Our affiliated professors are based at over 120 universities and conduct randomized evaluations around the world to design, evaluate, and improve programs and policies aimed at reducing poverty. They set their own research agendas, raise funds to support their evaluations, and work with J-PAL staff on research, policy outreach, and training.
Research Associate - UM6P-J-PAL Agriculture Lab for Africa (UJALA)
Organization: Location:
Morocco
Start Date (Earliest): 1 January 2025 Research Associate - UM6P-J-PAL Agriculture Lab for Africa (UJALA)
Organization:
Location: Rabat, Morocco
Start Date (Earliest): December 2024
Title: Research Associate
Employer: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P)
Length of Commitment: Indeterminate
Education: Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Agriculture Resource Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field
I-Job Summary
UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA) is looking to hire a Research Associate to support the implementation of an impact evaluation conducted by a team of international researchers in partnership with OCP Africa. This position will be based in our offices at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic campus in Rabat.
The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the design and implementation of impact evaluations as well as data collection, management, and analysis, in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research.
About UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA)
J-PAL and UM6P are partnering to form the UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA). UJALA funds research to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies and practices designed to increase small-scale farmers’ food security, productivity, and profitability. UJALA aims to answer critical questions related to designing and delivering effective food and agricultural subsidies, assessing the value of fertilizer customization to crop needs and soil nutrients, reducing low-income households’ reliance on imported food, alleviating farmers’ constraints to adopting and maintaining new agricultural technologies and practices, and connecting farmers to markets that sell at competitive prices.
About UM6P
University Mohammed VI Polytechnic () is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa. UM6P is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. This enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, using a unique partnership-based approach, and boost skills training relevant for the future of Africa.
About J-PAL
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab () is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of over 200 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.
J-PAL values diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your drive and desire to work at J-PAL. (This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you.)
For more information on J-PAL Global's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion visit this .
II- Key Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Senior Research Associate, the Research Associate is responsible for the follow-up of the project and its successful implementation in the field, which includes:
Propose and, as appropriate, implement innovations in the different stages of a project in coordination with Principal Investigators Maintain and grow effective relationships with partner organizations Oversee and lead the field research activities, including the implementation of the evaluation, according to the research design in coordination with partners Liaising with field staff running the evaluations and collaborating with them including travel to research field sites Conduct background research in conjunction with field research activities Designing survey questionnaires, conducting qualitative research, refining study design and surveying instruments Supervise in person or phone data collection and ensure the good quality of the data Assist with the preparation of administrative databases Assist with data cleaning and preliminary data analysis Any other work assigned by Principal Investigators He/she will also be responsible for ensuring good communication and organization on a daily basis: Facilitate, strengthen and maintain effective and efficient communication as the primary contact point with Principal Investigators. Provide periodic updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts Participate in the planning and design of any outreach activities Ensure that project activities are on schedule and prepare project update reports according to agreements with funders and partners
III-Qualifications and Skills
A Master's Degree in economics, public policy, math, statistics or related technical fields including training in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, and advanced mathematics Graduate-level coursework in economics is a plus Up to 2 years of relevant and substantial work experience Previous experience in development research preferred Very strong quantitative, organizational, and communication skills are necessary Fluency in French and English Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations Prior experience working with large data sets and programming in Stata, SAS, R or other statistical programs is necessary. Familiarity with randomized controlled trials is a strong plus.
How to Apply
How to Apply
Applications are due on November 30, 2024 at 11:59 PM GMT+1. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Late applications will not be considered.
To apply, all candidates must submit a . The form will ask you questions about your qualifications. Please answer all questions marked required.
You will also be asked to submit as a single, combined PDF through this form-
Cover letter (outlining why you are interested in UJALA and why you are qualified for this role) Resume/CV Transcripts (unofficial academic transcripts accepted)
Note: Incomplete applications will not be considered; please be sure to include all three components (cover letter, resume, transcripts) in a single PDF in the Google Form. If you are applying for more than one role, please complete one form submission for each role. Should you fit the profile for another role for which we are recruiting based on your experience and education, we will discuss this with you during the interview process.
If you experience technical difficulties preventing you from applying, please email for assistance. All other questions regarding UJALA and the open positions should be shared with the hiring team via the Google Form.
Process after applying
The recruitment process can last 3 months from when the posting closes. Short-listed applicants will first be asked to complete a technical exercise, and then a series of interviews.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not be able to follow up individually with all applicants.
