Policy Support Intern

Job Summary

The Policy Support Intern will support the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team in advancing evidence-informed policymaking and stakeholder engagement across IPA Nigeria’s priority sectors, particularly Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), financial inclusion, gender, governance, Social protection, and inclusive development.

The role provides an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy research, evidence synthesis, stakeholder engagement, strategic convening, and evidence-to-policy translation within a global research and policy organization.

Responsibilities

Policy Research & Evidence Synthesis

• Conduct desk reviews and literature scans on priority policy and development issues, including gender, WEE, financial inclusion, governance, livelihoods, and social protection. 

• Support the development of policy briefs, evidence summaries, concept notes, presentations, and technical reports. 

• Assist in synthesizing research findings into practical policy and programmatic insights for government and sector stakeholders. 

• Support mapping of relevant policies, frameworks, stakeholders, and institutional actors across target sectors. 

Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Support

• Support coordination and documentation of stakeholder meetings, technical engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues. 

• Assist with stakeholder mapping exercises and tracking engagement outcomes. 

• Support preparations for evidence dissemination events, learning convenings, and policy roundtables. 

• Draft meeting notes, engagement summaries, and follow-up action trackers. 

Research Coordination & Learning Agenda Support

• Support the coordination of thematic working groups and research coordination activities. 

• Assist in organizing materials for Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) meetings and technical working sessions. 

• Contribute to refining research questions and learning agenda development processes. 

• Support the identification of policy and evidence gaps that may inform future research opportunities. 

Data, MEL & Institutional Support

• Assist with basic review and organization of institutional data, policy documents, and evidence repositories. 

• Support MEL-related activities connected to policy engagement and institutional strengthening initiatives. 

• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned, institutional insights, and evidence-use opportunities. 

Administrative & Team Support

• Support scheduling, coordination, and communication with stakeholders and partners. 

• Attend relevant team meetings, trainings, and organizational learning sessions. 

• Provide general support to the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team as assigned.

Qualifications

• Background in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Sciences, or related fields. 

• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills. 

• Interest in evidence-informed policymaking, governance, gender/WEE, and development programming. 

• Ability to synthesize information clearly and concisely. 

• Strong organizational and communication skills. 

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced environment.

Location

Abuja, Nigeria

Reports to

Senior Policy Manager and Policy Manager

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 the 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.