Research Associate

Job Summary

The Research Associate will support the MSME Microinsurance Research Project within IPA Philippines. The role contributes to research preparation, fieldwork, data collection and quality management, coordination with project partners, and project closeout. The Research Associate will help ensure that the project produces high-quality datasets and timely research outputs.

Responsibilities

Data collection and data management (50%)

• Support the preparation and implementation of surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and other data collection activities.
• Manage, clean, and organize research datasets and documentation.
• Conduct data quality checks and resolve data issues in coordination with the research team.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of datasets and data outputs for analysis.

Technical leadership (30%)

• Support the development, testing, and refinement of research instruments and protocols.
• Provide technical support for research activities, including fieldwork and data collection.
• Support analysis and interpretation of findings related to MSME risks, insurance needs, preferences, and willingness to pay.

Partner management (20%)

• Coordinate with internal teams, field staff, and external partners on research activities, data requirements, and timelines.
• Support coordination with relevant stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs) and other project partners.
• Prepare inputs for project updates, documentation, presentations, and reporting.
• Support the timely completion and submission of project deliverables.

Qualifications

• 2 years of project management experience
• Extensive experience supervising data collection, teams of field workers, and survey design and implementation
• Extensive experience conducting social science or economic field research
• Cultural sensitivity and demonstrated ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies
• Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English
• Proficiency in Filipino (language requirement listed in source)
• Advanced experience and skills in Stata or R, and SurveyCTO or ODK
• Master’s degree in economics, public policy, social science, or a related field (preferred)
• Background in randomized controlled trials (preferred)
• Experience in building capacity on technical matters (preferred)

Location

The duty station is Ortigas, Pasig City (IPA Philippines). The position is primarily office-based and involves limited travel; domestic travel may be required. The source does not specify a hybrid or remote arrangement.

Reports To

Associate Research 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 these 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.