Associate Director, Right-Fit Evidence Unit

About the role

The Associate Director will lead a portfolio of evidence and learning advisory engagements for funders, implementers, and governments, helping them turn data into decisions. This senior position sits on the global leadership team of IPA’s Right-Fit Evidence Unit and reports to the RFE Director.

Key responsibilities

• Lead delivery of multiple advisory engagements (65‑75% of time), managing 3‑5 projects simultaneously across sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and finance.
• Design learning strategies, theory of change workshops, and monitoring & evaluation systems; provide technical assistance for cost‑effectiveness analyses, A/B testing, and mixed‑methods evaluations.
• Serve as senior point of contact for a diverse client base, including implementers, funders, and government agencies.
• Guide implementer communities of practice and support funders on internal learning systems, grantmaking, and portfolio‑level learning.
• Provide performance management and professional development for managers and advisors on the team.
• Contribute to business development, thought leadership, and external relationship management (15‑20% of time), representing RFE at conferences and events.

Required profile

• Senior professional with extensive experience in evidence‑based advisory work for development or humanitarian contexts.
• Proven ability to lead multi‑disciplinary project teams and manage complex engagements autonomously.
• Strong track record in designing learning plans, M&E systems, and conducting mixed‑methods research.
• Excellent communication skills for client interaction, public representation, and thought leadership.

Required skills