Job Location: Sierra Leone Contract Length: 1 year Start Date: ASAP Job Description Immunization is often claimed to be one of the most cost-effective methods to improve child survival in developing countries. In the wake of the Ebola outbreak in Sierra Leone, a fear of health clinics may deter parents from immunizing their children. Historically, Sierra Leone has also suffered from low complete immunization rates. Evidence from a number of rigorous impact evaluations has informed the design of a program aiming to incentivize parents to encourage them to return to clinics and fully immunize their children. In collaboration with implementing partners and the Government of Sierra Leone, J-PAL and IPA will pilot an incentive for immunization program in one district for one year. About J-PAL Established at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, J-PAL consists of a global network of researchers who use randomized evaluations to answer critical policy questions in the fight against poverty. J-PAL’s mission is to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is based on scientific evidence. We do this through conducting rigorous impact evaluations, capacity building in impact evaluation for practitioners and policymakers, and policy outreach. 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. Responsibilities This position requires strong project management skills, experience working in the policy space, and a passion for scaling up evidence-based policy. The project has garnered high-level stakeholder support and is at the stage in which an in-country Project Coordinator is required to take it from concept to reality. The role will involve project management, relationship management, and research facilitation. Coordinating across partners will be essential to the success of this pilot. Responsibilities include: Stakeholder coordination Manage stakeholder relations across a number of partners to ensure coordination and working towards shared objectives Represent J-PAL and IPA on the Ministry of Health and Sanitation’s Program Review Committee and in policymaker engagements Project management Work with program implementers to fine-tune the program design at different levels including logistics, training, community sensitization, and monitoring and evaluation Oversee implementation of the pilot to ensure that all partners are fulfilling their specified roles and responsibilities Process evaluation Design and lead a process evaluation of the pilot to inform policymaker decision-making on the way forward Qualifications A Master’s degree in public policy, public management, economics, or a related field. Applicants with an Honours degree or an equivalent four-year degree may be considered if they also have considerable relevant work experience. At least two years’ work experience demonstrating capacity to create and maintain high-level relationships with policymakers and implementers. Experience conducting field research in developing countries and working on empirical research projects in economics or a related social science (especially experience with randomized evaluations) is preferred. Experience working in developing countries. Strong project management skills, including the ability to work with multiple external stakeholders, while participating as part of a complex team. Attention to detail and advanced writing skills for communicating policy lessons from academic papers in ways that policymakers and laypersons can understand. Proven ability to handle multiple diverse assignments at one time, successfully complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines while conducting high-quality work. Strong skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Stata skills preferred. How to Apply Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application [url]https://apply.povertyactionlab.org/login[/url] . Please select the position(s) you are interested in applying for on the 'Submit Application' page. Include two letters of recommendation, statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts. We will consider your application even if you are unable to obtain reference letters before the deadline, but please be advised that we will be requiring them should you be invited for an interview.