Senior Research and Finance Assistant - NYU CTED

About the position

The Center for Technology, Economics, and Development (CTED) at New York University invites applications from individuals for the position of Senior Research and Finance Assistant for a one-year fixed term, renewable upon excellent performance. The Senior Research and Finance Assistant will play an integral role in supporting the research efforts, fiscal reporting, management, and data analysis for CTED’s projects. Specifically, the individual will analyze regular financial activities and subsequently provide advice and guidance to management on future financial plans and projections. Conduct research on issues of economic development in Ghana with government agencies and datasets, as well as complete other research tasks under the direction of Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Yaw Nyarko.

The ideal candidate will have experience using statistical software Excel (required), Stata and Matlab (preferred), have strong writing skills, and be knowledgeable of the research projects in CTED. Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, or a related field. Applicants with experience and knowledge working with Excel, and a strong interest in economic and quantitative research, are encouraged to apply. The candidate will work in a multidisciplinary environment, working autonomously, but as a team member under the direction of the PI. Knowledge of work on Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and field work is preferred.

About NYU CTED

CTED focuses on the development of innovative and cutting-edge technologies to significantly impact economic development with a specific focus on problems faced in underdeveloped areas around the world. Spanning Africa, Asia, and the Gulf, CTED’s research covers economic theory, global labor markets, migration, and the impact of technology on development. To learn more about our research, please visit: www.yawnyarko.com or www.nyucted.org.

Key responsibilities

Research (50%)

• Clean, manage, and oversee the data analysis of large datasets for field research project in Ghana.
• Oversee data management for commodity market research using best practices.
• Conduct advanced statistical analyses of data using Excel (required).
• Monitor workflow inefficiencies and make recommendations to PI on improvements for the data management and collection process.
• Assist the PI on field research projects by working with Research and Deployment Team staff on a daily basis, track team deliverables, and report progress to PI.
• Translate research findings and assemble information in clear, concise reports and academic papers.
• Prepare research reports for concept notes, academic papers, and presentations.

Finance Administration (50%)

• Work with management team to undertake comprehensive project costing, including projections of expected costs as well as identifying risks and constraints in achieving operational performance.
• Conduct regular (weekly, monthly, and annual) financial reviews, analyze variances, and evaluate cost-reduction opportunities.
• Work with management to prepare the institution’s operational and field exercise budgets and fully implement and monitor the budget.
• Support CTED to comply with the institution’s statutory obligations including timely filing of Ghana Revenue Authority withholding taxes and year-end audit reports. Ensure that effective internal controls are in place and ensure compliance with the country’s applicable laws and reporting, as well as the university’s reporting and regulations.
• Maintain the integrity of CTED’s accounting systems, sub-systems, internal controls, cash flows, signatories, and discretionary funds, while managing relationships with external vendors and contractors.
• Ensure that implementation of effective accounting and management systems to meet CTED’s accountability needs, as well statutory requirements.
• Identify, assess, and manage CTED’s business risks and the reporting thereof. Identify workflow inefficiencies and make and implement recommendations for improvement.
• Fully implement CTED’s financial policy, logistics, and procurement policy as required. Support the procurement of goods, services, and works within the country.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s degree in Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Advanced command of and programming proficiency in statistical software (Excel).
• Strong analytical capability, including experience analyzing large data sets.
• Strong interest in economic development in emerging markets.
• Strong work ethic and troubleshooting skills are essential.
• Demonstrate progressively responsible financial management experience for a similar institution.
• Excellent attention to detail, discipline, high self-motivation, adaptability, and accountability. Positive, enthusiastic, motivating attitude and demeanor.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be comfortable working in a remote and digital environment with international team members.
• Ability to work under pressure within tight deadlines and high-quality standards.

Preferred

• Ph.D. in Economics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience in financial management for field research projects and Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs).
• Advanced command of and programming proficiency in statistical software (Stata and Matlab).
• Experience overseeing accounting and reporting for international grants (USAID, DfID, Danida, or similar organizations).
• Knowledge of working in a rural field setting with smallholder farmers.