Research Manager - Social Networks - J-PAL South Asia
- India
Start Date: ASAP
Length of Commitment: 2 years
Joining Location: Bangalore
Sector/Theme: Multiple (Social Networks)
About the Organization
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of 194 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research in India, leads J-PAL’s work in the South Asia region. J-PAL South Asia conducts randomized evaluations, builds partnerships for evidence-informed policymaking, and helps partners scale up effective programs.
No. of open positions: 1
Social Networks Suite
We are seeking a Research Manager to oversee a portfolio of social network research projects. The social networks suite of projects study the role of networks in developing economies and improve the understanding of the impact of networks on economic interactions. The projects within the suite have cross-cutting focus areas like social learning, information diffusion and aggregation, network structure and interaction, informal institutions, etc. You will get an opportunity to work with researchers like Arun Chandrasekhar(https://web.stanford.edu/arungc/research.html), Emily Breza (https://sites.google.com/view/ebreza/home) etc.
We are looking for a proactive individual with proven management experience and familiarity with applied economics research and capable of working with multiple stakeholders to achieve project objectives. The candidate should be prepared to thrive in a dynamic organizational environment and demonstrate high levels of integrity and commitment to our work.
Key Responsibilities
Research Managers work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety tasks including, but not limited to:
Portfolio coordination :
Coordinate the work of the partner's implementation team, researchers and research associates to ensure smooth collaboration and effective communication.
Coordinate with these different stakeholders to define indicators and design data collection tools.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans, outlining tasks, timetables and resource allocations.
Lead regular meetings with project stakeholders to monitor progress and provide solutions to any difficulties encountered.
Supervision :
Supervise and mentor research associates responsible for designing data collection instruments and managing data collection, entry and analysis.
Ensure that data collection processes meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.
Supervise the design of field experiments to test and refine research hypotheses and methodologies
Budget and Schedule Management :
Overseeing the project budget, ensuring that expenditure is accurately tracked and that financial resources are used efficiently.
Monitor the project schedule, ensuring that all stages are respected and deliverables are completed on time.
Reports and Communication :
Prepare and present regular progress reports to relevant stakeholders.
Communicate complex technical results and concepts to non-technical audiences in a clear and accessible manner.
Quality Control :
Implement and supervise quality control measures to ensure that research and evaluation activities meet the required standards.
Resolve problems relating to data quality or project execution quickly and effectively.
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in economics, quantitative economics, social sciences, data sciences, computer science, or related fields
At least three years of relevant work experience
Strong understanding of experimental methods, design and application
Excellent quantitative skills with some experience conducting social science or economic field research, including supervising data collection, teams of field workers, survey design and implementation, financial reporting, and data management
Mastery of programme evaluation and monitoring techniques.
Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Stata, R, Python or other data analysis software is required
Ability to adapt to dynamic environment
Previous experience in development research preferred
Note on Work Authorizations:
Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.
How to Apply
If you are interested in this position, please click on the apply button on the JD here; the first-time users will be asked to sign up and upload the CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts (optional).
For any queries, please write to [email protected].