Research Associate - Reducing Distress Migration in Odisha
Organization: J-PAL South Asia
Location: Bhubaneswar
Industry: Rural Development, Social sector
Type: Full-time (1 year)
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience
Description: We are currently recruiting one or more Research Associates, to support a portfolio of several field-based research projects in India. The Research Associate will provide field support and oversight for these projects from one of our field offices.
This position requires a self-starting candidate who can conduct in-depth interviews and scoping activities with government counterparts, manage field activities and coordinate field staff for the execution of surveys and RCTs, and support with high quality cleaning and rigorous analysis of both primary and secondary data. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to join a team of leading economists and public policy experts from Yale University and EPoD India at IFMR to work on cutting-edge development research and gain first-hand experience working with policy partners, implementing surveys and field experiments, and conducting rigorous data analysis.
Responsibilities: The RA will work closely with academic researchers, and other project field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
- Assisting with the designing survey questionnaires, conducting qualitative and quantitative research, running pilot exercises. Managing field teams: Recruit, train, and supervise both field-based and data operations teams consisting of project assistants, field managers, field-based surveyors, data entry operators and other field and office staff.
- Monitor implementation teams: Monitor both field-based and data operations teams to ensure good quality of the data at both data collection and data-entry stages.
- Assist with the implementation of field and project activities in accordance to the research design and in association with the government partner.
- Maintain relationship with government partner at both headquarters and field levels.
- Assist with data cleaning and preliminary data analysis and assist with preparation of documents, reports and presentations for dissemination. Ensuring proper maintenance of JPAL rules and regulations on the project and ensuring smooth implementation of an extremely time bound project schedule.
- Report to PIs on all of the above mentioned activities
Educational requirements:
- A Bachelor's/Master’s degree in and experience economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields Prior experience with field data collection is desired but not necessary. Experience living in a developing country is a strong plus
Experience requirements:
- Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
- Fluency and excellent communication skills in English is required; Knowledge of Odia and/or Bengali is preferred.
- Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player. Ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
- Knowledge of data analysis software is strongly preferred (ideally Stata).
- Familiarity with impact evaluations and randomized controlled trials, in particular, preferred.
- Willingness to travel extensively to study areas is essential.
- Attention to detail, ability to solve unexpected problems and adaptability to unstructured and changing environments and project demands.
Desired Skills:
- Master's degree in economics or related field and experience in Stata is highly desired
- Candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to engage with policy partners of various levels
Application Instructions:
Disclaimer:
- Candidates with Requisite Experience Only apply that too with relevant cover letter.
- The openings provided here is meant for information purposes only. Please cross-verify the details before applying.
