Research and Policy Fellow - Air and Water Labs - J-PAL South Asia

Organization: J-PAL South Asia

Location: New Delhi, India

Start Date: March 2025

ABOUT J-PAL SOUTH ASIA

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/) was established in 2003 as a research center at the Economics Department at MIT. Since then, it has grown into a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL is propelled by a first-rate team dedicated to research, policy, training, and other vital work, supporting J-PAL's mission to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence.

J-PAL South Asia (SA) (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/south-asia), which is based at the Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR) in India, analyses and disseminates research results and builds partnerships with policymakers to ensure that policy is driven by evidence, and that programs proven effective are scaled up. We have a growing number of partnerships in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.

ABOUT SARWA

J-PAL’s Environment, Energy, and Climate Change (E2C2) sector (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/sector/environment-energy-climate-change) measures the real-world impacts of energy and environmental policies, particularly on climate change mitigation, pollution reduction, climate change adaptation, and energy access.

Solutions and Advancements through Research for Water and Air (SARWA)^[1] (https://www.povertyactionlab.org/page/air-and-water-labs-india-solutions-and-advancements-through-research-water-and-air-sarwa) is an innovative program by J-PAL South Asia and Community Jameel to increase access to clean air and water for millions of Indians through solutions that have been rigorously tested for effectiveness. Under SARWA, J-PAL South Asia will be collaborating with governments—both at the national and state levels—to answer some of the most pressing and critical questions that will lead to robust air and water policies.

SARWA is part of the Air and Water Labs— launched by J-PAL and Community Jameel— to improve clean air and water access around the world. J-PAL Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and J-PAL Africa have launched similar labs in collaboration with Community Jameel.

 J-PAL South Asia, through SARWA, has partnered with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India to co-design and co-diagnose

J-PAL South Asia, through SARWA, has partnered with the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India to co-design and co-diagnose critical challenges in India’s water and sanitation landscape. J-PAL South Asia seeking a Research and Policy (R & P) Fellow, for 12 months, to support and deepen SARWA’s partnership with DDWS. He/she would work closely with the government stakeholders to identify research opportunities at the national and state levels, synthesize administrative and secondary data and work on policy outreach at the state level with the overarching mandate of initiating new randomized evaluations, synthesizing and disseminating evidence around air and water.

As a fellow at SARWA, you will be a part of:

• Stakeholder management
• Engage with DDWS officials at the national and state level(s) to proactively understand policy priorities and develop long-term strategies for the lab.
• Maintain and grow effective relationships with government departments and partner organizations.
• Technical assistance and knowledge sharing
• Prepare presentations, policy notes, and briefs for senior government officials.
• Synthesize findings into actionable recommendations for policy changes and support the dissemination of best practices across states and/or relevant departments.
• Research and Data Analysis
• Work closely with the department's nodal officers to identify data sources, collect relevant data and develop strategies for data analysis and implementation.
• Conduct desk research, including literature review, data analysis and partner due diligence based on the priorities of the lab.
• Support organizational learning
• Develop knowledge products like case studies, policy briefs, and training manuals related to the Jal Jeevan Mission/Swachh Bharat Mission based on engagement with DDWS.
• Create a repository of resources, reports, and data for easy access and internal reference.
• Meeting preparation
• Assist in preparing for government meetings by creating slide decks, writing notes, and coordinating with government officials.
• Miscellaneous
• Provide any additional support in order to further J-PAL’s mission to ensure policy-making driven by rigorous evidence.

ELIGIBILITY

Your strong technical, communication and stakeholder management skill along with an interest in development, specifically in water-related challenges make you an ideal candidate for this fellowship.

Education: Master's degree (preferably in economics, public policy, public health, or international development).

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of work experience in addition to a relevant Master's degree

Minimum 4 years work experience in addition to a relevant Bachelors.

Demonstrated experience of working with government partners and other stakeholders will be strongly favoured.

Understanding Monitoring & Evaluation: Demonstrate a keen understanding of the value of randomised evaluations, monitoring techniques, and their usefulness for policy decisions.

Data analysis: Intermediate skill sets in STATA, R will be a plus.

Desirable: Strong interest in the thematic area of the project you have indicated an interest for as demonstrated by coursework and/or professional experience.

Skills and Competencies

Communication: Attention to detail and excellent writing and presentation skills for communicating policy lessons from academic papers in ways that policymakers understand. This requires clear, precise, non-technical writing, and creativity in presentation.

Time Management & Prioritization: Proven ability to handle several different projects/tasks at one time, successfully complete tasks assigned, and meet deadlines;

Language: Fluency in English (written and oral); fluency in Hindi (written and oral) will be considered favourably; please be sure to indicate proficiency in any other regional language

***Candidates must be authorized to work in India.