Operations Assistant

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT@ Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Malawi

POSITION: OPERATIONS ASSISTANT

Location: Lilongwe

Duration: 6 months, with the possibility of extension

Start Date: As soon as possible

Application Deadline: August 25th, 2026

About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit research and policy organization that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty challenges. Working in close collaboration with decision-makers including policymakers, practitioners, investors, and donors IPA designs and rigorously evaluates innovative interventions using randomized evaluations, the gold standard in impact assessment. IPA then works to ensure that evidence is used to inform policy and scale effective programs to improve lives.

Position Summary

IPA Malawi is seeking a motivated Operations Assistant to provide day-to-day administrative and operational support to the Malawi office. The role will assist in areas including Human Resources, Procurement, Compliance, Inventory Management, IT, and Safety & Security. The Operations Associate will report to the Senior Finance and Operations Manager and work closely with the Country Director and other teams.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement

Support procurement of goods and services in line with IPA’s procurement policy.

Assist with supplier prequalification and maintain supplier records.

Help review contracts and agreements under supervision.

Maintain relationship with suppliers and key service providers (eg landlord, insurance companies, transport providers, legal counsel)

Compliance

Ensure office documentation is up to date with legal and statutory requirements.

Assist in monitoring compliance with IPA policies and national laws.

Operations & Security

Provide administrative support for HR, IT, Procurement, and Security functions.

Help maintain the office risk register and asset register.

Act as a support contact for Safety & Security matters.

Human Resources:

Assist with staff onboarding and offboarding processes.

Help maintain personnel files and update the HR Information System (HRIS). Provide payroll information to Finance in a timely manner

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Human Resources, or related field.

Minimum of 3 years professional experience in operations, preferably within an NGO context.

Basic experience in legal compliance and operational procedures in Malawi.

Familiarity with donor compliance and multi-donor environments.

Basic knowledge of procurement, HR and operational procedures.

Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit the application via this link.

https://innovationsforpovertyaction.formstack.com/.../ipa...

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Disclaimer

The above job description outlines the general responsibilities of the position and is not exhaustive. IPA reserves the right to amend duties and responsibilities to meet the evolving needs of the organization. IPA does not charge any application fees and encourages applicants to verify the authenticity of information shared in job advertisements.