Reports to: Senior Research Manager

 About the Trust

The University of Chicago Trust (the Trust) is a charitable trust in India, established in 2008 by alumnus of The University of Chicago. The objectives of the UChicago Trust are to provide opportunities for grants to support educational programs, research programs and activities for the betterment of India.

About the Unit

India faces the dual challenge of rapidly improving living standards—through sustained economic growth and expanded access to reliable and affordable energy—while simultaneously reducing pollution for a cleaner and healthier environment. EPIC India researchers work hand-in-hand with government and industry partners to identify innovative ideas, pilot them on the ground, and rigorously measure outcomes.

Position Description

The Assistant Research Manager will work closely with academic researchers and other field staff to perform a variety of tasks.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with State/District level Department Administrative Secretary/Assistant Environmental Engineer and other officials to drive project initiatives.
• Facilitate coordination and dialogue between various external and internal stakeholders for inter-sectoral convergence and implementation.
• Assist with research, analysis and preparation of documents for dissemination.
• Oversee implementation of projects in association with our partner organizations
• Responsible for day-to-day research and implementation, planning, monitoring activities, quality assurance, consulting with stakeholders, compliance, etc.
• Mentor, recruit, train, and guide both field-based and data operations teams consisting of project assistants, field managers, field-based surveyors, data entry operators and other field and office staff.
• Regular field travel to monitor and assess the progress in field work, including providing direction to the field staff during surveys and quality checks (if needed)
• Assist with data collection, cleaning, preliminary data analysis, and preparation of documents and presentations for dissemination
• Support the principal investigators, research managers and other EPIC India senior leaders in maintaining strong relationships with participating partner organizations, government agencies, and other relevant stakeholders
• Develop and disseminate necessary project materials and collaterals targeting a wide range of actors such as policymakers and academic researchers
• Any other related tasks on an as needed basis, including (but not limited to) desk/literature survey and support in preparation of meetings and presentations for developing new partnerships, as assigned by EPIC India’s senior leadership, or Senior Research Manager.

Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor’s in Economics, Public Policy, Environment Policy, Science or another related field.
• Master’s degree in economics, environmental economics or related disciplines is preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 4-5 years of working experience, including at least 2 years of mandatory government-facing engagements involving project management, stakeholder liaison, and coordination.
• Work experience in environmental sciences/ engineering will be an advantage

Competencies

• Prior experience with field data collection is desired, but not necessary.
• Familiarity with impact evaluations and randomized controlled trials is required.
• Intermediate or advanced knowledge of data analysis software (Stata, R).
• Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations.
• Demonstrated interest in energy and environment policy.
• Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Willingness to live in Mumbai and travel extensively to other study areas.
• Fluency in English and Hindi and strong communication skills are required.

Working Conditions

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in India.

Application Documents

Resume

Cover Letter

Three References