Senior 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. 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 collaborating with the Ministry of Jal Shakti and other collaborators to identify and test safe water solutions that could be deployed at scale. Our estimates suggest that safe water solutions could save the lives of up to 136,000 children annually in India. Position Description
The Trust and DIL-India are seeking full-time Senior Research Managers to support the development of economics research projects in India in collaboration with Michael Kremer and other researchers. The (Senior) Research Managers will initially contribute to DIL-India’s water and education projects and may support other projects in DIL-India’s fast-growing research portfolio. Responsibilities
Manage research and data collection activities for DIL-India projects.Conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design.Build research work programs and track progress.Manage DIL-India research staff including Senior Research Professionals, Senior Research Associates, and Research Managers; onboard and train new DIL-India staff as needed.Handle research project implementation including new proposal development, contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with research needs.Work closely with the Chief Program Officer, 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.Lead communications with DIL-India partners including state governments and central government ministries; write proposals and other research outputs.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Master’s Degree in economics, public policy, or related fieldGraduate-level training in economics and econometrics
Experience:
Minimum of 4 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.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.Knowledge of the Indian education system or the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors (Preferred)Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.Fluent in English both orally and in writingFluency in Hindi
Working Conditions
Based in or near project locations with regular travel to state capitals and Delhi.Possible travel to the United States.Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across India as per the requirement of their assignment(s).
Applicant must be legally authorized to work in IndiaApplication Documents
Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)References Contact Information (3 required)
The anticipated start date for this position is July 2024. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.