Administrative Associate - J-PAL LAC

About J-PAL

J-PAL LAC is a non-profit research center that aims to reduce global poverty through the generation of rigorous scientific evidence on which social programs and policies can make a real difference in people's lives. Formed by a network of more than 750 academics around the world, J-PAL measures the impact of programs with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and uses these results to influence the design of public policies. To date, the J-PAL network has carried out more than 1,700 evaluations in more than 90 countries, organized in 12 sectors. In Latin America, we currently count on 174 studies. As of 2023, J-PAL LAC is supporting 25 evaluations in 6 countries.

J-PAL organizes its work into three main areas:

Research: We partner with donors to create initiatives that provide funding for research. We also implement RCT from data collection to data analysis.

Public policy: we summarize the results of the investigation, create alliances and provide technical assistance to governments.

Training: We lead the executive training and develop a rigorous online education to build knowledge in the region.

The local grounding of J-PAL is essential for its success. The seven regional J-PAL offices are located at leading universities on five continents. In the case of Latin America and the Caribbean, J-PAL LAC is headquartered at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile). J-PAL LAC also has a Memoranda of Understanding with Insper, for work carried out in Brazil, and with the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala, for work in Central America.

In 2019, the founders of J-PAL, Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, won the Nobel Prize in Economics "for their experimental approach to alleviating poverty." 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to address the complex causes and consequences of poverty. To advance our mission, J-PAL LAC must draw on diverse experiences from our staff and affiliated researchers in order to ask better questions and identify better solutions. We are working to increase the limited representation of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds in the economics profession. We are committed to engaging in self-reflection, learning, and dialogue to nurture understanding across differences. Together, we will build an equitable, inclusive culture where everyone is respected, empowered, and heard.

About the team, project, or initiative you would be working with:

PROSA or the -Screening and Launching Program- is the first collaboration between J-PAL LAC and Universidad del Valle de Guatemala (UVG). PROSA seeks to lay the groundwork for encouraging the use and generation of evidence surrounding public policies and social programs in Guatemala. PROSA also promotes the use of evidence and evaluations to improve and create innovative programs that have a positive impact on Early Childhood Development (ECD). The team is made up of Constanza Alarcón, Policy Manager for ECD at J-PAL LAC, who coordinates the program’s implementation; J-PAL LAC and UVG staff, responsible for the implementation of the program; and Costas Meghir (Yale University), Scientific Advisor, who advises on partnership selection and fund allocation. He is an expert in ECD and has designed interventions related to cognitive and language development. 

Summary of the Role:

The PROSA project team is recruiting an Administrative Associate to provide support to J-PAL LAC on two fronts: 

• Supporting the implementation of projects in terms of administrative, legal, logistical and procedural aspects in UVG.
• Implement human resources and operational processes with the Finance and Operations team based in Santiago, Chile.

Application Requirements:

• Education: A minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in fields related to administration, human resources, industrial psychology or similar. We look for candidates with a demonstrated commitment to public policies aligned with our mission.
• Languages required: As this is a job that is based in Guatemala, full proficiency in Spanish is a must. As you would also interact frequently with the Global and regional teams, intermediate to advanced English is needed. Willingness to communicate with some J-PAL LAC team in Portuguese is welcome and valued, but it is not a must.
• Salary: Remuneration will be compatible with the Guatemalan labor market. J-PAL LAC practices full transparency in its salary ranges. These will be informed to shortlisted candidates before the first interview.

Application deadline: July 21, 2024

Direct Reporting: J-PAL LAC's Finance and Operations Manager, José Domingo Navarro (based in Santiago, Chile)

Who will be reporting to you: No direct reports

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

Administration (operations, legal, HR)

• Learn about UVG's processes and establish the policies in which requests will be handled, for a well-structured office at UVG.
• Process all legal and operational requests according to the policies mentioned above, to efficiently handle these requests.
• Execute J-PAL staff lifecycle policies regarding HR Operations, to achieve a welcoming environment for staff
• Keep a digital track of the documentation needed for each process
• Proactively propose improvements in these processes

Finances

• Work collaboratively with the Finance and Operations team to maintain an efficient office environment
• Execute the financial review of the office activities and its projections, and process all needed adjustments and reports.
• Execute the financial review, reports and projections of the different projects run at J-PAL

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 2 years of professional experience. 
• Skills: willingness to work in a team, be self-motivated, and learn. Familiarity with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel).
• Autonomy and work style: The ability to handle multiple requirements simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently and purposefully is essential.
• Experience with Statistical packages: not necessary.
• Mission alignment: We highly value experience in community organizing, activism, or engagements focused on bettering the lives of your community.

Work permissions:

This position is open to Guatemalan citizens or foreigners with visas and/or valid work permits in Guatemala at the time of applying for this vacancy.