Research Manager - Empowering Migrant Workers to Access Quality Overseas Placement Services, Indonesia

J-PAL Southeast Asia, based at the Institute for Economic and Social Research at the University of Indonesia (LPEM) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Research Manager (RM) to establish a new project in Indonesia that studies the role that information plays in international migration decisions.  This position will involve conducting both qualitative and quantitative pilot research to inform the content of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) designed to test whether giving potential migrants information about migration service providers improves migration outcomes. The RM will be responsible for coordinating the pilot research effort and will also play a central role in analyzing and writing up the results, as well as translating the results into the design of the RCT. The position will also require networking with Indonesian government officials, NGOs, and CSOs.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): 
Strong Scientific Participation and Oversight:

• Coordinate and lead field research activities, including to rural locations.
• Facilitate, strengthen and maintain effective and efficient communication as the primary contact point with Principal Investigators (PIs).
• Propose to and, as appropriate, implement innovations in the different stages of a project in coordination with PIs.
• Network with other stakeholders working in the area of international migration to ensure the project is informed by the latest evidence base and best practices.
• Ensure that project activities are on schedule and prepare project update reports according to agreements with funders and partners.
• Conduct background research to conjunction with field research activities.
• Work with PIs to translate research findings into interventions to be included in a forthcoming full-scale RCT.

Budget Management:

• Plan expenditures to fulfill project obligations within timelines set by funders; update as project design and/or local conditions evolve.
• Work with J-PAL's administration officer to keep detailed accounts of all project activities, including monitoring expenses in the field and summarizing current expenditures and forecasting expected expenditures on a quarterly basis.

Reporting and Communication:

• Facilitate and participate in regular communication among field team and between PIs and field teams as appropriate. 
• Provide periodic updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts.
• Participate in the planning and design of any outreach activities.
• Assist with preparation of summary reports and dissemination materials.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields. (Candidates with a bachelor's degree will be considered if they have significant prior experience managing field research in developing countries).
• Minimum 2 years of prior work experience in developing countries (not necessarily confined to development work). 
• Proven management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in English.
• Flexibility, self-motivation, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently as a team player in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Fluency in Indonesian (strongly preferred).
• Prior experience conducting qualitative field research.
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.
• Knowledge of Stata (strongly preferred), SAS, or other data analysis software.
• Significant training in and a strong technical understanding of economics and econometrics.
• Experience living and conducting field research in a developing country, ideally in South East Asia. 
• Attention to detail and advanced writing and presentation skills (clear, precise, creative) for communicating policy lessons from academic papers in ways that policymakers understand.
• Strong interest in international development policy and research as demonstrated by coursework and/or study or work abroad.

This position requires a minimum commitment of 6 months, but could be extended for an additional 1-2 years contingent on progress made towards the planned full-scale RCT.
How to Apply

1. Send an email to Héctor Salazar Salame at hsalazar@povertyactionlab.org, copying jobs@poverty-action.org and  jpalseajobs@povertyactionlab.org following these instructions exactly: In the subject line, put your full name, first (given) name  followed by last (family) name. Please attach your CV and a cover letter no longer than 600 words discussing how you meet the  aforementioned position requirements, emphasizing relevant skills and experience. In the email body, copy exactly the following  position line: 100995 Research Manager - Empowering Migrant Workers to Access Quality Overseas Placement Services.Please do not include any text besides the position line(s) in the body of the e-mail. Adding extra  text will interfere with the processing of your application.  
2. Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application indicating that you are interested in applying for a ""Type 3"" position. "