Research Associate/Senior Research Associate

Job Description

1. Background

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs). We provide guidance and support to produce impact evaluations and associated formative evaluations; systematic reviews and syntheses, evidence gap maps and support for using that evidence in decision-making and capacity development. Our work includes a wide range of topics, sectors and themes, including health, nutrition, education, agriculture, governance, microfinance, climate change, humanitarian interventions, and social protection. 3ie is registered as a non-governmental organization in the United States. 3ie has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.

We are hiring Research Associate/Senior Research Associate positions to support work on evidence synthesis projects such as systematic reviews and evidence gap maps. The position is open to candidates with the right to work in the UK, US or India.

2. Key Responsibilities

As a member of the team, the Research Associate (RA)/Senior Research Associate (SRA) will undertake the following tasks:

• Designing and conducting research, including but not limited to scoping reports, systematic reviews and evidence gap maps
• Developing strategies for a systematic search of the literature
• Screening titles and abstracts
• Critical appraisal of studies
• Extracting data from studies
• Evidence synthesis activities
• Leading (SRA) and supporting (RA) development of concept and methods papers
• Supporting data collection, data cleaning, and management
• Contributing to statistical, econometric and cost-effectiveness analysis
• Contributing to meta-analysis (SRA)
• Preparation of tables, graphs and figures

• Leading (SRA) and contributing (RA) significantly to the preparation and review of research proposals, research articles, and policy-friendly material, including briefs, executive summaries and blog posts.
• Presenting the findings clearly and concisely
• Writing up reports and manuscripts for publication
• Working with stakeholders throughout the project cycle
• Disseminating findings through oral presentation

• Supporting the organization through project/grant administration and management
• Preparing workplans, donor reports, invoices and budgets
• Assessing risk identification and mitigation strategies
• Create appropriate budget tracker and monitor expenses monthly to plan budget usage and address financial issues in coordination with the finance team
• Maintain project progress tracking tools, and ensure the grants and deliverables are completed on time, within budget

• As required contributing/leading (SRA) on funding proposals submitted to FCDO, USAID, MCC, development banks, foundations and other donors

The position includes opportunities for professional development, such as relevant courses or collaborative research with leading impact evaluation experts, generally conditional upon the research associate’s initiative in identifying such opportunities.

3. Qualifications, experience, and skills

3.1 Education and Work Experience

• Essential:
  • A master’s degree in social science, political science, economics, public health or equivalent subject
  • Two or more years of post-qualification relevant work experience
  • Firm understanding of development economics and international development issues
  • Good knowledge of quantitative methods, impact evaluation techniques, statistics and econometric methods
• Desirable:
  • Experience of working on systematic reviews or other syntheses
  • Experience in conducting or supporting impact evaluations of interventions in L&MICs
  • Experience with program design, program or grant management, budget development or financial analysis in international development
  • Experience contributing to the development of competitive proposals, concept papers and donor/partner relationships in the context of new business opportunities

3.2 Skills

• Excellent presentation, communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to write clearly for audiences who may not have a technical training in research and evaluation
• Demonstrable initiative and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Strong and demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word©, Excel© and PowerPoint©
• Demonstrable quantitative analysis skills using statistical software packages such as STATA, R or Python

4. Eligibility

We will recruit one or more individuals with the right to work in the UK, the US or India. 3ie is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equality and diversity. We do not discriminate based on sex, age, religion, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation or for being differently abled. We particularly encourage ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

5. Terms of Employment

Candidates should be available to start work as soon as possible after accepting an offer. 3ie offers competitive remuneration based on location, experience and qualifications.

Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

6. How to apply

Your application package must include the following*:

• A cover letter, highlighting your experience relevant to the terms of reference. Please indicate your work authorization for the US, UK or India in your cover letter. Please append a writing sample (preferably a sample of a proposal, research paper, or any other technical document that you were the lead author on) to your cover letter
• Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references.

*Applications without the elements listed above will be considered incomplete.

We will start reviewing applications starting May 20^th, 2024. The posting will close on June 3^rd, 2024, or once 150 applications are received whichever is earlier. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

About the Organization

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs). We provide guidance and support to produce impact evaluations and associated formative evaluations; systematic reviews and syntheses, evidence gap maps and support for using that evidence in decision-making and capacity development. Our work includes a wide range of topics, sectors and themes, including health, nutrition, education, agriculture, governance, microfinance, climate change, humanitarian interventions, and social protection. 3ie is registered as a non-governmental organization in the United States. 3ie has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.