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Research Associate
Innovations for Poverty Action Lusaka
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Employer and vacancy source: Innovations for Poverty Action
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- EmployerInnovations for Poverty Action
- LocationLusaka
- Employer websitezambiajobalerts.com
- Listing sourceZambia Job Alerts
Job facts
Key details for this vacancy
- Employer
- Innovations for Poverty Action
- Location
- Lusaka
- Posted
- July 19, 2026
- Job type
- Full Time
- Category
- Other
This listing has expired.
The original details remain available for reference, but applications are closed. Use the related searches for active vacancies.
Website Innovations for Poverty Action
Job description
Full TimeProfessional
YesterdayRequisition ID: 1801
Salary Range:ZMW 600,000.00 To ZMW 800,000.00 Annually
Job Summary
The Research Associate will work within IPA’s Financial Inclusion Program to provide research and analytical support for the Consumer Protection Research Initiative (CPRI)’s project activities in Zambia. Operating under the supervision of the Research Manager, the Research Associate performs a variety of tasks related to managing day-to-day research activities, from planning through implementation and monitoring of research data quality. This role contributes directly to IPA’s effort to strengthen consumer protection frameworks in digital financial services across Zambia and the broader region.
Responsibilities
Research Support and Data Analysis (40%)
- Assist in the design and implementation of research activities, including survey instruments, data collection protocols, and analytical frameworks for consumer protection studies.
- Conduct quantitative and qualitative analysis of financial sector, consumer complaints, and market monitoring datasets.
- Prepare research deliverables including policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations summarizing findings for various project stakeholders.
- Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans on consumer protection topics in digital financial services.
Regulatory Engagement and Technical Support (35%)
- Support day-to-day coordination with regulator counterparts, preparing materials for technical meetings, workshops, and joint working sessions.
- Assist in developing data systems, dashboards, and supervisory tools to monitor and respond to consumer protection risks in digital financial services.
- Help translate research findings and analytical outputs into practical guidance and processes relevant to consumer risk supervision.
- Document progress, decisions, and lessons learned from the regulatory partnership to support knowledge-sharing across IPA’s CPRI portfolio.
Project Coordination and Operations (25%)
- Track project timelines, deliverables, and workplans, flagging risks or delays to the Research Manager in a timely manner.
- Prepare high-quality, timely progress and results reports to research partners and funding agencies.
- Support budget tracking and financial reporting in line with IPA and donor procedures.
- Coordinate logistics for research activities, including data collection planning, vendor management, and stakeholder scheduling as needed.
- Ensure compliance with IPA’s data management, ethical protocols, and research quality standards throughout all project activities.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, finance, or a related quantitative field.
- 2–4 years of professional experience in applied research, data analysis, financial regulation, or a related area.
- Proficiency in at least one statistical analysis tool such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience working in Zambia or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Master’s degree in a relevant field. (preferred)
- Familiarity with the digital financial services landscape in Zambia or the broader region, including mobile money, microfinance, or digital credit markets. (preferred)
- Prior exposure to financial regulation, consumer protection, or supervision technology (SupTech) environments. (preferred)
- Experience supporting randomized evaluations or quasi-experimental research designs. (preferred)
Location
This position is based in Lusaka, Zambia. The role is open to all eligible candidates. The contract duration is 12 months with an anticipated start date of as soon as possible.
Reports To
Research Manager, IPA Zambia
About IPA
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and advances what works to improve the lives of people living in poverty. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of people living in poverty. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence of which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to a tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 600 leading academics to conduct over 1,000 evaluations in 52 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.
Safeguarding at IPA
At Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), we are committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults. As IPA adheres to strict safeguarding principles, selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards. By joining IPA, you become part of a team dedicated to ethical conduct, social responsibility, and meaningful impact in the fight against global poverty. Together, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive with dignity and respect.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Research Associate, IPA Zambia. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA.