Job Opportunity for Research Policy Manager at J-PAL South Asia in Delhi or Bangalore, India

## Research Policy Manager – Every Child Counts – J-PAL South Asia

 

**About J-PAL South Asia**

 

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center dedicated to reducing poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, focuses on analyzing and disseminating research results and building partnerships with policymakers. They work to ensure that policy is driven by evidence and that programs proven effective are scaled up. 

 

**Project Description**

 

The Every Child Counts (or Math-Games) project, a key initiative under J-PAL South Asia’s ASPIRE (Alliance for Scaling Policy Impact through Research and Evidence) program, is being scaled up across Indian states. This innovative math curriculum aims to develop children’s intuitive concepts of numbers and geometry. Rigorously evaluated by J-PAL affiliated professors, including the 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences winner Prof. Esther Duflo, the program has demonstrated positive impacts on children’s math skills. 

 

**The Role**

 

J-PAL South Asia is looking for a Research Policy Manager to join their Every Child Counts team. The Research Policy Manager will play a crucial role in establishing and leading the project’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) roadmap. This will involve designing and implementing an M&E system for a multi-state project, creating M&E plans, and ensuring robust data collection, management, analysis, and knowledge transfer processes. 

 

**Key Responsibilities:**

 

* Establish and lead the M&E for Every Child Counts across different states.

* Develop and implement a comprehensive M&E framework aligned with the team’s strategic objectives.

* Create and institutionalize M&E policies, procedures, and guidelines.

* Build and lead a team of M&E professionals, providing mentorship and capacity building.

* Contribute towards designing and implementing M&E systems for program pilots and scale-ups.

* Develop M&E plans, including theories of change, logical frameworks, and performance monitoring plans.

* Design and manage data collection methodologies and tools to ensure data quality and reliability.

* Implement robust data management systems for data collection, storage, analysis, and reporting.

* Conduct process evaluations and set up effective data-based feedback loops.

* Conduct outcome assessments through baseline, midline, and endline surveys.

* Analyze data to measure program performance, outcomes, and impact.

* Generate reports and disseminate findings to internal and external stakeholders to inform decision-making.

* Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for programs.

* Conduct regular field visits and data verification activities to ensure program quality and compliance.

* Provide feedback and recommendations to program teams to improve performance.

* Engage with donors, partners, and other stakeholders to fulfill reporting requirements and share M&E findings.

* Prepare high-quality M&E reports and presentations.

* Represent the organization in meetings, conferences, and other events related to M&E.

* Manage the M&E budget and resources effectively.

* Oversee the procurement and use of M&E tools and technologies.

* Guide the research team in creating training modules for the program with a focus on M&E.

* Implement M&E capacity-building plans for external partners and stakeholders.

* Manage and mentor a team of Research Assistants.

* Lead internal cross-vertical sensitization efforts on the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up.

* Proactively participate in cross-vertical organizational initiatives.

 

**Desired Qualifications, Experience & Skills**

 

* Master’s degree in economics, public policy/international development, statistics, mathematics, or related fields. Strong coursework in economics is highly preferable.

* Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in M&E, with at least 2 years in a senior or managerial role.

* Proven experience in establishing and leading M&E functions within an organization.

* Strong knowledge of M&E methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative research methods.

* Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) and M&E tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, SurveyCTO).

* Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

* Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.

* Strong project management skills and attention to detail.

* Experience working with multilateral organizations or international development agencies is highly preferred.

* Extensive experience supervising data collection, teams of field workers, survey design and implementation, and data management.

* Background in randomized control trials is desirable.

* Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong skills for secondary research and documentation.

* Proven ability to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines while delivering high-quality outputs.

 

**Cultural Requirements**

 

* Apply judgment to initial or escalated consultations and/or reviews and have an enhanced understanding of key requirements to deliver on J-PAL’s mission.

* Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.

* Ability to “manage up” as well as “down” by working effectively with and mentoring associates with differing aptitudes, attitudes, and skills.

* Ability to drive and adapt to change, particularly in the face of uncertainty.

* Ability to work independently, problem-solve, and collaborate with other teams within the organization as needed.

* Ability to build consensus across the team, organization, and external partners, balancing the needs and priorities of different stakeholders.

* Leadership of local or virtual teams, demonstrating natural authority.

 

**Note on Work Authorizations**

 

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India.

 

**Location:** Delhi or Bangalore, India

 

**Start Date:** ASAP