Application Guide

How to Apply for Policy Manager - Brazil

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

The Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center pioneering randomized evaluations to fight poverty through evidence-based policy. As part of MIT, J-PAL uniquely bridges academic rigor with real-world policy implementation, making it a premier institution for those passionate about data-driven social impact. Working here means contributing to policies that are scientifically proven to improve lives, particularly in environmental conservation through Payments for Environmental Services (PES).

About This Role

As Policy Manager - Brazil, you will lead J-PAL's PES Delivery Lab activities in Brazil, managing a portfolio of projects that design and test environmental payment programs. This role is impactful because it directly shapes how governments implement PES to conserve ecosystems while supporting local communities, translating rigorous evidence into scalable policy solutions across Brazil and potentially Latin America.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with Brazilian government partners via video calls in Portuguese to advance PES Delivery Lab projects, analyzing data or research to prepare advisory briefs on program design, and collaborating with J-PAL's global team in English to align Brazil activities with broader environmental evidence initiatives. You could also spend time scoping new PES opportunities by reviewing policy documents or engaging with institutional stakeholders across Latin America.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) Is Looking For

  • Holds a Master's or PhD in economics, public policy, or a related field with coursework or research focused on environmental economics or PES
  • Has 3+ years of hands-on experience collaborating with Brazilian government agencies (e.g., MMA, state environmental departments) on policy design or implementation
  • Demonstrates fluency in Portuguese, intermediate Spanish, and English, with experience communicating technical PES concepts to diverse stakeholders
  • Possesses practical knowledge of PES frameworks, such as Brazil's Floresta+ or similar programs, and can assess reform opportunities using evidence

📝 Tips for Applying to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

1

Highlight specific PES projects you've worked on in Brazil, detailing your role in design, stakeholder coordination, or evaluation

2

Quantify your government engagement experience (e.g., 'facilitated 5 workshops with ICMBio officials on PES design in 2023')

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize Portuguese-language policy work and any Spanish-language collaborations in Latin America

4

Mention familiarity with J-PAL's randomized evaluation approach, citing a relevant study like their work on PES in Costa Rica or Mexico

5

Include a brief (1-2 sentence) note in your application email about why J-PAL's evidence-based mission aligns with your PES experience

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Brazilian government partners on environmental or PES policies, naming agencies and projects', "How you've used evidence (e.g., research, data analysis) to advise on policy design or reforms, linking to J-PAL's methodology", 'Specific ideas for scoping PES opportunities in Brazil, referencing regional challenges like Amazon conservation or water security', 'Your multilingual ability to coordinate across Portuguese, Spanish, and English-speaking stakeholders in policy dissemination']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review J-PAL's PES-related projects (e.g., in Latin America) and their 'Policy Insights' on environmental topics
  • → Study Brazil's current PES landscape, including programs like Floresta+, and key agencies like MMA or state environmental bodies
  • → Explore J-PAL's 'Delivery Lab' model to understand how it integrates research with government implementation
  • → Read recent J-PAL blog posts or publications on Brazil to grasp their ongoing priorities and partnerships

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you managed a complex policy portfolio with multiple stakeholders—how did you prioritize and coordinate?
2 How would you assess a potential PES reform in Brazil, and what evidence would you gather to advise the government?
3 Walk us through your experience disseminating research findings to policymakers—what strategies worked best?
4 How do you stay updated on PES developments in Brazil and Latin America, and what trends are most relevant now?
5 Imagine a government partner resists evidence-based changes to a PES program—how would you navigate this?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with generic public policy experience but no mention of PES or environmental economics in your background
  • Failing to specify Portuguese fluency or government work in Brazil—this is a hard requirement for the role
  • Submitting a cover letter that doesn't reference J-PAL's evidence-based approach or Brazil's PES context

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →