Research Associate - UJALA/University Mohammed VI Polytechnic - Rabat, Morocco

Organization: UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa- Morocco

Location: Rabat, Morocco

Start Date (Earliest): December 2024

Title: Research Associate

Employer: University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) 

Length of Commitment: Indeterminate

Education: Master’s degree or higher in Economics, Agriculture Resource Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field 

Language Requirement: French, English 

I-Job Summary

UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA) is looking to hire a Research Associate to support the implementation of an impact evaluation conducted by a team of international researchers in partnership with OCP Africa. This position will be based in our offices at the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic campus in Rabat.

The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the design and implementation of impact evaluations as well as data collection, management, and analysis, in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research.

About UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA)

J-PAL and UM6P are partnering to form the UM6P-J-PAL Agricultural Lab for Africa (UJALA). UJALA funds research to rigorously evaluate agricultural technologies and practices designed to increase small-scale farmers’ food security, productivity, and profitability. UJALA aims to answer critical questions related to designing and delivering effective food and agricultural subsidies, assessing the value of fertilizer customization to crop needs and soil nutrients, reducing low-income households’ reliance on imported food, alleviating farmers’ constraints to adopting and maintaining new agricultural technologies and practices, and connecting farmers to markets that sell at competitive prices.

About UM6P

University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) is an institution oriented towards applied research and innovation with a focus on Africa. UM6P is engaged in economic and human development and puts research and innovation at the forefront of African development. This enables it to consolidate Morocco’s frontline position in these fields, using a unique partnership-based approach, and boost skills training relevant for the future of Africa.

About J-PAL

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (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 over 200 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

J-PAL values diversity, equity, and inclusivity in our work and the broader perspectives our staff bring. We encourage people of color, first generation college students/graduates, and other underrepresented groups to apply to this role. In your cover letter, please consider sharing how your racial, gender, socioeconomic and/or other identity has influenced your drive and desire to work at J-PAL. (This is not required, but rather an opportunity for us to get to know you.)

For more information on J-PAL Global's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion visit this webpage.

II-Key Responsibilities 

Under the supervision of the Senior Research Associate, the Research Associate is responsible for the follow-up of the project and its successful implementation in the field, which includes:

• Propose and, as appropriate, implement innovations in the different stages of a project in coordination with Principal Investigators
• Maintain and grow effective relationships with partner organizations
• Oversee and lead the field research activities, including the implementation of the evaluation, according to the research design in coordination with partners
• Liaising with field staff running the evaluations and collaborating with them including travel to research field sites
• Conduct background research in conjunction with field research activities
• Designing survey questionnaires, conducting qualitative research, refining study design and surveying instruments
• Supervise in person or phone data collection and ensure the good quality of the data
• Assist with the preparation of administrative databases
• Assist with data cleaning and preliminary data analysis
• Any other work assigned by Principal Investigators

He/she will also be responsible for ensuring good communication and organization on a daily basis:

• Facilitate, strengthen and maintain effective and efficient communication as the primary contact point with Principal Investigators.
• Provide periodic updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts
• Participate in the planning and design of any outreach activities
• Ensure that project activities are on schedule and prepare project update reports according to agreements with funders and partners

III-Qualifications and Skills

• A Master's Degree in economics, public policy, math, statistics or related technical fields including training in microeconomics, econometrics, statistics, and advanced mathematics
• Graduate-level coursework in economics is a plus
• Previous experience in development research preferred
• Very strong quantitative, organizational, and communication skills are necessary
• Fluency in French and English
• Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a team player
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations
• Prior experience working with large data sets and programming in Stata, SAS, R or other statistical programs is necessary. 
• Familiarity with randomized controlled trials is a strong plus.