Research Analyst

Background
COUNTRY : Indonesia
START DATE : As soon possible
LENGTH OF COMMITMENT : Two years
EDUCATION : Bachelor degree
ORGANIZATION : J-PAL Southeast Asia
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT : Bahasa Indonesia, English

Project Description
The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is globally headquartered within the Economics Department at MIT.
J-PAL Southeast Asia (J-PAL SEA) is one six independent regional offices based around the world hosted at local
universities. J-PAL is a pioneer of using randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against
poverty. J-PAL SEA, based at the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty for Economic and Business at
the University of Indonesia (LPEM-FEB UI) seeks a qualified applicant for a Research Analyst position to
independently conduct data analysis on a high-profile government project in Indonesia. The project will use nation-wide
administrative data from a government partner which is the main sources for a large-scale randomized evaluation.

Position Description
The position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to have significant responsibility in a
vibrant organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. The position requires strong data and analytical
skills. In collaboration with the respective principal investigators (PIs), the Research Analyst will independently conduct
data processing, verify the integrity of data, and perform statistical analysis of an on-going study. An ideal candidate is
comfortable with programming, have an excellent orientation to detail, and basic quantitative analysis. In addition to
their respective PIs, a Jakarta-based Research Manager and a Research Fellow will guide and supervise the Research
Analyst in her/his various tasks.

Job Responsibilities
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

Conduct quantitative work:

• Prepare datasets, for specific projects according to specifications required by the relevant PIs and research
team(s). This involves (but not limited to) data cleaning, data quality, merging multiple files, creating and applying
inclusion and exclusion criteria, variable creation, and harmonization assessment for various data sources.
• Perform statistical analysis including econometric modelling.
• Prepare data dictionary, documentation and user manuals.
• Participate in the preparation of written and oral presentations that summarize the analysis of data.

Reporting and Communication:

• Maintain effective and efficient communication with supervisors and PIs

• Provide periodic updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts
• Produce documentation of project progress.
Mandatory Qualifications:

• Indonesian nationality.
• A Bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics, chemistry, statistics, computer science, IT or engineering. Fresh
graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Has a record of consistent academic excellence.
• Familiar with programming language and logic with any programming software.
• Has great attention to detail and is vigilant in her/ his analysis to come to correct conclusions.
• Strong mathematics and analysis skills. Able to work with large amounts of data: facts, figures, and data
crunching.
• Flexibility, self-motivated, and ability to effectively work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced,
dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Able to translate the data into an understandable document; write and speak clearly, easily communicating
complex ideas.
• Able to look at the data, numbers, trends, and come to new conclusions based on the findings.
• Fluency and excellent communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia (preferred) and English (added value)
• Has interest in pursuing a postgraduate degree (Master’s) in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related
fields.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

How to Apply
Please send an email with your application before Sept 15, 2019 to jpalseajobs@povertyactionlab.org following these
instructions exactly:
1. Use the following as the email subject line: “J-PAL SEA Research Analyst”
Please do not include any other text in the body of the e-mail. Adding extra text will interfere with the processing
of your application.
2. Attach PDF copies of your CV, your academic transcripts, and a cover letter no longer than 500 words.
The cover letter should discuss how you meet the aforementioned position requirements, emphasizing relevant
skills and experience, as well as why you are interested in working with J-PAL SEA and how this experience will
contribute to fulfilling their future academic and professional plans.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates
are advised to apply at the earliest. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.