Associate Program Manager, Education Sector

About the role

The (Associate) Program Manager is part of IPA's Education Sector team and supports the SCALE project, a multi-country initiative delivered with the UK FCDO and implementing partners that scales effective education interventions. The role manages assigned SCALE projects, coordinates principal investigators, IPA country offices, other IPA teams, implementing partners and government stakeholders, and works with the Education Program Director on agenda setting, partnerships, outreach, communications and fundraising.

Key responsibilities

• Program management of education projects (80%): contribute to research design, oversight, data analysis and the writing of policy briefs, slide decks and other outputs; coordinate stakeholders and keep them aligned on timelines, roles and responsibilities; ensure workplans and goals are met and report regularly to the donor.
• Under the Education Program Director, help develop and run SCALE studies, monitor budgets and timelines, and provide technical input.
• Communications (10%): develop and coordinate project communications materials such as website content and policy briefs, and take part in external meetings and presentations to build relationships with donors, partners and academics.
• Business development (10%): identify funding opportunities, coordinate research project opportunities, develop budgets and proposal submissions, and keep the Education BD tracker up to date.

Required profile

• Master's degree in international public policy, (development) economics or a related field, with coursework in quantitative methods.
• At least four years of relevant experience, including education research, policy engagement and program or research management.
• Experience with bilateral funders such as FCDO or USAID and with donors and in-country stakeholders.
• Openness to occasional meetings outside regular local business hours to accommodate colleagues in other time zones.

Required skills

• Knowledge of the education sector, research, policy and interventions, including familiarity with randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• Demonstrated project management skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent English, able to communicate precisely and present information clearly in writing and orally.
• Preferred: first-hand experience in primary data collection, qualitative and quantitative analysis and mixed methods; experience with GEDSI projects or mainstreaming GEDSI issues.

Location: candidates based in IPA country offices in Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru or Colombia; no permanent work authorization in the host country; work environment may be office-based, hybrid or fully remote, with up to 20% international travel. Apply by 30 November 2026.