Research and Policy Manager at the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of 261 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research and Policy Manager - J-PAL Africa

Location: Nigeria
Length of Commitment: Two years
Employment Type: Full-time

Job Description

• J-PAL Africa is looking for a strategic and passionate Policy and Research Manager to support our work of promoting evidence use by governments in Africa. The position will be part of the J-PAL Africa team, the Africa hub of J-PAL Global, which is located in the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) in the University of Cape Town, School of Economics.
• The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global network of academics who specialise in conducting randomised evaluations of social policies/programmes to generate scientific evidence about what works in the fight against poverty. J-PAL’s policy and communications group builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and effective programmes are scaled up.
• The Policy and Research Manager role will require someone who can manage all the research and learning components of our projects piloting and scaling-up programmes with governments. Depending on the stage and needs of projects, these activities may include running small-scale qualitative surveys, large needs assessments, setting up process monitoring systems, analysing administrative data, etc.
• This is an exciting opportunity to be at the centre and in the detail of the process of translating evidence to public action, and to use a full range of evaluation and survey techniques to best meet project requirements.   

Responsibilities

• Iterate with project teams (usually composed of government and implementing partners, J-PAL affiliated professors, J-PAL Africa policy team) to define research questions and understand project needs
• Advise on appropriate research methods to investigate identified questions, and design research plan based on project constraints (budget, geography, timings)
• Project manage research activities including contracting necessary survey firms, managing budgets, and coordinating data collection activities
• Work with partners and team members (research associates, survey firms or other) to deliver high quality data collection and analysis, including: Reviewing and providing feedback on data collection instruments, e.g. reviewing surveys and indicators, checking accuracy and suitability of administrative data indicators; Implementing all necessary controls and checks, e.g. testing for bias and making decisions on data cleaning protocols; Ensuring the highest ethical standards are met, e.g. consent from survey participants, data security for personal information
• Package results in appropriate outputs for projects teams, be it one-off reports or dynamic, frequently updated dashboards
• Recruit and manage Research Associates
• Build and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including government partners, J-PAL affiliated professors, implementing partners and survey firms

Minimum Requirements

• A Master’s Degree in Public Policy or Economics or another similar Social Science including graduate level courses in Econometrics / Statistics, Microeconomics and Development Economics
• 3-5 years of relevant work experience, including managing research or evaluation projects in sub-Saharan Africa that involved survey design.
• Experience with different research methods, ranging from needs/demands assessments to process monitoring and impact evaluations.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse rigorous quantitative research, including competency in at least one statistical package (Stata, R, SPSS, SAS or equivalent)
• Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English, particularly the ability to communicate technical research to policymakers in a non-technical manner
• Demonstrated leadership and programme management experience, including budget management, hiring, training, and management of staff
• Proven ability to handle multiple diverse assignments at one time, successfully complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines while conducting high-quality work
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally frequently. Most travel will be in sub-Saharan Africa and in addition to between cities in South Africa
• Flexibility to support policy outreach, scoping research, and training events
• Strong skills in Excel, Word and Powerpoint Highly advantageous:
• Experience with randomised evaluations, particularly field experience running randomised evaluations of social policies/programmes and policy experience interpreting and sharing policy lessons from randomised evaluations.
• French language ability Relevant profiles: This position may be relevant, but not exclusively, to the following profiles.
• Experienced Design, Monitoring & Evaluation professionals willing to expand their expertise in randomized evaluations and their use for policymaking
• Researcher looking to work more closely with policymakers on programme design and implementation challenges

Application Closing Date
31st October, 2021.