Research Associate for Project Development (Quantitative) - J-PAL Southeast Asia

Project Description

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is globally headquartered within the Economics Department at MIT. J-PAL Southeast Asia (J-PAL SEA) is one of seven independent regional offices based around the world hosted at local universities. J-PAL is a pioneer in using randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL SEA, based at the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI), is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Research Associate for Project Development (Quantitative). The selected candidate will support the development of research projects by conducting background research, engaging with government stakeholders and potential partners, carrying out fieldwork and pilot activities, and performing data-related tasks, all with the goal of preparing for a large-scale randomized study.

Position Description

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and take on meaningful responsibility within a dynamic organization conducting cutting-edge research in the development sector. Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs), the Research Associate will support both the design and implementation of the assigned project. Key responsibilities include ensuring activities are executed in line with the research design, leading data processing and analysis efforts, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders—such as government officials, implementing partners, and field survey teams.

The Research Associate will receive supervision and guidance not only from the PIs but also from a Jakarta-based Research Manager. The position is based in Jakarta, with potential travel to field sites outside the city, depending on project needs.

Job Responsibilities: Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Strong Project Participation and Oversight
  • Propose and, as appropriate, implement innovations at various stages of a project in coordination with PIs
  • Maintain and cultivate effective relationships with partner organizations, such as donors, implementing partners, and survey firms
  • Assist PIs in designing survey questionnaires, conducting qualitative research, running pilot exercise, as well as refining study design and surveying instruments
  • Oversee and lead the field research activities, including primary data collection and intervention implementation, in alignment with the research design and in coordination with project partners
  • When employing primary data collection methods, oversee both data collection and data entry processes, ensuring data quality is maintained at each stage
  • If using administrative data, assist with the data request process and fulfill all requirements, conduct follow-up on the data, and ensure safe and secure data transfer, upholding data security protocols
  • Assist with data checking, cleaning, and analysis, as well as general data management, and effectively communicate the results of data tasks with PIs
  • Ensure that project activities are on schedule and prepare project update reports according to agreements with partners
• Budget Management:
  • Collaborate with the J-PAL SEA Finance and Operations team to maintain detailed records of all project activities, including monitoring field expenses, summarizing current expenditures, and forecasting expected costs
• Reporting and Communication:
  • Facilitate, strengthen, and maintain effective and efficient communication as the project’s primary contact point of the PIs and partners
  • Provide regular updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts/relevant study partners
  • Participate in planning and design of any outreach activities
  • Prepare project summary reports and dissemination materials in Bahasa Indonesia and English
  • Produce project journal and progress report.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree (preferred) in economics, social science, public policy, math, statistics or related technical fields
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in development, public policy, or research on social and economic issues
• Experience in conducting quantitative research, involving data and econometrics analysis, for at least 1 year (thesis work from Master’s degree can be taken into account)
• Experience in working with large datasets, including both panel and cross-sectional data
• Strong econometrics skills
• High proficiency in Stata
• Proven experience in managing multi-stakeholder initiatives in a professional or academic setting
• Fluency in both Indonesian and English, with excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage communications with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, government, and civil society groups
• Proven management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with partner organizations
• Self-motivated and flexible, with the ability to work independently and in a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Familiarity with RCTs is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with advanced econometrics methods (e.g. LASSO, Heterogenous Treatment Effects)
• Familiarity with large-scale survey data (e.g. SUSENAS, SAKERNAS, PODES)
• Experienced in using other statistical software or computational language (e.g. R, Python, Julia)
• Strong attention to detail, with advanced writing and presentation skills (clear, precise, and creative), to effectively translate policy insights from academic research into formats that are accessible and useful for policymakers
• Interest in pursuing a Doctorate degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields preferred.