Policy and Research Manager

About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by an 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)

DIL-India, based at the Trust in India, is dedicated to using the tools of economics to benefit millions of people. We work across sectors like health, education, agriculture, climate change, road safety, and others. We do so by collaborating with government agencies, firms, and non-profits in India to identify, test, and scale evidence-based solutions. 

DIL-India has a fast-growing portfolio of policy relevant research. For example, DIL-India is working closely with the Government of Andhra Pradesh to evaluate the impact of its personalized adaptive learning program at scale.

Position Description The Trust and DIL-India are seeking a full-time Policy and Research Manager to support the development of economics research and policy projects in India in collaboration with Michael Kremer and other researchers. The Policy and Research Manager will contribute to DIL-India’s policy-engagement efforts and research projects.

Responsibilities

  • Work closely with the Executive Director, Lead Researchers, and other staff members to build and sustain high-level research relationships with collaborators including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors in order to meet project aims. As projects require, this role may support new collaborations for the organization.
  • With input from the Executive Director and other collaborators, coordinate DIL’s policy engagement and conduct outreach to key project stakeholders in the state of Odisha and multiple other states
  • Develop research or policy engagement work plans, tracking milestones and deliverables across multiple research projects within the weather portfolio. 
  • Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design or policy recommendations.
  • Administer research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects. 
  • Provide policy and research project guidance and direction to DIL-India research staff including Predoctoral Associates, (Senior) Research Associates or Policy Associates
  • Onboard and train new DIL-India project staff on current research projects, UCT program team policies, DIL-India activities and policies. 
  • Responsible for end-to-end implementation of research projects —including proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs and other project operations—while providing project guidance to junior research and operations staff.
  • Serve as the primary liaison to other departments at the University of Chicago Trust including those handling program administration.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:

  • Master’s degree in economics, public policy, or related field
  • Graduate-level training in economics and econometrics

Experience:

  • Minimum of 5-7  years of experience, which can be a combination of graduate education and work experience.

Competencies

  • Knowledge of and experience with fieldwork in developing countries. 
  • Experience engaging with government(s) in India. 
  • Experience conducting research and managing research teams.
  • 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.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Practiced running randomized evaluations.
  • Experience or familiarity with development research themes in Agriculture, climate services and adaptation is preferred.  
  • Fluent in English both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Working Conditions

  • Based in either Delhi or Hyderabad – this role may require extensive travel, with travel to other states and project sites as per project and program requirements.
    
Applicant must be legally authorized to work in India

Application Documents

  • Resume/CV (required)
  • Cover Letter (required)
  • Professional References’ Contact Information (3 required)

Apply Online