Job Opportunity for Research and Policy Fellow at J-PAL South Asia in New Delhi, India

**Job Title:** Research and Policy Fellow – Air and Water Labs – J-PAL South Asia

**Organization:** The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) South Asia

**Location:** New Delhi, India

**Start Date:** March 2025

**About J-PAL:**

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center committed to reducing poverty by ensuring policies are informed by scientific evidence.  With a network of over 1,000 researchers at universities worldwide, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to address critical poverty-related issues. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyzes and disseminates research, fostering partnerships with policymakers to promote evidence-based policy and scale up effective programs.  Its work extends across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.  The Air and Water Labs initiative, a collaboration between J-PAL and Community Jameel, aims to improve access to clean air and water globally.  J-PAL South Asia’s SARWA program, part of this initiative, partners with the Indian government to address water and sanitation challenges.

**Job Description:**

J-PAL South Asia seeks a Research and Policy (R&P) Fellow for a 12-month term to support and strengthen SARWA’s partnership with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India.  The Fellow will collaborate closely with government stakeholders to identify research opportunities, synthesize data, and conduct policy outreach at the state level, ultimately contributing to the initiation of new randomized evaluations and the dissemination of evidence on air and water issues.

**Responsibilities:**

* **Stakeholder Management:** Engage with DDWS officials at national and state levels to understand policy priorities and develop long-term strategies for the lab.  Build and maintain relationships with government departments and partner organizations.

* **Technical Assistance and Knowledge Sharing:** Prepare presentations, policy notes, and briefs for senior government officials.  Synthesize findings into actionable policy recommendations and support the dissemination of best practices.

* **Research and Data Analysis:** Collaborate with departmental officers to identify data sources, collect data, and develop strategies for data analysis and implementation. Conduct desk research, including literature reviews, data analysis, and partner due diligence.

* **Organizational Learning:** Develop knowledge products (case studies, policy briefs, training manuals) related to the Jal Jeevan Mission/Swachh Bharat Mission. Create a repository of resources, reports, and data.

* **Meeting Preparation:** Assist in preparing for government meetings (slide decks, notes, coordination).

* **Miscellaneous Support:** Provide additional support to further J-PAL’s mission of evidence-based policymaking.

**Qualifications:**

* **Education:** Master’s degree (preferably in economics, public policy, public health, or international development).

* **Experience:** Minimum 2 years of work experience beyond a relevant Master’s degree OR minimum 4 years of work experience beyond a relevant Bachelor’s degree.  Demonstrated experience working with government partners is highly preferred.

* **Skills:**

    * Strong understanding of randomized evaluations, monitoring techniques, and their use in policy decisions.

    * Intermediate skills in STATA or R are a plus.

    * Excellent written and presentation skills for communicating policy lessons to policymakers.

    * Strong time management and prioritization abilities.

    * Fluency in English (written and oral); fluency in Hindi (written and oral) is highly desirable.

**Eligibility:** Candidates must be authorized to work in India.