The Research and Evaluation Unit at BRAC Uganda is looking for a Research Project Manager to be based in Kampala, Uganda. The Research Project Manager will be in charge of implementing and evaluating the project “Credit Constraints and Capital Misallocation in Agriculture”, in close collaboration with colleagues at BRAC and the principal investigators, Konrad Burchardi (IIES), Jonathan de Quidt (IIES), Selim Gulesci (Bocconi) and Benedetta Lerva (IIES). The position provides ample learning opportunities for candidates who seek to be involved in cutting-edge development economic research.
The project
Agriculture in developing countries is characterised by a low intensity of physical capital. The project seeks to measure farmers’ returns to capital, quantify the extent of capital misallocation, and understand the sources of capital misallocation. To this end, a novel experimental design will be implemented through a large scale randomized control trial involving 1800 farmers in 450 villages to be followed for three years.
Responsibilities
The project manager will be (1) responsible for implementing and coordinating all surveys and experimental interventions. In particular, this includes:
- Designing, piloting and programming of survey instruments;
- Organize and lead the training of enumerators for data collection;
- Manage the field implementation of the surveys including field supervisor coordination;
- Implement mechanisms to monitor and ensure high data quality;
- Organize the data inflow and data management and lead data cleaning activities.
She/he will also be (2) involved in the analysis of the data and report writing. She/he will contribute to the disseminating the results by presenting at policy meetings, seminars, and conferences.
Qualifications
We are seeking applicants who have an analytical mind, a background in economics, and a very good understanding of economic research methodologies and the challenges involved. The role requires to be well organised, able to manage and coordinate staff, and submit deliverables in adherence to the timelines. A typical applicant will have a Masters in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics or related quantitative discipline, experience in quantitative research, advanced knowledge of STATA and the Office package, excellent knowledge of Development Economics and Econometrics, and strong oral and written communication skills in English. Prior experience working in developing countries and especially in Sub-Saharan Africa is a plus.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send a CV and a short cover letter (one-page max) to the Research Director of BRAC International, Dr. Munshi Sulaiman (munshi.slmn@gmail.com). The email subject should specify the position you are applying for, project name and your last name. The final deadline for applications is February 15th, 2016, but we will review applications immediately. The desired start date is early in 2016. The contract duration is 12 months, renewable, with an initial 3 months probation period. If you have any questions on the project or position, please feel free to contact Dr. Sulaiman or any of the principal investigators.
About BRAC
BRAC is one of the largest NGOs in the world. It reaches 138 million people in 11 countries in South Asia, SubSaharan Africa and North-America. BRAC’s main focus is on microfinance, with about 5 million borrowers, but it also operates in the fields of agriculture, education, health, micro-entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment. BRAC has established several research units and systematically evaluates its programs through collaboration with leading academics.