Job Opportunity for Research Associate, Data at J-PAL South Asia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

## Research Associate, Data – Emissions Trading Scheme – J-PAL South Asia

**About J-PAL South Asia**

J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, is a regional office of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL). We work to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. We forge relationships with implementers on the ground, design randomized evaluations and survey instruments, carry out data collection, statistical analysis and data publishing, and provide evidence to answer key questions on social policy and social development.

**Project Description**

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) project is a collaborative effort between the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, J-PAL South Asia at IFMR, and the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago (EPIC). This project aims to implement and evaluate a market-based mechanism for Particulate Matter in India. The position offers an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in using big data in public policy, engaging in associated field work, and interacting with Central and State officials, all within an organization conducting cutting-edge development research.

**Roles and Responsibilities:**

* Work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform various tasks, including:

    * Maintaining relationships with Government/Partner organizations at both Head Office and Regional Office levels.

    * Understanding the working and updation of government-owned emission databases for various pollutants. Collaborate with IT and other relevant departments to understand data transmission and storage processes.

    * Understanding the government CEMS data architecture, systems integration, and other back-end systems related to CEMS in Gujarat.

    * Documenting the database updating processes, including sources, key steps, and encountered challenges.

    * Gathering key data regarding new government publications, reports, and policy briefs on environmental regulation. Ensure the accuracy and completeness of collected data.

    * Organizing and maintaining large emission datasets, acquiring new ones, and designing data structure frameworks to integrate datasets.

    * Periodically monitoring and analyzing Market Data and understanding the trading behavior of participating industries under the project.

    * Assisting government/partner organizations in improving existing data architecture.

    * Regular reporting to PIs and supervisors on all the above-mentioned activities.

**Desired Qualifications and Experience:**

**Required:**

* A Bachelor’s degree in Economics (or related field) or Engineering, with a preference for IT engineering.

* At least 1 year of work experience.

* Prior experience in an IT role.

* Prior experience with field data collection is desired but not necessary.

* Familiarity with impact evaluations and randomized controlled trials is required.

* Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.

* Fluency in Hindi and English and strong communication skills are required.

* Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player.

* Willingness to live in Ahmedabad and travel extensively to study areas.

* Intermediate or advanced knowledge of SQL, Python, STATA. Knowledge of additional data analysis tools will be an advantage.

**Desired:**

* Master’s degree in economics, environmental economics, engineering, public policy, or related disciplines is preferred.

* Work experience in environmental sciences/engineering will be an advantage.

* Proficiency in STATA, SQL, Python (or other tools such as R, SPSS etc.) is desired.

* Conversational-level skills in the Gujarati language are desired.

* Demonstrated ability to manage high-level stakeholder relationships with partner organizations.

* Familiarity with randomized controlled trials/clinical trials/quasi-experiments preferred.

* Experience living in a developing country and/or liaising with government officials is a strongly desired but not necessary.

* High level of attention to detail.

**Location:** Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India

**Start Date:** ASAP

**Length of Commitment:** 14 months

**Note on Work Authorizations:** Candidates must have work authorization to work in India. This covers citizens of India, Nepal, or Bhutan, Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).