Job Summary
The Policy Support Intern will collaborate with the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team to promote evidence-based policymaking and enhance stakeholder engagement within IPA Nigeria’s key sectors, including Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), financial inclusion, gender, governance, social protection, and inclusive development.
This position offers the chance to develop practical expertise in policy research, evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, strategic convening, and the translation of evidence into actionable policy recommendations within an international research and policy-focused organization.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties including project management, team coordination, and strategic planning to ensure organizational objectives are met efficiently. Develop and maintain key performance indicators to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline processes and enhance productivity. Prepare detailed reports on project statuses, milestones, and outcomes for senior leadership review. Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and quality standards throughout all operations. Provide mentorship and guidance to team members to foster professional growth and development.
Policy Research & Evidence Synthesis involves conducting thorough analyses of existing research, data, and policy frameworks to generate actionable insights. This role requires expertise in synthesizing complex information from diverse sources, including academic literature, government reports, and industry studies, to identify trends, evaluate policy impacts, and propose evidence-based recommendations. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods are essential. Candidates should possess a degree in a relevant field such as public policy, economics, or social sciences, along with experience in policy analysis, research design, or related areas. Excellent communication skills are necessary to convey findings effectively to stakeholders, policymakers, and other audiences.
Conduct comprehensive desk reviews and systematic literature scans focusing on high-priority policy and development topics, such as gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, governance, livelihoods, and social protection.
Assist in crafting policy briefs, evidence summaries, concept notes, presentations, and technical reports to facilitate informed decision-making and strategic communication.
Provide support in converting research outcomes into actionable policy recommendations and programmatic strategies tailored for government entities and sector stakeholders.
Facilitate the alignment of pertinent policies, frameworks, stakeholders, and institutional entities across designated sectors.
We facilitate productive interactions with stakeholders and provide strategic guidance to shape and implement policies, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory frameworks.
Facilitate the organization and recording of stakeholder meetings, technical discussions, workshops, and policy forums to ensure comprehensive documentation and alignment.
Support the execution of stakeholder mapping initiatives and monitor the results of engagement efforts.
Assist in organizing evidence dissemination events, learning convening, and policy roundtables to facilitate knowledge sharing and engagement.
Prepare comprehensive meeting notes, detailed engagement summaries, and organized follow-up action trackers.
The position involves providing support for research coordination and the development of a learning agenda, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and facilitating effective knowledge sharing among stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing research activities, coordinating with internal and external teams, and contributing to the formulation and implementation of learning strategies. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment. Proficiency in project management tools and prior experience in research administration are essential, along with excellent communication and analytical capabilities to drive evidence-based decision-making.
Assist in managing the organization and facilitation of thematic working groups and research coordination initiatives.
Provide support in the preparation and arrangement of materials for Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) meetings and technical working sessions.
Assist in enhancing the formulation of research questions and the creation of learning agendas.
Assist in identifying policy and evidence gaps that could guide future research initiatives.
We provide data management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), as well as institutional support services to enhance programmatic efficiency and effectiveness. This involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform decision-making, designing and implementing MEL frameworks to track progress and measure impact, and offering strategic guidance to strengthen organizational systems and processes. The role requires expertise in data systems, analytical methodologies, and institutional development, along with the ability to collaborate across teams to support evidence-based strategies and sustainable growth.
Support the preliminary evaluation and systematic arrangement of institutional data, policy documentation, and evidence archives.
Facilitate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes aligned with policy engagement and institutional capacity-building efforts.
Facilitate the documentation of lessons learned, institutional insights, and opportunities for evidence use.
We provide comprehensive administrative and team support to ensure efficient operations and foster a productive work environment. This role involves coordinating schedules, managing correspondence, and maintaining organized records to facilitate seamless communication and workflow. Additionally, the position requires assisting team members with various tasks, streamlining processes, and offering reliable support to enhance overall productivity. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced setting are essential. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, proactive problem-solving, and exceptional communication abilities are also critical to success in this position.
Manage scheduling, coordinate activities, and facilitate communication among stakeholders and partners.
Participate in pertinent team meetings, training sessions, and organizational learning initiatives to enhance professional development and contribute effectively to collaborative efforts.
Offer comprehensive administrative and operational assistance to the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team as directed.
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline is required, along with a minimum of 5 years of hands-on experience in software development. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, alongside expertise in full-stack development and cloud computing platforms like AWS or Azure. Strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and the capacity to work effectively in a collaborative team environment are highly valued. Additionally, prior experience with Agile or Scrum methodologies and knowledge of DevOps practices are preferred.
A degree or relevant experience in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related discipline is required.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in written communication, research methodologies, and analytical reasoning.
Proficiency in evidence-informed policymaking, governance, gender and women’s economic empowerment (WEE), and development programming is essential.
Demonstrated skill in distilling complex information into clear, concise summaries.
Exceptional ability to manage tasks efficiently and convey information clearly.
Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is required.
Capable of functioning autonomously as well as in team settings while thriving in a high-velocity operational atmosphere.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
