Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Research Associate Job Vacancy in Kampala, Uganda | - 2015

Reports to: Research Manager
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Deadline to apply: Applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis
Desired start date: March 2015

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA designs, rigorously evaluates, and refines these solutions and their applications together with decision-makers to ensure that the evidence created is used to improve opportunities for the world’s poor. Since our founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 350 leading academics to conduct over 450 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Innovations for Poverty Action seeks a qualified Research Associate to oversee the impact evaluation network effects in small, informal businesses that operate in the outskirts of Kampala via a randomized control trial methodology. The study aims at understanding the knowledge transfer and information sharing within small businesses networks, identifying and comparing transfers of observable technical skills with spillovers of unobservable business /financial management knowledge. For this purpose, the project evaluates a technical and business skills training program among around 700 workshop owners and their workers implemented with the support of the World Bank and the Ugandan Government The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. The position is located in Kampala, and is implemented in collaboration with the World Bank with Bilal Zia, from the World Bank Finance and Private Sector Development Unit, as principal investigator.Responsibilities:Coordinating and supervising all data collection activities
Formulating plans to operationalize field activities suggested by Principal Investigators
Working closely with the principal investigator and the local partners running the program to ensure study protocols are followed.
Developing and piloting survey instruments
Hiring, training, and managing teams of local enumerators that will conduct data collection among business owners, workers, and household members
Planning, organizing and reporting on surveys in the field
Managing the project data from collection to cleaned datasets
Tracking expenses and adhering to the project budget
Writing regular progress reports
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:Bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields; a Master’s degree in any of these fields is a strong plus
Training in economics and statistics
Excellent management and organizational skills
Demonstrated proficiency in Stata and experience with data management, data cleaning, and regression analysis is a most
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments simultaneously with minimal supervision
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Fluency in English is required
Experience conducting field research in a developing country is strongly preferred. Previous experience with impact evaluations and/or randomized controlled trials is a strong plus
Application Instructions:Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application . Please select the position(s) you are interested in applying for on the ‘Submit Application’ page. Include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts. We will consider your application even if you are unable to obtain reference letters before the deadline, but please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.

Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class.

IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-203-772-2216.

IPA will never require monetary compensation as part of its application process. Any requests for monetary compensation by persons claiming to be IPA employees or persons claiming to represent IPA should be disregarded and reported to IPA.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the Research Associate. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org.