Application Guide

How to Apply for Project Manager - The India Climate and Health Data Capacity Accelerator

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL is unique as a global research center that uses rigorous randomized evaluations to generate scientific evidence for poverty reduction policies. Unlike traditional think tanks, J-PAL bridges academic research with real-world policy implementation, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about evidence-based solutions to social challenges. Working here means contributing to research that directly informs government programs and international development initiatives.

About This Role

This Project Manager role specifically leads the India Climate and Health Data Capacity Accelerator (IDCA) Fellowship, managing fellow selection, stakeholder partnerships, and knowledge development at the intersection of climate change and health data. The position is impactful because it builds capacity for evidence-based policymaking in a critical area where climate and health intersect in India, directly supporting J-PAL's mission to reduce poverty through scientific evidence.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with the Project Director on fellowship program strategy, conducting outreach to potential government partners about climate-health data initiatives, and developing content for fellow training materials. You could spend afternoons analyzing policy documents to identify evidence gaps, preparing donor reports on program progress, and facilitating meetings with current fellows to support their capacity-building projects.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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

  • Has 3-5 years of experience managing complex projects in international development, research, or public policy, preferably with fellowship programs or capacity-building initiatives
  • Demonstrates knowledge of climate change and health policy landscapes in India, with understanding of data systems and evidence gaps in this intersectional field
  • Possesses strong stakeholder management skills with experience working with government agencies, NGOs, foundations, or multilateral organizations in India
  • Shows ability to develop knowledge products and communications materials for both technical and non-technical audiences in climate-health domains

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

1

Highlight specific experience managing fellowship programs or capacity-building initiatives, quantifying outcomes like number of fellows supported or partnerships established

2

Demonstrate understanding of India's climate-health policy landscape by mentioning specific government initiatives (like National Health Mission climate resilience components) or key challenges

3

Show familiarity with J-PAL's research methodology by referencing specific randomized evaluations related to climate or health that you've studied

4

Provide concrete examples of stakeholder management with Indian government agencies, NGOs, or multilateral organizations working on climate or health issues

5

Include experience developing knowledge products (reports, briefs, training materials) specifically about data use in climate or health contexts

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience designing or managing fellowship programs, particularly those focused on capacity building in data or research', 'Specific knowledge of climate and health policy challenges in India and how evidence can address them', 'Examples of successful partnership development with government or NGO stakeholders in India or similar contexts', "How your background aligns with J-PAL's evidence-based approach and mission to reduce poverty through scientific research"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review J-PAL's existing research on climate change and health in South Asia, particularly studies conducted in India
  • → Study the structure and outcomes of other J-PAL fellowship programs (like the Postgraduate Fellowship or Innovation in Government Initiative)
  • → Research India's key climate-health policy frameworks, such as the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health
  • → Examine J-PAL's partnerships with Indian government agencies like NITI Aayog or specific state health departments

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design the fellow selection process for the IDCA Fellowship to ensure diversity and relevance to India's climate-health challenges?
2 Describe your approach to mapping evidence gaps at the intersection of climate change and health in the Indian context
3 How would you engage with state health departments in India to build partnerships for the accelerator program?
4 What metrics would you use to measure the success of the IDCA Fellowship program?
5 How would you translate complex research findings about climate and health into actionable policy recommendations for government partners?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't demonstrate specific knowledge of climate-health intersections in India
  • Failing to show understanding of J-PAL's randomized evaluation methodology and evidence-based approach
  • Overemphasizing theoretical knowledge without concrete examples of project management or stakeholder engagement experience

📅 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)!

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