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 agriculture, water, or educational programs, research programs, and activities for the betterment of India.
About 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.
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 research projects and may also support DIL-India’s policy-engagement efforts.
Responsibilities
Work closely with the Lead Researchers, and Policy Managers to cultivate and sustain high-level research relationships with collaborators including governments, non-profit organizations, and donors; develop new collaborations for the organization.
With input from the Assistant Director and other collaborators, coordinate DIL’s policy engagement and scale efforts in the state of Odisha and beyond
Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design or policy recommendations.
Develop research work plans, tracking milestones and deliverables across multiple projects.
Administer research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects.
Provide guidance and direction to DIL-India research staff including Predoctoral Associates, (Senior) Research Associates or Policy Associates.
Onboard and train new DIL-India staff on current research projects, UCT policies, DIL-India activities and policies.
Responsible for end-to-end implementation of research projects —including new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs and other project operations—while providing oversight and 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 3 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 conducting research and managing research teams.
Experience engaging with government(s) in India.
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, Public health, WASH or Education and EdTech is preferred.
Fluent in English both orally and in writing.
As the position is based in Bhubaneswar, proficiency in Odia is strongly preferred.
Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Working Conditions
Based in Bhubaneswar with travel to project locations and state capitals (as necessary)
Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across India as per the requirements of their assignment(s).
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in India.
Location
Bhubaneswar
Application Documents
Resume
Cover Letter
Three References