Job Summary
The Policy Support Intern will collaborate with the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team to foster evidence-based policymaking and strengthen stakeholder engagement within IPA Nigeria’s key focus areas, including Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), financial inclusion, gender equality, 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 policy within a leading global research and policy institution.
Responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations to ensure seamless workflow, overseeing project execution from initiation to completion, and coordinating interdepartmental efforts to meet organizational goals. Additionally, the role entails analyzing performance metrics to identify trends and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. The position requires collaborating with senior leadership to align projects with strategic objectives, as well as mentoring junior staff to enhance team productivity. Ensuring compliance with company policies and industry regulations is essential, alongside maintaining accurate documentation and reporting to stakeholders. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, adaptability in dynamic environments, and a commitment to achieving measurable results.
Policy Research and Evidence Synthesis professionals are tasked with conducting comprehensive analyses of public policies, evaluating their effectiveness, and synthesizing evidence to inform strategic decision-making. This role demands a strong command of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, expertise in data interpretation, and the ability to translate complex findings into actionable insights for stakeholders. Key responsibilities include identifying policy gaps, assessing the impact of existing initiatives, and developing evidence-based recommendations to support policy development and implementation. Candidates should possess advanced analytical skills, proficiency in research tools, and a deep understanding of policy frameworks, along with excellent communication abilities to convey findings clearly to diverse audiences.
Perform in-depth desk reviews and comprehensive literature scans on key policy and development matters, with a particular emphasis on gender, women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, governance, livelihoods, and social protection.
Assist in the preparation of policy briefs, evidence summaries, concept notes, presentations, and technical reports to support organizational objectives.
Facilitate the transformation of research outcomes into actionable policy recommendations and programmatic strategies for government entities and sector stakeholders.
Facilitate the identification and coordination of pertinent policies, frameworks, stakeholders, and institutional actors within the designated sectors.
Engaging with stakeholders and providing policy support are essential responsibilities of this role. The position requires collaborating with various internal and external partners to gather insights, address concerns, and align on strategic objectives. Key duties include facilitating communication between departments, interpreting policy frameworks, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to influence decision-making, and a deep understanding of organizational policies are critical for success in this position.
Facilitate the planning, coordination, and thorough documentation of stakeholder meetings, technical collaborations, workshops, and policy discussions to ensure alignment and progress tracking.
Collaborate in stakeholder mapping initiatives and monitor engagement results.
Assist in organizing evidence dissemination events, learning convening, and policy roundtables.
Prepare comprehensive meeting notes, create detailed engagement summaries, and develop follow-up action trackers with precision.
We provide assistance in coordinating research efforts and developing a comprehensive learning agenda to ensure alignment with organizational objectives.
Assist in organizing and facilitating thematic working groups and research coordination initiatives.
Provide support in the preparation and management of materials for Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) meetings and technical working sessions.
Collaborate in enhancing the formulation of research questions and the structuring of learning agendas.
Assist in identifying policy and evidence gaps to help shape future research initiatives.
Collect, analyze, and manage data to support Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks, ensuring alignment with institutional objectives. Provide technical assistance to strengthen institutional capacity in data-driven decision-making. Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation systems to track progress and measure impact. Prepare comprehensive reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate findings effectively to stakeholders. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate MEL practices across programs. Ensure compliance with data quality standards and institutional policies. Support capacity-building initiatives for staff in data management and analysis. Contribute to strategic planning by providing evidence-based insights and recommendations.
Support the compilation, evaluation, and systematic arrangement of institutional data, policy documents, and evidence repositories.
Support activities related to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) that align with policy engagement and institutional strengthening efforts.
Assist in documenting lessons learned, institutional insights, and opportunities for evidence utilization.
The position provides comprehensive administrative assistance and facilitates seamless team operations, ensuring efficient workflow management and organizational effectiveness. Responsibilities include coordinating schedules, managing communications, and maintaining office systems to support daily activities. Strong organizational skills, proficiency in office software, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment are essential. Collaborative teamwork and proactive problem-solving are key to success in this role.
Facilitate the planning, organization, and exchange of information with stakeholders and partners to ensure efficient scheduling and alignment of activities.
Participate in pertinent team meetings, training sessions, and organizational learning initiatives to enhance professional development and contribute to team objectives.
Offer comprehensive administrative and operational assistance to the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team as directed.
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent practical experience is required. Proficiency in data analysis, statistical modeling, and programming languages such as Python or R is essential. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are necessary. Experience with machine learning frameworks and cloud platforms is preferred. Excellent communication skills for conveying technical information to non-technical stakeholders are also required.
A degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required.
Proven expertise in crafting compelling written content, conducting thorough research, and synthesizing complex information with precision and insight.
Professionals with a keen interest in evidence-based policymaking, governance frameworks, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (WEE), and strategic development programming are encouraged to apply.
Proven skill in distilling complex information into clear, concise communications.
Excellent organizational abilities and effective communication are essential.
Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential.
Capable of thriving both autonomously and in team settings while maintaining productivity in a high-velocity workplace.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
