Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is seeking a MEL Associate in Kaduna, Nigeria. The role supports an embedded evidence lab within a government agency working on social protection programmes for vulnerable populations.
Job Summary
| Job Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) |
| Position | MEL Associate |
| Location | Kaduna, Nigeria |
| Reports To | Manager, National Poverty Lab |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree |
| Experience | Minimum 3 years |
| Travel | Estimated 20% |
| Language | English |
About Innovations for Poverty Action
Innovations for Poverty Action is a research and policy nonprofit focused on identifying and advancing effective solutions to poverty.
IPA works with researchers and decision-makers to design, evaluate and improve development programmes. Its research covers areas including social protection, poverty reduction and other programmes affecting vulnerable populations.
Available Position
The MEL Associate will work within an embedded evidence lab established in a partner government agency. The role will help strengthen the agency’s ability to generate, manage, analyse and use data for programme improvement and policy decisions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support the development and implementation of agency-wide MEL frameworks.
- Develop theories of change, results frameworks and indicator frameworks.
- Design programme-specific MEL plans and monitoring protocols.
- Conduct data needs assessments and identify gaps in existing data systems.
- Develop procedures for data collection, management, quality assurance and reporting.
- Implement data quality checks, verification processes and audits.
- Design and deliver MEL training for agency staff.
- Provide technical assistance and mentoring to M&E officers, programme managers and field teams.
- Build staff capacity in Excel, statistical software and data visualisation tools.
- Facilitate data review meetings and evidence-to-action workshops.
- Analyse programme data and prepare reports, dashboards and visualisations.
- Support real-time monitoring dashboards for programme performance.
- Contribute to evaluation reports, policy briefs and evidence products.
- Support external reporting to government leadership, donors and other stakeholders.
- Support surveys, focus group discussions, interviews and case studies.
- Collaborate with IPA researchers and the Lab Manager on evaluations and research activities.
- Coordinate with government departments, IPA teams and external partners.
- Support workshops, field visits, procurement, documentation and work planning.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Demography, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, International Development or a related field.
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
- At least three years of professional experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning.
- Experience in social protection, poverty reduction, livelihoods or international development programmes is preferred.
- Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Excel.
- Proficiency in at least one statistical software package such as Stata, R or SPSS.
- Experience with data visualisation platforms such as Power BI or Tableau.
- Practical experience designing, strengthening or implementing MEL systems.
- Experience managing multiple programmes or workstreams.
- Ability to train, coach or mentor others in MEL systems.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to explain technical findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
- Experience working with government institutions or regulatory agencies is highly desirable.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Cultural and political sensitivity.
- Strong interest in evidence-based decision-making in the development sector.
Fluency in English is required.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the Innovations for Poverty Action recruitment process and provide information demonstrating their education, MEL experience, technical skills and relevant programme experience.
Applicants should clearly highlight their experience with MEL systems, data analysis, capacity building and work with government institutions where applicable.
Conclusion
The IPA MEL Associate role offers an opportunity to work directly with a government partner on social protection programmes in Kaduna. The position suits professionals with practical MEL experience, strong data skills and the ability to build institutional capacity for evidence-based programme management.