Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Seeks (Associate) Program Manager – Human Trafficking Research Initiative | Apply by August 2, 2026

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is seeking an experienced (Associate) Program Manager, Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI) to support a major research programme focused on strengthening evidence-based solutions to prevent human trafficking and protect victims and survivors.

This opportunity is suited for professionals with experience in research management, grants administration, monitoring and evaluation, international development, policy research, and stakeholder engagement.

About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a global research and policy nonprofit organization dedicated to discovering and advancing solutions that improve the lives of people experiencing poverty.

Since its establishment in 2002, IPA has worked with hundreds of researchers and partners worldwide to conduct rigorous evaluations and ensure that evidence informs policies and programmes.

The organization has:

• Worked with more than 600 leading academics.
• Conducted over 1,000 evaluations.
• Operated across 52 countries.
• Supported programmes that have impacted millions of people globally.

IPA connects researchers, policymakers, donors, and practitioners to develop effective solutions based on evidence.

Role Overview: (Associate) Program Manager – Human Trafficking Research Initiative

The (Associate) Program Manager will oversee the daily management of IPA’s Human Trafficking Research Initiative (HTRI), an eight-year programme funded by the U.S. Department of State.

HTRI focuses on building evidence around interventions that:

• Reduce human trafficking.
• Protect victims and survivors.
• Improve policies and programmes addressing exploitation and forced labour.

The role is part of a small core team and involves managing research grants, supporting donor reporting, coordinating projects, producing research outputs, and strengthening partnerships.

The position reports to the HTRI Director.

Key Responsibilities

Grants Management and Financial Oversight

The Program Manager will:

• Manage a portfolio of 15–20 active research sub-awards.
• Support grant selection processes and agreements.
• Monitor project timelines, deliverables, and budgets.
• Lead quarterly donor reporting processes.
• Coordinate with finance, legal, and grants teams to ensure compliance.
• Identify financial risks and support effective resource management.

Research Project Coordination

Responsibilities include:

• Managing HTRI’s daily operations.
• Ensuring projects meet deadlines and objectives.
• Maintaining project tracking systems.
• Coordinating with IPA country offices and research teams.
• Conducting site visits to monitor funded research activities.
• Supporting internal teams with project information and updates.

Evidence Synthesis and Knowledge Sharing

The successful candidate will:

• Review and analyze human trafficking research.
• Produce evidence reports and research summaries.
• Develop policy briefs and communication materials.
• Translate research findings into accessible information for policymakers, donors, and practitioners.
• Present findings through conferences, webinars, and policy events.
• Support research learning agendas and knowledge-sharing activities.

Policy Engagement and Partnerships

The role involves:

• Building relationships with researchers and sector experts.
• Supporting partnerships with organizations working on trafficking prevention.
• Engaging donors, policymakers, and academic institutions.
• Representing IPA at external research and policy events.
• Identifying opportunities for collaboration and new research initiatives.

Fundraising and Programme Development

The Program Manager will support:

• Identifying funding opportunities.
• Developing concept notes and proposals.
• Preparing research-based presentations.
• Supporting new programme development.
• Connecting researchers with implementing organizations.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree in a relevant field, including:
  • Economics
  • Public policy
  • Political science
  • International development
  • Social sciences
  • Related disciplines

Candidates should also have:

• At least 4 years of experience in research, programme management, monitoring and evaluation, or international development.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience with grants management, budgets, and reporting.
• Ability to communicate research findings clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Experience engaging external stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively with international teams.

Preferred Experience

Additional qualifications include:

• Experience in human trafficking, migration, forced labour, or criminal justice.
• Experience conducting literature reviews or evidence synthesis.
• Experience supporting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or evaluation research.
• Familiarity with U.S. government grant compliance requirements.
• Experience using project management tools such as Airtable, Asana, or Salesforce.
• Understanding of quantitative research methods.
• Professional proficiency in French or Spanish.

Location and Travel Requirements

The position is based in:

• United States (preference for New York City or Washington, DC), or
• IPA country offices in:
  • Bogotá, Colombia
  • Mexico City, Mexico
  • Lima, Peru

The role requires:

• Regular international travel of up to 15%.
• Participation in research visits, policy events, donor meetings, and partner engagements.

Why Join IPA?

This opportunity allows professionals to contribute to evidence-driven solutions addressing one of the world’s most serious human rights challenges.

Benefits of joining IPA include:

• Working with global researchers and development professionals.
• Supporting policies based on rigorous evidence.
• Contributing to programmes that protect vulnerable populations.
• Building expertise in international research and policy.
• Collaborating across countries and sectors.

IPA is committed to safeguarding and creating a respectful environment for children and vulnerable adults. Employees are expected to uphold strong ethical standards and contribute to responsible, impactful work.

Application Deadline

Interested candidates should submit their applications by:

2 August 2026

Professionals with expertise in research management, grants, policy analysis, and human trafficking prevention are encouraged to apply for this opportunity to support global efforts against exploitation and strengthen evidence-based interventions.

APPLY HERE

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