Research Intern – Market Math – Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) J-PAL

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) J-PAL was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL is propelled by a team dedicated to research, policy, training, and other vital work, supporting J-PAL’s mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

J-PAL South Asia, the regional office which is based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and that programs proven effective are scaled up. We have a growing number of partnerships in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

For more information on J-PAL SA, please see http://www.povertyactionlab.org/south-asia.

The Policy team at J-PAL South Asia (J-PAL SA) disseminates findings of J-PAL’s research; develops relationships with governments, civil society, and academic stakeholders; catalyzes scale-ups and replications of effective projects; and assists in conceptualizing new research projects. The team works closely with the global J-PAL office based at MIT to align the regional strategy with broader organizational objectives.

Country: India

Project: Market Math

Start Date (earliest): ASAP

Base Location: Delhi, India

Length of Commitment: 1 month

Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s

Organization: J-PAL South Asia at IFMR

Language requirement: Hindi

Project Description:

The project is aimed at collecting data on children working in Delhi markets. This survey involves understanding children’s ability to perform abstract arithmetic operations breaks down.

This is an excellent opportunity to obtain a strong understanding of research surveys, data collection, monitoring and. The project involves closely working with both the RA and field team within J-PAL SA.

Research Intern Roles and Responsibilities:

The intern will work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

• Assisting in preparing training material and surveying instruments.
• Support the training of selected surveyors and supervisors
• Assist in the piloting of survey instruments, implementation package and survey materials – provide support for remote and in-person data collection and monitoring
• Supervise field-based and data operations teams consisting of field-based surveyors, data entry operators and other field and office staff.
• Overseeing the implementation of the survey in accordance with the survey research design.
• Monitoring survey implementation and data collection processes.
• Reporting to RA and team members on all of the above-mentioned activities.
• Responsible for general project documentation.
• Maintain compliance with all J-PAL protocols and policies.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

● Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in education, economics, applied psychology, or related fields.

● Experience 0-1 year, experience working in cognitive science/education sector preferred.

● Experience teaching in schools and or working with teachers is preferred

● Experience doing field data collection is a plus

● Familiarity with surveyCTO

● Excellent management/organisational skills and ability to solve unexpected problems.

● Flexible, self-motivating, independent and manages multiple tasks efficiently.

● Ability to deal with unstructured and changing environments.

● Attention to detail.

● Fluency and excellent communication skills in English and Hindi

Note on Work Authorizations: Candidates must have work authorisation to work in India.