Operations and Program Coordinator - DIL

About the department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Position summary

This role supports the day to day operations of multiple programs at the Development Innovation Lab. The Operations and Program Coordinator works closely with staff and leadership to keep systems, schedules, and information organized, and to ensure programs and operational processes run smoothly.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys staying organized, supporting others, and balancing routine responsibilities with new projects.

This position will be based in a DIL country of operation with preference for candidates based in Colombia (first preference) or Kenya.

Formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR”) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits, and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process

Core responsibilities

• Administrative and systems support
  • Manage shared inboxes and respond to routine inquiries, flagging time-sensitive items as needed to relevant team members
  • Manage online platforms and forms used for applications and internal processes, such as NextZen, Wufoo, or similar tools
  • Streamline processes within existing platforms and explore potential additional tech solutions 
  • Organize, file, and maintain documents in Google Drive and Box using established naming and record-keeping practices
  • Coordinate meetings and schedules, including calendar management and logistics
  • Maintain shared files, templates, and basic process documentation to support consistent workflows
  • Provide administrative support to leadership and team members as needed
• Program and operational support
  • Support program activities for the Weiss Fund, including application eligibility tracking, scheduling, and communication
  • Support general operational processes, including coordination of hiring and onboarding activities
  • Help ensure information across systems and files is accurate and up to date
  • Maintain organized application and review records
  • Support grant contracting and administration processes as needed, including processing invoices and collecting reports
• Outreach support
  • Support outreach efforts by managing applications, scheduling interviews, and communicating with candidates
  • Assist with follow-ups and coordination with candidates and other stakeholders as needed
• Communications and Website Support
  • Make routine updates to websites, including new opportunities, program information, and basic content changes
  • Assist with preparing and sharing program and operational communications
  • Assist with DIL and Weiss Fund communications on social media platforms such as LinkedIn
• Special Projects
  • Assist with projects that support programs or operations, as needed.

Minimum qualifications

• Education
  • University degree in a relevant field
• Experience
  • 1-3 years of experience in administrative, operations, or program support roles
• Competencies
  • Organized, dependable, and detail-oriented
  • Clear written communication and follow-through
  • Comfortable shifting between routine tasks and new requests
  • Excellent organizational skills, written communication, and a high level of attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate effectively across different cultural contexts
• Preferred qualifications
  • Experience supporting programs, operations, or hiring processes
  • Comfort using Google Workspace and online form tools
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and stay organized
  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across multiple teams.

Working conditions

Location: Colombia (first preference) or Kenya.



Availability during core business hours, with hybrid or in person expectations based on organizational needs.

Candidates must have valid work authorization for their base location.