Policy Associate- 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 180 studies.

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 (https://www.insper.edu.br/pt/home) a team in Guatemala based in UVG (https://www.uvg.edu.gt/), 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 more than 20 projects in 4 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:

Construyendo Futuros is the continuity of PROSA, the Programa de Sondeo y Arranque - was launched in July of 2023 as the first joint project between Universidad del Valle de Guatemala and J-PAL LAC. 

;. Claudia Macías, DED of J-PAL LAC leads and supervises this effort. UVG leadership also supervises and compliments the execution of the project.

Summary of the Role:

The Policy Associate will work alongside the Policy Manager to move forward key policy components of PROSA’s ECD agenda. The role will involve analyzing tested ECD curricula and systematizing improvements or enhancements to national ECD curricula (Acompañame a Crecer) based on existing evidence and feedback from scientific advisors. Additionally, the policy associate will help coordinate with key actors (government, nonprofit, and international orgs) at the direction of the Manager, communicate findings from current PROSA research projects, and continue gathering evidence from other ECD research across the globe that is pertinent to the Central American region. The policy associate will also help coordinate meetings, evidence sharing sessions, and facilitate communications regarding the projects’ accomplishments and activities. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

Policy Analysis: Analyze current ECD national curricula vs. tested Early Childhood Development (ECD) curricula to assess strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement for Acompañame a Crecer. Systematize improvements to the national curriculum using existing evidence from PROSA’s research, evidence from previously tested curricula, and feedback from scientific advisors and relevant stakeholders.

Research and Evidence Synthesis: Continuously gather and synthesize global ECD research relevant to the Central American region on early childhood nutrition, stimulation & early learning, health & child development outcomes, and home environment & caregiver engagement. Communicate this evidence and other research findings in accessible and policy relevant formats such as briefs, reports, and presentations. 

Stakeholder coordination and engagement: Cultivate and manage partnerships with government entities, NGOs, and key stakeholders, identifying and establishing opportunities for collaboration on labor market policies and program impact evaluation.

Event Planning: Organize and facilitate events, such as workshops, conferences, trainings, and roundtable discussions. These events are designed to foster dialogue among policymakers, academics, and community leaders and to promote evidence-based policy practices in labor and employment. Responsibilities include event logistics, content planning, speaker coordination, and post-event follow-up to maximize the impact of JOI Brazil’s evidence dissemination efforts.

Strategic communications: Developing communications strategies for research results and policy insights. 

Qualifications:

Education: A master's or bachelor degree in economics, political science, public policy, or a related field. Preference will be given to recent graduates. Knowledge of Early Childhood education as well as the design and analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) is desirable.

Languages: This job is based in Guatemala, so full proficiency in Spanish is expected. Advanced to intermediate English is needed as you also frequently interact with the global, regional teams, and foreign Principal Investigators.  

Experience: 2 or more years of relevant and substantial work experience, including work related to impact evaluations and evidence-informed policymaking.

Technical Skills:

Word: Advanced

Excel: Advanced

PowerPoint: Advanced

Statistical Packages (STATA, R, and SQL): Optional

Work permissions:

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

Location

Guatemala City, Guatemala 

Flexible (Combination of on-site and remote work)at Universidad del Valle de Guatemala