Application Guide

How to Apply for Manager, Innovation and Learning

at Evidence Action

🏢 About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit that scales evidence-based, cost-effective interventions to reduce poverty across Africa and Asia. They are unique in their rigorous commitment to data-driven decision-making and their focus on programs proven to work at scale, making them a leader in the 'evidence-based development' movement.

About This Role

As Manager, Innovation and Learning, you will drive the design and implementation of strategies to capture lessons learned and foster continuous improvement across Evidence Action's programs. This role is impactful because it directly influences how the organization adapts and scales its interventions, ensuring that millions of people benefit from the most effective approaches.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with country office leads to discuss recent program data and emerging lessons. You could then analyze a dataset to identify trends, followed by a meeting with the communications team to draft a learning brief. Afternoon might involve designing a workshop for field staff on capturing best practices, ending with a review of a new innovation proposal from a partner organization.

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🎯 Who Evidence Action Is Looking For

  • 5+ years of experience in program management, learning, or innovation, specifically within international development or a similar mission-driven context.
  • Proven ability to design and manage monitoring and evaluation systems, with strong analytical skills to synthesize data into actionable insights.
  • Excellent communicator who can translate complex findings into clear recommendations for diverse stakeholders, including field teams and senior leadership.
  • Experience working in low- and middle-income countries, with cultural sensitivity and understanding of operational challenges in these settings.

📝 Tips for Applying to Evidence Action

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific examples of designing learning systems or driving innovation in program delivery, not just general program management.

2

In your cover letter, mention a concrete example of how you used data to improve a program's effectiveness or efficiency.

3

Research Evidence Action's current programs (e.g., Deworm the World, Safe Water Program) and reference them in your application to show genuine interest.

4

Emphasize your ability to work across teams and geographies, as this role is remote and likely involves coordinating with multiple country offices.

5

Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., 'Implemented a learning system that reduced program costs by 15%' or 'Trained 200 staff on M&E best practices').

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for evidence-based decision-making and how it aligns with Evidence Action's mission.", 'Specific experience in designing and implementing learning or innovation strategies that led to measurable improvements.', 'Your ability to work in cross-cultural, remote teams and manage stakeholder relationships across different regions.', 'A clear understanding of the challenges of scaling programs in low-resource settings and how you have addressed them.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read Evidence Action's annual reports and impact evaluations to understand their results and learning culture.
  • → Explore their blog or publications on topics like 'learning agendas' or 'adaptive management' to see their current thinking.
  • → Review the specific programs they scale (e.g., Deworm the World, Safe Water Program) and any recent innovations or challenges they've faced.
  • → Look into their organizational structure and how the Innovation and Learning team interacts with country programs.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you identified a key lesson from a program failure and turned it into an actionable improvement.
2 How would you foster a culture of learning in a large, decentralized organization?
3 Walk us through your approach to designing a monitoring and evaluation system for a new program.
4 How do you balance the need for rigorous evidence with the practical constraints of operating in low-income countries?
5 Tell us about a time you had to persuade a skeptical stakeholder to adopt an evidence-based approach.
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing only on academic research experience without demonstrating practical application in program settings.
  • Overemphasizing technical M&E skills without showing how you've used data to drive change or influence decisions.
  • Being vague about your experience in low- and middle-income countries—be specific about countries and contexts you've worked in.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Evidence Action!

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