPA teams to ensure successful implementation of research and policy activities.The successful candidate will also contribute to research design, oversight, data analysis, policy communication, partnership development, outreach, and fundraising for new education projects and initiatives.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Programme Management and Research Support (80%)Contribute to research design, research oversight, data analysis, and the preparation of policy briefs, slide decks, and other research outputs for the SCALE project.Coordinate project stakeholders, including principal investigators, IPA country offices, funders, implementing partners, and relevant government stakeholders.Ensure all project stakeholders are aligned on key activities, timelines, roles, and responsibilities.Monitor SCALE workplans and ensure that project goals and outputs are achieved within agreed timelines.Provide regular verbal and written updates to the donor.Work with IPA country offices and other IPA teams to develop and implement SCALE studies.Clarify responsibilities among IPA Sectors, Policy, Right Fit Evidence teams, and country offices.Develop effective communication channels, monitor budgets and timelines, and provide technical input where required.2. Outreach, Strategy and Communications (10%)Develop and coordinate SCALE and other project communication materials, including website content, policy briefs, and research products.Collaborate with IPA's communications and policy teams, funders, and Education Team stakeholders.Participate in external meetings, presentations, and convenings to build relationships with donors, sector partners, and senior academics.Track and document stakeholder engagement activities in the Education Programme's Salesforce records.Support the Education Program Director in updating and implementing a strategic plan for IPA's Education programmes.Monitor strategic targets, milestones, and timelines relating to relationship-building and donor funding.3. Business Development (10%)Contribute to fundraising activities and proposal submissions.Identify funding opportunities and coordinate with principal investigators and IPA teams to develop viable research projects.Develop project budgets and maintain supporting documentation.Manage proposal submissions for selected opportunities.Maintain the Education Business Development (BD) tracker, documenting donor engagements, new donors, and anticipated and active proposals.Lead agenda setting and provide updates during bi-weekly Education-BD meetings.