Job Summary
The Policy Support Intern will collaborate with the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team to facilitate evidence-based policymaking and enhance stakeholder engagement within IPA Nigeria’s key focus areas, with particular emphasis on 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 within an international research and policy institution.
Responsibilities
Conducts comprehensive policy research and synthesizes evidence to inform strategic decision-making, ensuring that findings are grounded in rigorous analysis and actionable insights. This role involves evaluating existing policies, identifying gaps, and developing evidence-based recommendations to support organizational objectives and policy development. The position requires a meticulous approach to data collection, critical assessment of research methodologies, and the ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and persuasive reports. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in research tools, and a deep understanding of policy frameworks are essential to effectively bridge research and practice.
Conduct desk reviews and literature scans focusing on key policy and development topics, such as gender, women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, governance, livelihoods, and social protection.
Support the creation and refinement of policy briefs, evidence summaries, concept notes, presentations, and technical reports.
Contribute to the transformation of research outcomes into actionable policy recommendations and program strategies tailored for government entities and key industry stakeholders.
Facilitate the alignment of pertinent policies, frameworks, stakeholders, and institutional actors with the designated sectors.
The role involves fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and providing assistance to policy initiatives. Responsibilities include collaborating with internal and external partners, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and facilitating effective communication to advance policy objectives.
Facilitate the organization, tracking, and documentation of stakeholder meetings, technical engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues to ensure alignment and progress.
Collaborate on stakeholder mapping initiatives and monitor engagement results to ensure alignment with strategic objectives.
Assist in organizing evidence dissemination events, learning convening, and policy roundtables to facilitate knowledge sharing and strategic discussions.
Produce concise meeting notes, engagement summaries, and follow-up action trackers to ensure clear documentation and accountability.
We offer support in coordinating research initiatives and developing learning agendas to ensure strategic alignment and effective knowledge management. This role involves collaborating with teams to streamline research processes, identify key priorities, and facilitate the dissemination of findings to inform decision-making. Responsibilities include assisting in the design and implementation of learning frameworks, tracking progress against objectives, and ensuring that research outputs contribute to organizational growth. Candidates should possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects efficiently. Familiarity with research methodologies and data analysis tools is preferred, along with experience in cross-functional collaboration.
Assist in facilitating the organization and management of thematic working groups alongside research coordination initiatives.
Provide support in the preparation and coordination of materials for Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) meetings and technical working sessions.
Assist in enhancing the formulation of research inquiries and the structuring of learning agendas.
Assist in recognizing policy and evidence-related deficiencies to help shape future research initiatives.
We deliver comprehensive data management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), and institutional support services to enhance organizational efficiency and impact. Our team ensures accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting while strengthening institutional capacities through targeted training, process optimization, and strategic guidance. By fostering robust systems and frameworks, we empower stakeholders with actionable insights to drive informed decision-making and sustainable development outcomes.
Provide support in the thorough examination and structured arrangement of institutional data, policy-related documents, and evidence repositories.
Facilitate Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) processes aligned with policy engagement and organizational capacity-building efforts.
Assist in documenting lessons learned, institutional insights, and opportunities for evidence utilization.
The successful candidate will provide comprehensive administrative assistance while offering essential team support to ensure seamless operations. Key responsibilities include managing schedules, coordinating meetings, handling correspondence, and maintaining organized records. Additionally, the role requires strong organizational skills, proficiency in office software, and the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are essential, as is a proactive approach to supporting team objectives and streamlining workflows.
Facilitate the organization of schedules, collaborate with stakeholders and partners, and ensure seamless communication among all involved parties.
You will participate in pertinent team meetings, training programs, and organizational learning initiatives to enhance your professional development and contribute to team objectives.
Offer comprehensive administrative assistance to the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team, as directed, ensuring seamless operational support.
We are seeking a motivated individual with a proven track record in [specific field or industry, if mentioned], possessing strong analytical and problem-solving skills. The ideal candidate will hold a [required degree or certification, if applicable] and have at least [X] years of relevant experience in [specific roles or functions, if applicable]. Proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is essential, along with excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Responsibilities include [list key duties, e.g., leading projects, analyzing data, collaborating with cross-functional teams, etc.]. The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail is critical. Prior experience in [any specific industry or type of project] is a plus.
A strong academic foundation in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Sciences, or closely related disciplines is required.
Exceptional proficiency in writing, conducting thorough research, and performing detailed analysis is required.
Professionals with a strong commitment to evidence-based policymaking, governance frameworks, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment (WEE), and development initiatives are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with these domains is essential, as is the ability to integrate research findings into policy and program design. Candidates should demonstrate a keen understanding of how governance structures influence development outcomes and be prepared to address gender disparities within economic and social systems. Experience in development programming is highly valued.
Demonstrates exceptional skill in distilling complex data and insights into clear, concise, and coherent communication, ensuring accessibility for all stakeholders.
Exceptional organizational prowess combined with polished communication abilities are essential for this role.
Proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is essential.
Demonstrates proficiency in managing tasks autonomously while also contributing effectively as part of a dynamic team under tight deadlines.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
