Jobs in Zambia and Zimbabwe

Research Analyst, Environment & Energy Job In Zambia

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Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) Zambia

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA), seeks a qualified Research Associate for a data-focused position compiling and analyzing databases on environment and energy in Zambia.

The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. The work will stretch your analytical, inter-personal and management skills to the limit and will require your full commitment in a challenging environment. This position will be based in Lusaka.

Project Description:

Zambia is a country dependent on natural resources: agriculture, wildlife and minerals are all central to economic growth, making the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability of particular importance in Zambia. Clear evidence on the relationship between environmental quality and economic growth (with impacts in both directions) is often hindered by a lack of high quality data on energy and environmental issues. The research project seeks to compile data on energy and the environment in Zambia, beginning with three target areas. First, the project will extend ongoing efforts to assemble datasets on water and energy demand and supply across the country. Second, the project will compile disperate sources of rural price data. Third, the project will construct a database of environmental policies and regulations and their implementation. Together, these databases will serve as a resource for researchers (including but not limited to the PI) and the Government of Zambia. While the datasets will themselves be sufficient to answer a number of interesting questions related to economic growth, they will also serve as a launching pad for new projects on environment and economic development in Zambia.

In addition to these data oriented tasks, the RA will assist the PI in data analysis for this and a number of other environment-related projects.

Responsibilities

The Research Associate will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

  • Identifying data sources through government meetings, web searches and archival research in Zambia.
  • Constructing databases that house the data in a logical format that is accessible and easily manipulated for analysis.
  • Conducting preliminary analyses with the data including descriptive statistics, mapping and investigation of potential analytical strategies.
  • Carrying out other data-related requests by the PI as needed.
  • Providing limited technical support for data and analysis questions to others in the IPA and IGC offices.
  • Communicating clearly and reliably with the PI and other research partners.
  • Working closely with partners and liaising between all stakeholders to ensure all interests are aligned and accounted for.

Qualifications

  • A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, computer science or related fields.
  • Expertise in Stata and GIS software required, with extensive experience in both. Experience with Matlab and database software desirable but not required.
  • Excellent management and organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail required.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to effectively communicate with external government partners.
  • Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude.
  • Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.
  • Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently and a team player.
  • Experience working or living in developing countries desirable.
  • Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.

We are looking for a commitment period of 1 year.

Application Instructions

Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select “Research Analyst, Environment & Energy”.  Most applications for research positions require you to include at minimum two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts.

Note that you are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application.

Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

About IPA

Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA designs, rigorously evaluates, and refines these solutions and their applications together with decision-makers to ensure that the evidence created is used to improve opportunities for the world’s poor. Since our founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 350 leading academics to conduct over 450 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.

Disclaimers

Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at [email protected] or via phone at 1-203-772-2216. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to [email protected].

** Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manage