The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and partner organizations currently have dozens of job opportunities available globally with more positions likely to become available by summer 2016. J-PAL’s recruitment drive is an excellent opportunity to join us and our work to alleviate poverty. J-PAL is a network of over 100 affiliated professors around the world who use randomized evaluations to answer questions critical to poverty alleviation. Started at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA, J-PAL also has six regional offices in Africa (South Africa), Europe (France), Latin America and the Caribbean (Chile), North America (USA), South Asia (India), and Southeast Asia (Indonesia). J-PAL affiliated professors employ research staff through their primary university and through organizations like J-PAL, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), IFMR Lead, Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD), Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), and Crime Lab. Most positions posted during the recruitment drive require candidates to apply online via the J-PAL/IPA Common Application.
Job Opportunities
Most positions are based outside of the US, but some positions are available at J-PAL in Cambridge, MA, at IPA in New Haven, CT, or at affiliates’ home institutions. Positions are full-time and most require a commitment of at least one year. In addition to the specific positions that J-PAL is hiring for, we are looking to fill positions in two general job categories:
Field Research Associate: J-PAL Regional Offices, IPA Country Offices, and partner organization offices in other countries
Data Research Associate: Universities, IPA HQ, and potentially a few international locations
Candidates applying to these positions must be open to various project types and geographic locations.
J-PAL and our partner organizations have openings for specific projects, for positions such as Research Associates and Program Managers. J-PAL’s Policy Group will also be recruiting new Associates and Managers. For a complete list of positions in Research, Policy, Training, and Finance and Administration, please search here. More detailed descriptions of our position types may be found here.
Complete the J-PAL/IPA Common Application, selecting the positions for which you are eligible and would like to be considered. For most positions, you’ll need to submit at least a transcript, 2-3 letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (cover letter), and a CV (resume) by January 8, 2016. It’s important to review the job description carefully, since some positions include additional application steps (usually sending a CV and cover letter to the specific hiring manager). All job descriptions can be found on J-PAL’s Jobs Page.
Selection Process
Submitting your application during the 2015-16 Winter Recruitment Drive (Now – January 8th) gives you the best chance of being viewed by researchers and hiring managers seeking to fill positions beginning in the summer of 2016. Applicants who pre-qualify for a position will be contacted for interviews and for further information starting in February. Given the volume of applications we receive, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted, and we are unable to provide feedback on specific applications.
In addition to the recruitment drive, J-PAL hires on an ongoing basis throughout the year to fill staff positions. Applicants who are interested in immediate openings should consult J-PAL’s website for current vacancies and application instructions.
For answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to our FAQ page.