Website Development Innovation Lab (University of Chicago Trust)
Priority Deadline: March 31. We have started reviewing applications for this position and will continue to do so on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
About the Trust
The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India.
The Development Innovation Lab – India (DIL-India), based at the University of Chicago Trust in India, brings researchers in different fields together with Indian government entities, firms, and non-profits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale interventions with the potential to benefit millions of people in India.
Position Description
The Trust is looking to hire a Policy Manager to collaborate with Professor Michael Kremer, Nobel Laureate, and the Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago. The position will work on collaborative projects between UChicago Trust, academic researchers and faculty, and government officials to address key policy challenges using evidence-based research. The role of the Policy Manager will involve stakeholder engagement, program conception, program implementation and project management, evaluation support, policy writing and outreach, and capacity building.
The Policy Manager will contribute to the Commission on Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change, a flagship project. The Commission will be chaired by Michael Kremer and convene former heads of state and ministers of finance to address challenges at the intersection of climate change, food security, and agriculture. It will assess innovations that could provide social benefits but are currently underfunded and propose institutional mechanisms that promote the development and scaling of innovations. The Policy Manager will work closely with the Commission Secretariat to provide practical insights and lessons on addressing key policy challenges using evidence-based research.
We are looking for candidates with an understanding of impact evaluation, economics and statistics, social policy, public administration, and program implementation as well as experience and interest in working through government. Candidates are expected to be equipped with excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, strong project management skills, and with the ability to take ownership of their work independently and collaborate effectively with other members of the team. This is a position at the Trust in India and is a full-time position for one-year with possibility for renewal.
Responsibilities
- Support the Chief Program Officer to build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and other partners in the agriculture space (including government ministries, non-profit organizations, and the private sector).
- Manage project staff working on this area in India conducting research (e.g., policy associates).
- Review and synthesize relevant literature and evidence with a view to providing policy recommendations.
- Explore policies and programs that might benefit from and be well-suited for rigorous evaluation.
- This includes information gathering from field visits and desk research.
- Share feasibility assessments and initial analyses with policymakers and researchers through in-person meetings, memos, and phone calls.
- Support and participate in research study design. This includes refining the program’s theory of change; identifying constraints and potential threats to the integrity of the study; and providing deep local context and cultural sensitivity to the project design.
- Support and participate with researchers and partners in the implementation and potential scale-up of projects. This includes the execution of budgeting, piloting, roll-out, and monitoring (including data collection).
- Support the Secretariat of the Commission on Innovation for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture with insights on addressing key policy challenges using evidence-based research.
- Support the Commission Policy Outreach Director with media outreach and communication efforts in India.
- Perform other priority work as needed.
- Regularly update and communicate with PIs on project progress. Flag potential problems such as delays, overspending, data quality issues, or threats to validity; and recommend solutions to the problems.
- Manage processes for establishing and executing research projects. This includes managing the development of proposals; maintaining funding initiative records and tracking compliance with donor requirements; and organizing policy outreach webinars and events and engaging with stakeholders.
- Create guides, documents, and presentations on research processes and methods that can serve as resources for policymakers and implementing partners.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy or administration, or a closely related field.
- At least five years of relevant experience.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and financial management skills required.
- Experience interacting with government officials, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders in a developing country context.
- Experience with presenting research findings at public forums, including non-research focused audiences.
- A strong track record of managing complex, fast-moving programs.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Fluent in English both orally and in writing.
- Must be authorized to work in India.
Preferred Qualifications
- Fluent in Hindi.
- Experience interacting with non-profit organizations and government officials.
- Knowledge of agriculture interventions (e.g., soil health, weather forecasts, and digital extension).
- Knowledge of impact evaluation methods, and randomized controlled trials.
Behavioral Requirements
- Ability to demonstrate leadership of local or virtual teams with natural authority.
- Ability to drive and adapt to change, particularly in the face of uncertainty.
- Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.
- Applicants must be willing to travel frequently to remote areas of the country.
Please contact Leni Chaudhuri at lenic@uchicago.edu with any questions regarding this position. Application link coming soon.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3 required)
- Writing sample (required)
To apply for this job please visit www.diluchicago.in.
