Policy Support Intern @Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Apply for Policy Support Intern at Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) – Abuja, Nigeria

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), a globally recognized research and policy nonprofit organization, is inviting applications for the role of Policy Support Intern in Abuja, Nigeria. This opportunity offers early-career professionals the chance to gain hands-on experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-informed decision-making within a dynamic international development environment.

Job Overview

The Policy Support Intern will work closely with the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team to advance evidence-based policymaking across key sectors. These include Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE), financial inclusion, gender equality, governance, social protection, and inclusive development.

This role provides a valuable learning experience for individuals interested in bridging the gap between research and policy implementation. The intern will contribute to translating data and research findings into actionable insights that inform government policies and development programs.

Key Responsibilities

Policy Research and Evidence Synthesis

The intern will conduct desk reviews and literature scans on priority development issues such as gender, governance, financial inclusion, and social protection. They will support the preparation of policy briefs, technical reports, concept notes, and presentations.

In addition, the role involves synthesizing complex research findings into clear, practical insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The intern will also assist in mapping relevant policies, institutional frameworks, and key actors within target sectors.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support

The selected candidate will support the coordination of stakeholder engagements, including meetings, workshops, and policy dialogues. Responsibilities include documenting discussions, preparing meeting summaries, and tracking follow-up actions.

The intern will also assist in organizing evidence dissemination events and policy roundtables, contributing to effective communication between researchers, policymakers, and development partners.

Research Coordination and Learning Support

The role includes supporting thematic working groups and assisting with research coordination activities. The intern will help organize materials for Research Coordinating Committee (RCC) meetings and contribute to refining research questions and learning agendas.

They will also support the identification of evidence gaps and emerging policy priorities that can inform future research initiatives.

Data, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

The intern will assist in organizing institutional data, policy documents, and evidence repositories. They will also contribute to MEL-related activities, including documenting lessons learned and identifying opportunities for improved evidence use in policymaking.

Administrative and Team Support

Additional responsibilities include scheduling meetings, coordinating communications with stakeholders, and providing general support to the Policy & Evidence-to-Action team. The intern will also participate in team meetings, training sessions, and organizational learning activities.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should have a background in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, Public Health, Gender Studies, International Development, Social Sciences, or related disciplines.

Candidates must demonstrate strong research, writing, and analytical skills, as well as a clear interest in evidence-informed policymaking and development programming. Excellent organizational and communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office tools such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

The ideal candidate should be detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of working both independently and within a fast-paced team environment.

Location and Reporting

This position is based in Abuja, Nigeria. The selected candidate will report to the Senior Policy Manager and Policy Manager within the organization.

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a leading global organization dedicated to discovering and advancing solutions that improve the lives of people living in poverty. Since its establishment in 2002, IPA has collaborated with over 600 researchers to conduct more than 1,000 evaluations across 52 countries.

The organization works closely with governments and decision-makers to ensure that research findings are translated into effective policies and programs that deliver measurable impact.

Safeguarding Commitment

IPA is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable populations. All selected candidates are expected to adhere to strict safeguarding policies and ethical standards.

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through the official application portal using the link below:

Apply Here

Application Deadline: Not specified

Conclusion

The Policy Support Internship at IPA presents an excellent opportunity for aspiring policy professionals to gain practical experience in research, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based policymaking. By joining IPA, interns become part of a mission-driven organization working to reduce global poverty through impactful research and policy innovation.