Requirements:
A Masters in Public Policy or Economics or another similar social science including graduate level (Honours and up) courses in econometrics/ statistics, microeconomics or development economics
A minimum of two years relevant work experience
Demonstrated ability to conduct rigorous quantitative research
Strong skills in data cleaning and analysis or other programming including task automation using Stata and/or R and/or Python 3
Experience managing complex research projects
Demonstrated people management experience (including managing staff at multiple levels), ideally including managing a survey team in a developing country
Experience in managing relationships with multiple stakeholders from different institutions or departments
Experience writing and managing budgets Proven ability to handle multiple diverse assignments at one time, successfully complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines while conducting high-quality work
Advanced writing and oral presentation skills in English, particularly the ability to communicate technical research considerations to policymakers in a non-technical manner
Familiarity with Microsoft and Google Suite
Ability and willingness to learn new software/ programming technologies
Valid driver's license
Ability to travel regularly within South Africa, and occasionally overseas
Advantageous
Experience conducting field research in developing countries would be advantageous
Familiarity with data collection software like SurveyCTO and/or Qualtrics
Responsibilities include:
Project Management: managing J-PAL Africa's evaluations
Supervise several impact evaluations/research projects concurrently.
Planning and feedback with principal investigators in a timely manner.
Preparing budgets and financial reports for donors and project financial management
Manage all the steps of the implementation of each impact evaluation: project management, sampling, intervention monitoring, data collection, data cleaning and analysis
Hire, train and supervise the team working on each research project, including (Senior) Research
Associates, and less directly, Interns, Project Associates and field enumerators as appropriate.
Project Development: Working with prospective partners and academics to craft and fundraise for project ideas.
Relationship Management: Oversee communication and engagement with (potential) partner organizations and other stakeholders and funders
Support as a trainer of capacity building activities of J-PAL Africa: workshops, seminars, Evaluating Social
Programmes Executive Education courses, and staff training
Closing date: 18 February 2026