About IPOR
IPOR
About Us
The Institute of Public Opinion and
Research (IPOR) is a research organisation that specializes in surveys and
Social Science research, advisory and consulting services based in the
University Town of Zomba in southern Malawi. We are a leading research
organisation in conducting and presenting high quality and trusted data to our
clients in opinion surveys, marketing research, advisory and consulting
services. Founded in 2014, IPOR is a partnership between two scholars based at
Chancellor College, University of Malawi. IPOR is a legally registered
organisation by Malawi Government under the Business Names Registration Act
(Cap.46:02). It was legally registered on 10 November 2014 to operate in
Malawi. IPOR operates from its physical offices on Plot No. ZA 6165 Good Vision
Camp Road, Mulunguzi.
IPOR’s founding partners were
motivated by their keenness to contribute to the national development agenda by
offering a platform to young women and men of huge intellectual promise to
develop into researchers of repute nationally and even beyond. The founders
were initially interested in public opinion surveys as the principal remit of
IPOR. This was driven by their belief that public opinion surveys help a wide
range of stakeholders to diagnose and address issues of public concern by
providing accurate, unbiased and statistically sound data. In fact, public
opinion surveys uncover views and opinions of local residents on critical issues
affecting them thereby generating information that help ensure that policies,
programmes and actions reflect public values, interests and needs.
Over the years, however, IPOR’s
portfolio has progressively expanded and it includes: Survey design, implementation
and data management in a wide range of areas; research and consultancy focusing
mainly on governance, development and management; institutional assessments and
reviews; programme review and evaluation; political economy; analysis of
development and management; social policy and rural livelihoods; gender, youth
and development; data management and communication; a variety of short term and
professional trainings such as political economy analysis; policy engagement;
influence and advocacy; corporate governance and leadership; preparing
individuals to become effective research assistants and researchers, and
writing winning proposals.
Vision
A leading hub for knowledge production and dissemination in relevant policy processes and recognizable for excellence in research, advisory and consulting services in southern Africa and beyond.
Our Mission
To offer high quality advisory services and conduct excellent and independent research designed to produce new knowledge and transformative insights as the basis for innovative and practical policy interventions that promote the well-being of societies, especially in the developing world.
Objectives of IPOR
The overarching objective of IPOR is to promote positive change through the power of ideas by, among other things, identifying, encouraging and aggressively promoting and advocating for evidence-based insights in development programming and policy development through research, advisory services and training.
The specific objectives of IPOR include the following:
- To serve as an informed and independent voice in policy processes through the promotion of sound solutions to national and local policy questions mediated through independent thinking, open debate, reasoned arguments and highest standards of research.
- To promote learning in ways that fosters motivation for analytical, creative and critical thinking, and constructive use of skills in practical situations.
- To contribute to enhancing national competencies to tackle the challenges of development through short-term professional capacity building interventions among both established and emerging professionals.
Core Values
Leadership
We
strive to set the pace in serving the country through research, consultancy,
outreach and policy engagement and influence.
Excellence
We
are committed to designing and providing quality research by adhering to the
highest ethical standards and professional best practices and work to exceed
the expectations of all our clients and stakeholders.
Learning
We
pride ourselves as a learning organization committed to providing and promoting
a culture of continuous learning for all in order to foster a high level of
expertise and provide tools necessary for high performance.
Diversity
We
strive to bring about a welcoming environment in which all individuals can
achieve their fullest potential and in which open and respectful communication
is facilitated realizing that we are enriched by a multitude of perspectives
and experiences.
Creativity
We
encourage innovation, reflective thinking, flexibility and adaptability in our
approaches to work in tune with our commitment to providing client-centered
services.
Partnership
We are keen on establishing and
developing relationships with policy makers, researchers and other relevant
stakeholders both nationally and internationally.