The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by 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 Trust collaborates closely with the Development Innovation Lab (DIL), a new initiative led by Nobel laureate Professor Michael Kremer at the University of Chicago. DIL researchers use tools from economics to develop and test innovations that improve lives in developing countries. From a chlorine dispenser based on the insights of behavioral economics, to the financing of Covid-19 vaccines, DIL works with governments, firms and nonprofits and private firms to advance knowledge and generate practical solutions to development challenges.
Position Description
The Trust is looking to hire a Senior Policy Associate to work in collaboration with DIL and the Government of Gujarat to address key policy challenges using evidence-based research. Reporting to the Executive Director of the Trust, the main duties of the Senior Policy Associate will involve stakeholder engagement, evaluation support, project management, policy writing and outreach, and capacity building. We are looking for candidates with an understanding of impact evaluation, economics and statistics, social policy, public administration, and program implementation. Candidates are expected to be equipped with excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, and strong project management skills. Candidates should also take ownership of their work independently and collaborate effectively with others.
This is a full-time position for one-year with possibility for renewal. It is located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Applicants must be willing to travel frequently to remote areas in Gujarat.
Job Details
- Support engagements with government officials, policy practitioners, and researchers working on the partnership.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners in the Government of Gujarat, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
- Explore policies and programs that might benefit from and be well-suited for rigorous evaluation. This includes information gathering from field visits and desk research.
- Share feasibility assessments and initial analyses with policymakers and researchers through in-person meetings, memos, and phone calls.
- Support study design. This includes refining the program’s theory of change; identifying constraints and potential threats to the integrity of the study; and providing deep local context and cultural sensitivity to the project design.
- Support the implementation and potential scale-up of projects. This includes the execution of piloting, roll-out, and data collection plans.
- Prepare reports on project progress. Flag potential problems such as delays, overspending, data quality issues, or threats to validity; and recommend solutions to the problems.
- Manage processes for establishing and executing research projects. This includes managing the development of proposals; maintaining funding initiative records and tracking compliance with donor requirements; and organizing policy outreach webinars and events and engaging with stakeholders.
- Draft publications and presentations that summarize and synthesize the policy implications of key research results.
- Create guides, documents, and presentations on research processes and methods that can serve as resources for policymakers and implementing partners.
Qualifications
- A master’s degree in economics, public policy or administration, or a closely related field.
- At least four years of relevant experience.
- Strong quantitative, analytical, and financial management skills required.
- Experience interacting with government officials, non-governmental organizations, and other key stakeholders in a developing country context.
- Experience with presenting research findings at public forums, including non-research focused audiences.
- A strong track record of managing programs, particularly in a matrixed environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Complete fluency in English.
Preferred Qualifications
- Complete fluency in Gujarati.
- Experience interacting with non-profit organizations and government officials in Gujarat.
- Strong knowledge of the social and cultural context in Gujarat.
- Background in randomized controlled trials.
Behavioral Requirements
- Ability to apply sound judgment to accomplish project goals through instated practices, procedures, and policies while delivering on our mission.
- Ability to demonstrate leadership of local or virtual teams with natural authority.
- Ability to drive and adapt to change, particularly in the face of uncertainty.
- Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Application Instructions
Please submit your application through this link. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.