Emerging Research Manager Fellow - J-PAL MENA

J-PAL MENA Fellowship for Emerging Research Managers (FERM)

The American University in Cairo, Cairo, Egypt (On-site)

Reports to: Director, Research

Purpose

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab’s Middle East and North Africa regional office is based at AUC School of Business. 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 more than 200 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL draws on results from randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL MENA is launching an innovative 6-month paid fellowship program to fast-track professionals into the field of development research. J-PAL is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

The FERM program aims to transition experienced managers from various sectors into the field of development research, specifically focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Fellows will receive intensive training and hands-on experience in managing research projects across various development sectors such as environment, health, labor markets, firms, and education.

Key Learning Opportunities

• Intensive training in RCT methodology and development research
• Hands-on experience with actual research projects in Egypt and the MENA region
• Mentorship from experienced J-PAL MENA research managers
• Exposure to project management in development contexts
• Skills development in data analysis, research design, and academic writing
  
  

Fellowship Components

• Training in research project management
• Exposure to data collection techniques and field research
• Introduction to data analysis using STATA and/or R
• Participation in new research project development
• Engagement with J-PAL affiliated professors and implementing partners
• Contribution to research resources and sharing of research results
  
  

Eventual Research Managers Have The Following Responsibilities

• Manage project research staff through all stages of empirical research from project exploration and piloting through project close-down, analysis, and drafting research papers and policy briefs
• Ensure effective and efficient implementation of field activities by research project staff;
• Collaborate with PIs on the design and implementation of data collection plans
• Responsible for keeping research on schedule
• Accountable for the overall quality control of the project field activities, including the quality of the data collected
• Prepare, update, and manage project budgets
• Report regularly to PIs, implementing partners, and J-PAL MENA management on project progress, problems, spending, and schedule; lead regular team, PI, and partner meetings
• Provide advance notice to PIs and J-PAL MENA management on potential problems such as delays, overspending, and data quality issues
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in any field
• Minimum 3-5 years of managerial experience in any sector
• Demonstrated passion for development (e.g., environment, health, labor markets, firms, education)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in English and Arabic
• No prior experience in economics or development research required!
  
  

Desired Skills (not Required, But Beneficial)

• Familiarity with project management tools and techniques
• Basic understanding of data analysis concepts
  
  

Placement is based on the candidate’s experience and skills. Only candidates who make it to the shortlist will be contacted.

"The American University in Cairo is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply."

“We thank all individuals who have expressed interest in working at The American University in Cairo.”