Research Associate

Research Associate Opportunity in Lusaka, Zambia

Innovations For Poverty Action invites qualified candidates to apply for a Research Associate position within its Financial Inclusion Program. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful consumer protection research initiatives in Zambia. Candidates seeking research associate jobs in Lusaka will find this contract position ideal for applying analytical skills to support evidence-based financial sector improvements.

About the Role: Research Associate Jobs in Lusaka

The Research Associate will work under the supervision of the Research Manager to support the Consumer Protection Research Initiative (CPRI) in Zambia. The role involves managing research activities from planning through data quality monitoring and delivering actionable insights to stakeholders. This position is contract-based and requires close collaboration with regulators, project partners, and data teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Support and Data Analysis (40%)
  • Assist in designing and implementing research tools such as surveys and data collection protocols focused on consumer protection.
  • Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of financial sector data, consumer complaints, and market monitoring datasets.
  • Prepare policy briefs, technical reports, and presentations summarizing research findings for diverse audiences.
  • Conduct literature reviews and environmental scans on digital financial service consumer protection topics.
• Regulatory Engagement and Technical Support (35%)
  • Coordinate with regulatory counterparts and prepare materials for technical meetings, workshops, and joint sessions.
  • Support development of data systems, dashboards, and supervisory tools to monitor consumer protection risks in digital finance.
  • Translate research findings into practical guidance for consumer risk supervision.
  • Document progress and lessons learned to enhance knowledge sharing within IPA’s CPRI portfolio.
• Project Coordination and Operations (25%)
  • Track project timelines, deliverables, and workplans, reporting risks or delays promptly to the Research Manager.
  • Prepare timely progress and results reports for research partners and funding agencies.
  • Support budget tracking and financial reporting in accordance with IPA and donor requirements.
  • 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 advantageous.
• 2 to 4 years of professional experience in applied research, data analysis, financial regulation, or related areas.
• 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 verbal communication skills with full fluency in English.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience working in Zambia or elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa is preferred.

Preferred Skills

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

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early as only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. The application deadline is 31st July 2026. Please submit your application online via the following link:

Apply Here for the Research Associate Position

Additional Information

The statements above describe the general nature and scope of the Research Associate role at IPA Zambia. They are not exhaustive and may be updated to meet organizational needs. IPA does not charge applicants any fees during the recruitment process. Candidates are advised to verify all information directly with IPA.