Junior Economist — IDinsight
IDinsight is a consulting, data analytics and research organization guided by a strong mission: to help decision makers maximize their social impact. We mobilize a wide range of analytical tools and methods to produce evidence, support the design of effective projects and programs, and rigorously test their impact on communities. We work with all the actors who innovate in Asia and Africa — governments, multilateral agencies, foundations, non-profit organizations and social enterprises — and cover a wide range of sectors, including agriculture and rural development, education and training, health and public health, but also governance, infrastructure and financial inclusion.
We have specific expertise on a wide range of rigorous approaches and methodologies, which we adapt to each project according to the needs and constraints of our partners. To achieve positive social impact, we help our partners use evidence for decision-making, conduct research to inform funding decisions in favour of high-impact initiatives and at the expense of less effective programs or approaches, and create and share our know-how, tools and ideas to promote the use of evidence in public policy.
Our diverse and growing team of more than 200 exceptional colleagues operates in nearly two dozen countries around the world.
Location
The position is based at Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi, Kenya Lusaka (Zambia), Rabat (Morocco), Manila (Philippines) or Delhi (India). It is based in one of our offices in Africa and Asia. Preference will be given to applicants with prior permission to work in one of our national offices. IDinsight will seek to obtain work permits where possible for outstanding applicants.
About the role
The primary role of the junior economist is to code (Stata and/or R) and ensure the quality of research design, implementation and results. Depending on the project, the junior economist may be responsible for:
Design of an evaluation: estimation of the necessary sample size, coding for sampling an impact assessment (e.g. random assignment, matching), scheduling of SurveyCTO questionnaires for digital data collection. Evaluation implementation: coding to verify the quality of data and analyse it, including evaluation data. Statistical analysis to make programmatic recommendations. Visualize data as easy-to-understand charts, tables, maps and other visualizations. Quality control of the code written by other collaborators. Publication: preparation of data for publication in the IDinsight data repository, participation in writing reports and/or articles in academic journals. Build dashboards and/or data visualization tools to track key performance indicators. Teamwork on culturally and geographically diverse projects, which can be spread around the world. Participation in the technical professional development of employees: individualized technical support to Associates / Senior Associates and periodic management of technical training.
The junior economist will have to carry out these responsibilities with professionalism under strict deadlines. It will also propose, design and implement new initiatives to support project teams and increase the technical rigour of IDinsight’s work.
Candidate profile
The candidate is deeply passionate about social, economic and environmental policies and programs, as well as social impact. He has an undergraduate degree in economics, econometrics, statistics or political science, public policy, with excellent quantitative and critical thinking skills. It shows initiative and thrives in an environment that promotes responsibility and initiative. Intellectual curiosity and sense of humor are expected.
Relevant professional experience of more than 2 years in the field of empirical evaluations and research is desired. Significant experience with Stata or R is required; knowledge of other programming languages is an asset.
Professional development
The professional development of junior economists is essential for IDinsight’s long-term impact. With the support of IDinsight’s management, junior economists maintain self-directed professional development plans and are offered opportunities designed to strengthen their professional skills. Real-time feedback and structured performance reviews are regularly provided to maximize each researcher’s expertise. IDinsight’s entrepreneurial culture makes it possible to adapt roles and career progression to each person’s strengths, interests and goals. Beginner economists have the opportunity to increase their responsibilities, and the most successful will have the opportunity to progress in the organization by following technical, managerial or project management paths with our clients. It is possible to protect a small part of the time so that the candidate can work on his own research program.
Remuneration and start date
Remuneration depends on experience and is competitive with similar roles. Benefits include a travel budget to return if applicable, a retirement plan, moving allowance, comprehensive international health insurance and medical evacuation, as well as technology allowance. The date of taking up the position is flexible, with priority being given to candidates available quickly.
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