Field Research Manager - J-PAL LAC

About J-PAL

J-PAL LAC is a non-profit research center that aims to reduce global poverty by generating rigorous scientific evidence on which social programs and policies can make a real difference in people's lives. Formed by a network of more than 750 academics worldwide, J-PAL measures the impact of programs with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and uses these results to influence the design of public policies. The J-PAL network has conducted over 1,700 evaluations in over 90 countries, organized in 12 sectors. In Latin America, we currently count on 174 studies. As of 2023, J-PAL LAC is supporting 25 evaluations in 6 countries.

J-PAL organizes its work into three main areas:

Research: We partner with donors to create initiatives that fund research. We also implement RCT from data collection to data analysis.

Public policy: we summarize the results of the investigation, create alliances, and provide technical assistance to governments.

Training: We lead the executive training and develop a rigorous online education to build regional knowledge.

The local grounding of J-PAL is essential for its success. The seven regional J-PAL offices are located at leading universities on five continents. In the case of Latin America and the Caribbean, J-PAL LAC is headquartered at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile). J-PAL LAC also has a Memoranda of Understanding with Insper for work in Brazil, the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala for work in Central America, and ITAM for work in Mexico.

In 2019, J-PAL founders Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee won the Nobel Prize in Economics "for their experimental approach to alleviating poverty."

OUR OFFICE

J-PAL LAC is based at UC Chile in Santiago, where most of our staff is located. We also have a team in São Paulo, based at Insper, and project staff in several LAC countries. Our team comprises about 15 permanent staff members and 20 staff hired for specific projects, typically on shorter-term contracts. We are currently running 25 projects in 6 LAC countries. 

We strive for a collegiate, horizontal, and amicable culture where peers can learn from each other and are not afraid to innovate. The office is led by Executive Director Paula Pedro, originally from Brazil, and Deputy Executive Director Claudia Macías, originally from Mexico. Paula leads the office’s overall strategy and fundraising and has a more external-facing role. Claudia oversees our operations and develops strategic partnerships, especially with Governments. 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to address poverty's complex causes and consequences. To advance our mission, J-PAL LAC must draw on diverse experiences from our staff and affiliated researchers to ask better questions and identify better solutions. We are working to increase the limited representation of individuals from underrepresented economic backgrounds. We are committed to self-reflection, learning, and dialogue to nurture understanding across differences. Together, we will build an equitable, inclusive culture where everyone is respected, empowered, and heard.

About the team, project, or initiative you would be working with:

This position will support several projects studying the effect of contact between people with diverse political opinions and racial backgrounds on political and racial discrimination in Brazil. The project is led by a team of researchers at the Department of Economics at Stanford University: Adrian Blattner, PhD candidate in Economics, and Vlastimil Rasocha, PhD candidate in Economics, advised by professors Nicholas Bloom, Matthew Gentzkow, and Muriel Niederle.

The projects consist of three RCTs: the first RCT will recruit up to 10,000 Brazilians through collaboration with national media outlets and study the effect of conversations about politics on political polarization. The second RCT will study the determinants and consequences of partisans' demand for contact with opposing political groups. The third RCT will study whether contact with other races or political groups reduces discrimination in a labor market setting.

Summary of the Role:

Coordinate the design, implementation, and analysis of large-scale randomized controlled trials; engage actively with project implementation partners, media, and survey firms; and oversee adherence to rigorous research standards.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

- Code, translate, and test survey instruments on survey platform (Qualtrics)

- Participate in meetings with project partners, including survey firms, non-profits, funders, and media outlets

- Translate, prepare, and test intervention materials

- Perform data quality checks and cleaning in Stata

- Statistical analysis and data visualization in Stata

- Participate and report in regular calls with the PI and research team

- Participate in monthly calls with J-PAL Research Staff

Qualifications:

Education: A master's or doctoral degree in economics, political science, public policy, or a related quantitative field. 

Languages: This job is based in Brazil, so full proficiency in Portuguese is a must. Advanced English is needed as you also interact frequently with the PIs and Research Team that is outside of Brazil.

Experience: At least two years of professional experience. 

Skills:

-Knowledge of the design and analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT). 

-Strong background in quantitative research and statistical methods. 

-Strong communication skills and experience in managing stakeholder relationships.

Microsoft Office packages: advanced

Programming Languages:

- Stata (proficiency required)

- R (experience is a plus)

- Qualtrics (experience is a plus)

- Javascript (experience is a plus)

Work permissions:

This position is open to citizens or foreigners with visas and/or valid work permits in Brazil at the time of applying for this vacancy.

Location

Flexible (Combination of on-site and remote work). Availability to travel to Sao Paulo is a plus.