Job Opportunity for Research Associate – Math Games Scale-up at Poverty Action Lab

Organization:

J-PAL South Asia

Location:

India

Education:

Bachelor’s
Master’s

Start Date (Earliest):

1 June 2022

Language Requirement:

• Hindi 
• Marathi
• Punjabi
• Tamil

Length of Commitment:

One year

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) J-PAL was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL is propelled by a team dedicated to research, policy, training, and other vital work, supporting J-PAL’s mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

J-PAL South Asia, the regional office which is based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and that programs proven effective are scaled up. We have a growing number of partnerships in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. For more information on J-PAL South Asia , please see http://www.povertyactionlab.org/south-asia.

The Policy team at J-PAL South Asia (J-PAL SA) disseminates findings of J-PAL’s research; develops relationships with governments, civil society, and academic stakeholders; catalyzes scale-ups and replications of effective projects; and assists in conceptualizing new research projects. The team works closely with the global J-PAL office based at MIT to align the regional strategy with broader organizational objectives.

Project Description

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Research Associate will work closely with PIs and the field team to undertake the following tasks.

• Work closely with PIs to develop the Math Games curriculum to be piloted and scaled.
• Setting up of demonstration pilots in conjunction with NGO or government partners.
• Overseeing implementation of the pilot in accordance to the research design, in association with our partner organization.
• Work closely with PIs to develop child assessments and other questionnaires.
• Design and lead data collection activities with support from the field team.
• Data cleaning and management
• Review and vet project datasets and maintain an efficient data documentation system.
• Work with other members of the team to reconcile any gaps or errors in the data.
• Data analysis and synthesis
• Assist in analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected during the project’s implementation.
• Liaise with members of the project team by sending them statistics as and when required.
• Generate aggregated views of the data for various stakeholders – the implementation partners,
• Principal Investigators and donors.
• Assist in documenting data collection efforts, including any issues and key decisions taken for improvements.
• Working closely with the Policy team to develop memos, presentations and other communication materials for use in advocacy, government meetings etc.
• Maintain compliance with all J-PAL protocols and policies.
• Assist in preparation of documents and presentations for donor reporting as well policy memos as dissemination activities.
• Responsible for general project documentation.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in economics, education, applied psychology, cognitive science or related fields.
• Experience 0-2 years, experience working in cognitive science/education sector preferred.
• Experience working in schools is a plus
• Excellent management/organizational skills and able to solve unexpected problems.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Working knowledge of Stata.
• Familiarity with RCTs.
• Flexible, self-motivating, independent and manages multiple tasks efficiently.
• Ability to deal with unstructured and changing environments.
• Attention to detail.
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English and Hindi (and/or other regional languages such as Punjabi, Marathi, Tamil)

Note on Work Authorizations:

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.

How to Apply

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select Research Associate – Math Games Scale-up- J-PAL South Asia and include resume, cover letter, transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Note that applications with incomplete submissions will not be considered.

You are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application. Given the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.