Application Guide

How to Apply for Research and Learning Associate

at New Incentives

🏢 About New Incentives

New Incentives is a unique nonprofit that combines rigorous evidence-based approaches with direct implementation in northern Nigeria, where child mortality rates are among the world's highest. As a GiveWell top charity since 2020, they've proven their conditional cash transfer program increases childhood vaccinations, and they're now expanding to test complementary health interventions. Working here means contributing to scalable, data-driven solutions in global health with measurable impact.

About This Role

This Research and Learning Associate will help generate, evaluate, and learn from New Incentives' expanding portfolio of interventions, including lighter-touch program variants and complementary health interventions like ORS distribution. The role involves ensuring research rigor, data trustworthiness, and translating evidence into real-world impact by collaborating with external research firms, the engineering team, and Communications and Program Manager. This position is central to the organization's inflection point as they scale evidence-based interventions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing data quality from ongoing interventions, coordinating with external research partners on study protocols, and analyzing preliminary results to inform program adjustments. You'd likely collaborate with the engineering team on data systems, prepare learning briefs for program managers, and contribute to designing evaluations for new complementary health interventions being tested.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who New Incentives Is Looking For

  • Experience with rigorous research methodologies (RCTs, quasi-experimental designs) in global health or development economics, particularly in low-resource settings
  • Strong data analysis skills with ability to ensure data trustworthiness and translate findings into actionable program improvements
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with external research partners, engineering teams, and program implementation staff
  • Understanding of conditional cash transfer programs, childhood vaccination systems, and complementary health interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to New Incentives

1

Demonstrate specific experience with evidence-based program evaluation in global health, preferably with examples from Sub-Saharan Africa or similar contexts

2

Highlight any experience working with external research firms or academic partners in rigorous study design and implementation

3

Show understanding of New Incentives' specific approach by referencing their GiveWell top charity status and their focus on cost-effectiveness

4

Provide concrete examples of how you've ensured data quality and translated research findings into program improvements

5

Mention any familiarity with childhood vaccination systems, conditional cash transfers, or ORS distribution programs

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your experience with rigorous research methodologies in global health/development and how it applies to New Incentives' evidence-based approach", 'Specific examples of ensuring data trustworthiness and translating evidence into programmatic changes', "Understanding of New Incentives' unique position as they expand from proven CCT programs to testing complementary interventions", "Why you're specifically drawn to their work in northern Nigeria and their measurable impact approach"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read New Incentives' GiveWell reviews and evidence documents to understand their rigorous evaluation standards
  • → Study their existing conditional cash transfer program details and published research on its effectiveness
  • → Research childhood vaccination challenges specifically in northern Nigeria and existing government programs
  • → Look into complementary health interventions they mention (like ORS distribution) and evidence for their impact
Visit New Incentives's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you design a rigorous evaluation for a new complementary health intervention like ORS distribution?
2 Describe your experience ensuring data quality in challenging field settings similar to northern Nigeria
3 How have you previously collaborated with external research partners and internal implementation teams?
4 What metrics would you prioritize to determine if a new intervention is cost-effective enough to scale?
5 How would you balance rigorous research standards with the practical constraints of program implementation?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic global health experience without specific examples of rigorous research or data quality management
  • Focusing only on research without showing understanding of practical program implementation constraints
  • Not demonstrating knowledge of New Incentives' specific evidence-based approach and GiveWell recognition

📅 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 New Incentives!

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