Research Associate - Inclusion Economics Nepal at Governance Lab - J-PAL South Asia

Job Description

Inclusion Economics Nepal is an initiative affiliated with Inclusion Economics at Yale University, founded and based out of the Yale Economic Growth Center and MacMillan Center. Inclusion Economics Nepal is based at, and accountable to, Nepal’s Governance Lab (https://www.govlab.com.np/) at the Daayitwa Abhiyaan. Inclusion Economics Nepal collaborates with researchers at the Inclusion Economics at Yale University (YIE) team and the London School of Economics (LSE) to enable inclusive economies and societies through research and policy engagement.

Drawing insights from economics, political science, and related fields, Inclusion Economics research focuses on a set of linked activities:

• Innovative data collection to identify who is failing to access resources they need, and the invisible social and power structures that constrain opportunity.
• High-quality research to understand how to promote and sustain inclusive and accountable institutions.
• Close engagement with stakeholders ranging from government officials and local researchers to marginalized individuals to ensure research addresses policy-relevant questions and provides timely insights.
• Communication of data-driven insights to shape narratives and understanding on inclusion.
  
  

The Role

We are looking for a full-time Research Associate who will (a) work closely with a research team based at top international universities to develop study protocols (b) collaborate with on-ground policy partners to execute the study and collect monitoring data; and (c) collect, clean and analyse data from large-scale field surveys in our study sample. The Research Associate will be based in Kathmandu, with occasional travel to study field sites. This position requires a self-starting candidate, who enjoys working on cutting edge research that informs policy. The candidate will have a unique opportunity to drive efforts to ensure that government policy priorities inform research agenda and vice versa. The candidate will also conduct in-depth interviews and scoping activities, engage with government stakeholders, manage field activities and coordinate field staff for the execution of primary data collection activities. She/he will support high-quality cleaning and rigorous analysis of both primary and secondary data, and work with a team of leading economists and public policy experts from top universities across the world. It is an excellent opportunity for someone interested in a career in academic research to work closely with a Principal Investigator team that includes Rohini Pande (Yale University), Michael Callen (London School of Economics), Noam Yuchtman (London School of Economics), Jonathan L. Weigel (UC Berkeley Haas School of Business), Soledad Artiz Prillaman (Stanford University), Stefano Fiorin (Bocconi University), and Prabin Khadka (University of Essex).

Responsibilities

In collaboration with the research and senior project teams, the Research Associate will be required to:

• Conduct data cleaning and analysis of multiple primary and secondary data sources.
• Seek out and collect administrative data from partners and government agencies.
• Assist in the design and field-testing of scoping and survey instruments.
• Support the day-to-day implementation of field-based research including scoping, surveying,field staff recruitment, training & supervision.
• Support with writing research outputs such as policy briefs, research articles, etc.
• Review and report on academic literature of requested topics in support of concept notes, policy briefs and research projects.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with officials at all three spheres of government, policy and program partners in academia, civil society etc., as requested.
• Others, as required
  
  

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with experience in data-based research, preferably in economics, political economy, political science, or a related field.
• Strong interest in public policy and economic development in low-income countries.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in Nepali and English languages.
• Proficiency in Stata and/or other statistical tools and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Mature, self-directed individual with ability to balance multiple tasks and prioritize effectively to meet deadlines in a fast-paced working environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly and frequently to other parts of the country.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with data-based research in Stata and/or other statistical tools is highly desired.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to engage with partners at various levels.
• Additional local language skills (apart from English and Nepali).
• Field experience and administering surveys will be an added advantage.
• Prior experience with external stakeholder engagement such as government, donors, development agencies, and/or political parties.
  
  

What We Offer

• A dynamic and engaging environment within our office in Kathmandu, with our India based partner, and with internationally acclaimed researchers.
• A competitive salary by local standards.
• Regular travel within Nepal.
  
  

Additional Information

Compensation: Governance Lab will provide compensation on a monthly rate basis. The rate will be mutually agreed upon, commensurate with the level of the required deliverables, the qualifications and experience of the candidate.