Research Associate/Senior Research Associate/Research Consultant, Multi-project portfolio - J-PAL South Asia

Location: Delhi/Bangalore/Other, India

Experience: 1 to 3 years

Start Date: March 25, 2024 (earliest) 

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyzes and disseminates research results, builds partnerships with policymakers, and ensures that policy is informed by scientific evidence. 

Project Description: 

J-PAL South Asia is looking for candidates to support the development, planning and execution of projects spanning various sectors in its rapidly evolving research landscape. Successful candidates will play a crucial role in ensuring seamless coordination and implementation across a diverse portfolio of research projects. You will work as part of a dedicated team that aims to optimize project execution processes to enhance efficiency and innovation at J-PAL South Asia. 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

The role involves an array of responsibilities, including, but not limited to: 

1. Collaborating with researchers in refining research design, designing surveys, and in conducting scoping and pilots in the field
2. Developing error-free and rigorously tested digital versions of survey instruments and setting up data workflows for the same
3. Ensuring data collected is of the highest quality by implementing and overseeing data quality monitoring systems, including the design of meticulous data checks during data collection
4. Cleaning data, assisting with preliminary data analysis, and preparation of summary statistics and reports across different rounds of data collection
5. Ensuring compliance with J-PAL’s protocols and policies
6. Leading the recruitment, onboarding, and training of data collection teams
7. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to maintain project progression by proactively identifying and mitigating execution challenges
8. Producing comprehensive evaluation documentation, such as manuals, logs, codebooks, and readme files
9. Delivering timely and high-quality reports on project milestones to researchers and other key stakeholders
10. Developing and tracking project performance indicators in close collaboration with Research Managers, Senior Research Managers and Senior Leadership  

Qualifications 

Must haves 

• Adeptness at navigating complex contexts and a relentless approach to problem-solving
• A knack for identifying inefficiencies and improving system performance
• Ability to work independently and to navigate multiple assignments simultaneously
• Effective time management skills and the ability to balance unforeseen and time-sensitive tasks with planned projects
• Ability to tailor communication to varied audiences 

Knowledge and Skills 

• A strong understanding of experimental methods, design, and application
• Proficiency in data collection and/or acquisition with strong quantitative and data handling skills
• Proficiency in digital data collection tools like SurveyCTO, Qualtrics, etc. including end-to-end management of data flows
• Proficiency in statistical analysis software or programming languages like Stata, R, Python etc.
• Besides fluency and excellent communication skills in English, proficiency in one or more regional languages is an asset 

Other requirements 

• 1 to 3 years of experience working in a similar role (required)
• Willingness to travel extensively (required)
• Experience living or working in a developing country is preferred
• Experience overseeing multiple projects is preferred
• Experience liaising and collaboration with external partner organizations is preferred