Project Associate- Emissions Trading Scheme- J-PAL South Asia

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of 194 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL South Asia, based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research in India, leads J-PAL’s work in the South Asia region.

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) seeks qualified applicants for the position of Project Associate for projects on agriculture, education, environment, finance, health, labor, and governance in locations around the world. The projects study a variety of topics within the previously listed fields. The positions offer an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research.

Education: Bachelor’s Master’s
Start Date (Earliest): 1 November 2022
Language Requirement: English, Gujarati
Length of Commitment: Less than one year

Project Description:

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) project is a collaborative exercise between the Central Pollution Control Board, Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, State Pollution Control Boards of Gujarat, J-PAL South Asia at IFMR and EPIC-India to implement and evaluate a pilot ETS for particulate matter in India. The project uses Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) devices to measure and track PM concentration in industrial air pollution.

The position offers an opportunity to 

• gain direct industrial exposure, including field operations and interaction with Centre and State govt. officials, as well as Industry and Firm Personnel, get a first-hand chance to participate in research, with in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development and environmental research.
• work within a project bringing an innovative and exciting solution to industrial air pollution.

This research team is headed by Prof. Michael Greenstone (UChicago), Prof. Rohini Pande (Kennedy School of Government, Harvard), Dr. Nicholas Ryan (Yale University), and Dr. Anant Sudarshan (Executive Director, EPIC).

Project Associate Roles and Responsibilities:

The Project Associate will be hired as our Technical and Administrative Lead at a district/cluster level, and will work closely with the Research Associates and project field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Designing and conducting quality assessment protocols and field visits in relation to industrial air pollution measurement and pollution mitigation, procedures and devices
• Supervising all technical aspects: train and supervise both field-based and data operations team consisting of project consultants, field-based surveyors, data entry operators and other office staff
• Assisting with the implementation of field and project activities in association with our partner organizations
• Maintaining relationships with partner organizations at all field levels
• Producing tracking sheets to monitor industry activity and ensure procedural accuracy within teams and partner organisations
• Assisting with data analysis, and preparation of documents for dissemination
• Reporting to Research Associates and Manager on all of the above mentioned activities

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Environmental or similar field within Engineering
• Strong technical background and ability to effectively understand different industry-related processes
• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills
• Familiarity with industrial machinery, electronic monitoring devices, and industrial pollution guidelines will be favoured
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player
• Willingness to live in Gujarat (Ahmedabad) and travel extensively to field locations
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in Hindi

Desired:

• Master’s Degree in Mechanical/Electrical or Environmental Engineering or related fields
• Prior experience within industrial or environmental related fields
• Demonstrated experience with industry production processes, air pollution mitigation, and measurement devices
• Ability to move to Ahmedabad, Gujarat at the earliest date possible
• Initiative to contribute and learn, and ideate new solutions in a dynamic team environment
• Ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations
• Excellent Technical and Management Skills
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in Gujarati
• We are looking for a minimum commitment period of 6 months for this position. Shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.

Note on Work Authorizations:

Candidates must have work authorization to work in India. This covers citizens of India, Nepal or Bhutan, Persons of Indian origin (PIO), and an Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

How to Apply

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select  Project Associate- Emissions Trading Scheme- J-PAL South Asia and include resume, cover letter, transcripts, and two recommendation letters. Note that applications with incomplete submissions will not be considered.

You are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application. Given the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.