Research Consultant - J-PAL South Asia

Location: Chandigarh (with travel to field locations as required)

Duration: 1 year (with renewal upon mutual consent)

Reports to: Research Manager

About J-PAL

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) 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, 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.

Job Description:

J-PAL South Asia is working with the state government on various education and healthcare initiatives aimed at improving public services and addressing the needs of marginalized populations. As part of an ongoing action research endeavor, we are seeking an experienced Independent Research Consultant in conducting critical research, analyzing data, and providing recommendations for program improvement.

The consultant will conduct field research to answer policy relevant research questions. The position entails regular travel within the state of Punjab. The consultant needs to be experienced and very comfortable in conducting field work independently, organizing data collection and subsequent analysis. Additionally, the consultant will support the J-PAL team in stakeholder engagement and liaisoning with government partners.

The consultant will conduct field research, providing actionable insights to inform and improve policy implementation. The work includes evaluating service delivery, identifying barriers, recommending solutions, and assessing resource needs. Additionally, the role involves stakeholder engagement with government bodies to support research activities.

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to undertake independent action-oriented research on a variety of on-the-ground programs, and impact policy decisions and design.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct research to gather data and insights related to program areas.
• Perform field research to identify and analyze program challenges.
• Collect and analyze data from various sources.
• Assist in mapping user journeys, processes, and service delivery gaps.
• Support stakeholder communication and coordination, especially with government partners.
• Document and report on research findings and progress.
• Help implement research findings in program activities and monitor outcomes.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating meetings, workshops, and field visits.
• Provide regular reports, presentations, and updates to supervisor and relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Economics, Public Policy, Social Sciences, Anthropology, or related field.
• Experience in conducting qualitative and quantitative primary research or fieldwork.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize data and provide actionable insights.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to liaise with government officials and local stakeholders effectively.
• Some experience in stakeholder management.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also being a collaborative team member.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software (e.g., Excel, STATA, R)
• Familiarity with public service systems, especially in the context of rural or underserved areas (desirable).
• Familiarity with Punjab’s educational policies and healthcare system (experience in this region is a plus).
• Proficiency in Punjabi is preferred, but not required.