Job Title:  Field Research Associate (Fresher Jobs)

Organisation: Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

About Organisation:

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology aimed to reducing poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by rigorous, scientific evidence. J-PAL funds, provides technical support to, and disseminates the results of randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of social interventions in health, education, agriculture, and a range of other fields.

Job Summary:   We are looking for qualified applications for positions as Field Research Associates to support a study on high-growth firms/entrepreneurs in Uganda. The Associates’ work arrangement will be flexible and depend upon the project’s needs, but most of the activity will take place in Kampala. The Research Associates will work very closely with and report daily to the Principal Investigator (PI) of the project, namely Emanuele Colonnelli (Professor of Finance and Entrepreneurship, Chicago Booth), the broader research team based primarily in Chicago, as well as government and private sector partners, including local and international investors.

We expect the work to be excellent preparation for a PhD in an economics department, business school, or public policy school, or a career in international organizations. Individuals with a general interest in shaping policy and private sector development in developing countries are also encouraged to apply.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:   Under the close supervision of the PI, the Research Associate will undertake several tasks, such as:

• Manage the implementation of new and ongoing RCTs, including visits to medium-sized firms and regular communication with consultants and investors
• Assist in field data collection with local partners
• Facilitate communication between the research team and relevant government and private sector agencies
• Write drafts of policy reports
• More detailed expected deliverables will be communicated on a weekly basis.

• A Bachelor’s or (ideally) Master’s degree in Economics or related fields. Knowledge of finance and accounting is a plus.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience living in Sub-Saharan Africa is a plus.
• Interest in applying for a PhD is a plus.

Successful Candidates Will

• Have a scrappy, start-up mentality, doing what it takes to get the job done.
• Be proactive about asking for help and guidance when needed, but move with urgency and focus to achieve project milestones and goals.
• Have a natural curiosity as to how businesses start, grow, and operate around the world.
• Be able to manage high-level relationships with government and private sector organizations.

If You Are Interested, Please Submit a Copy Of Your CV and Unofficial Transcript To The Email Addresses Below. Please include In The Email a Few Lines On Why You Are Interested In The Project, When You Can Start, And The Ideal Duration Of The Internship. Email All Following Contacts (addressing Olivia), With Subject “Uganda Field Research Associate Application”

Send Emails to: Olivia.Xiong@chicagobooth.edu and copy John.Melling@chicagobooth.edu