(Associate) Program Manager, Education Sector

About the role

The (Associate) Program Manager is part of IPA's Education Sector team and supports the SCALE project, a multi-country initiative delivered with the UK FCDO and implementing partners that scales effective education interventions. The role manages assigned SCALE projects, coordinates principal investigators, IPA country offices, other IPA teams, implementing partners and government stakeholders, and works with the Education Program Director on agenda setting, partnerships, outreach, communications and fundraising.

Key responsibilities

• Program management of education projects (80%): contribute to research design, oversight, data analysis and the writing of policy briefs, slide decks and other outputs; coordinate stakeholders and keep them aligned on timelines, roles and responsibilities; ensure workplans and goals are met and report regularly to the donor.
• Under the Education Program Director, help develop and run SCALE studies, monitor budgets and timelines, and give technical input.
• Communications (10%): develop and coordinate project communications materials such as website content and policy briefs, and take part in external meetings and presentations to build relationships with donors, partners and academics.
• Business development (10%): identify funding opportunities, help write proposals and budgets, and keep the Education BD tracker up to date.

Required profile

• Master's degree in international public policy, (development) economics or a related field, with coursework in quantitative methods.
• At least four years of relevant experience, including education research, policy engagement and program or research management.
• Experience with bilateral funders such as FCDO or USAID and with donors and in-country stakeholders.
• Openness to occasional meetings outside regular local business hours to accommodate colleagues in other time zones.

Required skills

• Familiarity with RCTs and first-hand experience in primary data collection, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and mixed methods (preferred).
• Knowledge of education projects targeting gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) or mainstreaming these issues (preferred).
• Strong project management skills, attention to detail, and excellent English communication skills.

Location: candidates must be based in one of IPA's country offices (Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Peru or Colombia) and hold permanent work authorization there. The work environment may be office-based, hybrid or fully remote, with up to 20% international travel. Applications close 30 November 2026.