Data Intern, Capacity Accelerator Network- 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 over 750 affiliated researchers at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL was launched at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2003 and has 7 regional offices around the world. J-PAL South Asia, hosted by the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Chennai, and has built partnerships for the generation of new research and advancement of evidence-informed policymaking with 20 Indian state and central government ministries, as well as training partnerships with the governments of Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

For more information, visit povertyactionlab.org/south-asia

Start Date (Earliest): 18 September 2023

Length of Commitment:  Less than one year

Number of Positions: 3

Language Requirement: English/Hindi

Joining Location: Remote/ Onsite

Name of the Project: Capacity Accelerator Network (CAN)

Sector: Health/Climate/Environment

About the Project

The India Climate and Health Data Capacity Accelerator is a collaboration between J-PAL South Asia and data.org. The Accelerator aims to create a sustainable and scalable model to strengthen the data capacity of the social sector in India by providing social impact professionals and organizations with the tools they need to catalyze the application of data to address systemic challenges. Trained data professionals will be placed on carefully selected data projects across a variety of social impact organizations addressing priority policy issues at the intersection of climate and health.

Position Overview

The Apprentice role in the India Climate and Health Data Capacity Accelerator offers a dynamic and immersive opportunity for aspiring data enthusiasts. As an Apprentice, you will be part of a transformative initiative that empowers individuals to create meaningful change in the fields of climate change and health. This 3-to-6 month program is designed to provide hands-on experience in data management while working closely with leading social sector organizations. Throughout the program, you will receive personalized and professional guidance from experienced mentors, fostering your growth as a data professional and enhancing your understanding of real-world challenges. We encourage candidates with a passion for social impact and a commitment to making a positive difference in the community to seize this opportunity and join us in our journey towards data-driven impact.

Key Responsibilities

The Data Apprentice will work closely with the project team to perform a variety tasks including, but not limited to-

• Data management for multiple small and large-scale datasets in health, energy, environment and/or climate change.
• Processing and analysis: Support in cleaning and analyzing data using statistical softwares/languages like R, Python or STATA.
• Documentation: Systematically documenting and updating the metadata i.e. context and contents of each accessed dataset.
• Visualization and reporting: Support in visualizing data in a meaningful manner and contributing to external presentations, briefs and reports.
• Research and writing: Conducting desk research on various topics and programs, or assisting with writing tasks.

Key Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a quantitative field
• Experience with importing, transforming, and maintaining datasets (either in an academic or professional setting)
• Excellent skills in data wrangling using R/Python (desired) or Stata
• Good knowledge of data visualization principles and best practices
• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
• Good verbal, written and presentation skills

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Previous knowledge or interest in global development and poverty alleviation
• Familiarity working with datasets in the social sector, either academically or professionally

Work Authorization

Candidates must have authorization to work in India

How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and interest in climate and health data projects. If you are interested in this position, please click on the apply button on the JD here; the first-time users will be asked to sign up and upload your CV, cover letter, and academic transcripts (optional). For any queries, please write to recruitment.jpalsa@ifmr.ac.in.