(Senior) Research Manager – Development Innovation Lab- Latin America

Job Description

 (Senior) Research Manager (Latin America), DIL 

This role will be based in a DIL country of operation: Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, or Peru. We have a preference for individuals who are based in the Dominican Republic or Colombia. 

About DIL 

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

Job Summary

DIL is seeking a full-time (Senior) Research Manager to work closely with the Faculty Director Michael Kremer and other Lead Researchers to help develop and manage development economics projects in Latin America.

Please note this role will be based in one of the following countries: Colombia, Mexico, Dominican Republic, or Peru (with a preference for individuals based in the Dominican Republic or Colombia). Accordingly, formal employment will be through an in-country employer of record (“EoR) under contract with DIL. Additional details regarding salary, benefits and terms and conditions of employment offered by the EoR will be provided to individuals during the hiring process

Responsibilities

• Supervise research and data collection activities for DIL projects
• In partnership with DIL Lead Researchers and the Faculty Director, conduct qualitative research, desk research, and quantitative analysis to inform research design
• Manage research relationships with DIL partners including governments, non-profit
• organizations, and donors; develop new research collaborations for the organization 
• Build research work programs and track progress against them
• Manage DIL research staff including Research Associates; recruit and train new DIL staff as needed.
• Support research operational processes including contracting, budgeting, donor reporting and communication, and grants management tasks associated with project needs. 
• Provide input on cross-cutting lab activities or DIL public goods as required.

 Additional Responsibilities - Senior Research Manager

• Assist in the recruitment, training and onboarding of Research Managers
• Oversee the work of other Research Managers and Research Associates 

 Required Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree (or equivalent) in economics, public policy, or related field by the start of the position
• Advanced undergraduate or graduate-level training in economics and econometrics 

Experience

• Minimum of ​4​ years (Senior Research Manager) or 3 years (Research Manager) of experience, which can be a combination of graduate education and work experience.    
• Knowledge of and experience with field work in developing countries.
• Experience collecting primary data and managing research teams
• Experience implementing randomized control trials (preferred)

Competencies

• Ability to prioritize effectively and successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and problem-solve, as well as enlist the support of other teams within the organization.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish.
• Fluency in both English and Spanish

Working Conditions

• Candidates must be flexible and able to travel extensively across the project country as per the requirement of their assignment(s) including in rural areas
• Possible travel to the United States 

Through the EoR, we are able to support work authorization in Colombia, and Mexico. Final employment is contingent upon legal authorization to work in-country, based on local visa and work authorization requirements and approvals.