Research Associate

Research Associate Opportunity in Lusaka, Zambia

Innovations For Poverty Action is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join its Financial Inclusion Program in Lusaka, Zambia. This role offers an exciting chance to contribute to impactful research projects focused on consumer protection within digital financial services. Candidates interested in research associate jobs in Lusaka will find this contract position a rewarding opportunity to apply their analytical skills and support evidence-based policy development.

Role Overview: Research Associate Jobs in Lusaka

As a Research Associate, you will work under the supervision of the Research Manager to support the Consumer Protection Regulatory Initiative (CPRI) activities in Zambia. Your responsibilities will encompass managing day-to-day research operations, from planning and implementation to ensuring data quality and compliance with ethical standards. This role requires a strong analytical background and the ability to collaborate closely with regulatory partners and research stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Support and Data Analysis (40%)
  • Assist in designing and implementing research activities, including survey instruments and data collection protocols tailored to consumer protection studies.
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analyses of financial sector data, consumer complaints, and market monitoring datasets.
  • Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations to communicate findings effectively to diverse stakeholders.
  • Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans on digital financial services consumer protection topics.
• Regulatory Engagement and Technical Support (35%)
  • Coordinate with regulatory counterparts by preparing materials for technical meetings, workshops, and joint sessions.
  • Support the development of data systems, dashboards, and supervisory tools to monitor consumer protection risks.
  • Translate research findings into practical guidance for consumer risk supervision.
  • Document progress and lessons learned to facilitate knowledge sharing within IPA’s CPRI portfolio.
• Project Coordination and Operations (25%)
  • Track project timelines, deliverables, and workplans, reporting risks or delays promptly.
  • Prepare timely progress and results reports for research partners and funding agencies.
  • Assist with budget tracking and financial reporting according to IPA and donor guidelines.
  • Coordinate logistics including data collection planning, vendor management, and stakeholder scheduling.
  • Ensure compliance with IPA’s data management, ethical protocols, and research quality standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, public policy, finance, or a related quantitative field; a master’s degree is an advantage.
• 2 to 4 years of professional experience in applied research, data analysis, financial regulation, or related fields.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
• Experience with both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with fluency in English.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience working in Zambia or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa is preferred.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Familiarity with digital financial services in Zambia or the region, including mobile money, microfinance, or digital credit markets.
• Experience with financial regulation, consumer protection, or supervisory technology (SupTech).
• Background supporting randomized evaluations or quasi-experimental research designs.

Position Details

How to Apply for Research Associate Jobs in Lusaka

Qualified candidates interested in joining IPA’s Financial Inclusion Program as a Research Associate are encouraged to apply by completing the online application form. Please submit your application via the following link:

Apply for the Research Associate Position