Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Policy, Communications, and Training Manager - J-PAL Southeast Asia

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL (Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring policy is informed by scientific evidence. J-PAL Southeast Asia focuses on translating rigorous research into practical policy solutions across the region, making it unique for its direct impact on development through evidence-based approaches. Working here offers the opportunity to bridge academic research and real-world policy implementation in a mission-driven environment.

About This Role

This Senior Manager role leads J-PAL SEA's Policy, Communications, and Training vertical, focusing on building donor partnerships, representing the organization in high-level forums, and coordinating technical assistance for policymakers. It's impactful because you'll directly influence how evidence shapes development policies across Southeast Asia, ensuring effective programs are adopted and scaled.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning coordination with the PCT team on OKR progress, followed by developing partnership proposals for donor organizations. Afternoons could include preparing presentations for high-level policy forums or coordinating technical assistance sessions with government stakeholders, with regular communication in both English and Indonesian throughout.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Holds a Master's in economics, public policy, or development with 5+ years experience in policy design, project management, and partnership development in Southeast Asian contexts
  • Bilingual in English and Indonesian with exceptional writing and presentation skills, able to communicate complex research findings visually and persuasively to diverse audiences
  • Experienced in managing teams and setting strategic objectives (OKRs), with proven ability to coordinate technical assistance for government and civil society stakeholders
  • Detail-oriented with strong Excel skills and experience working with donor organizations, international agencies, and foundations in the development sector

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

1

Highlight specific experience with evidence-based policy work in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia, given the language requirement and regional focus

2

Demonstrate concrete examples of building partnerships with donor organizations or aid agencies in your resume, quantifying results where possible

3

Showcase visual communication skills by including links to presentations, reports, or dashboards you've created that translate data into policy insights

4

Reference J-PAL's research publications relevant to Southeast Asia to show familiarity with their evidence base and methodology

5

Emphasize experience with OKR frameworks and managing policy/communications teams in remote or distributed settings

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience bridging research evidence and policy implementation in Southeast Asian development contexts', 'Examples of successful partnership development with donor organizations or government agencies to promote evidence adoption', "How you've managed teams to achieve strategic objectives (OKRs) in policy or communications work", 'Your ability to communicate complex research findings effectively in both English and Indonesian to diverse stakeholders']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review J-PAL's recent research publications focused on Southeast Asia, particularly those related to Indonesia
  • → Study J-PAL's existing partnerships with organizations like USAID, World Bank, or regional development agencies
  • → Understand the specific policy challenges in Southeast Asia that J-PAL addresses (education, health, governance, etc.)
  • → Research J-PAL's training programs and how they build capacity for evidence-based policymaking in the region

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe your experience developing partnerships with donor organizations and how you would approach building J-PAL SEA's donor network
2 How would you coordinate technical assistance for policymakers to promote adoption of evidence-based programs in Indonesia or other SEA countries?
3 Walk us through how you would set up and track OKRs for the Policy, Communications, and Training team
4 Share an example of how you've presented research findings to non-technical audiences in a visually compelling way
5 How would you represent J-PAL SEA at high-level forums while balancing multiple stakeholder interests?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic applications that don't address the specific Southeast Asian context or evidence-based policy focus
  • Failing to demonstrate bilingual (English/Indonesian) communication skills or visual presentation abilities
  • Lack of specific examples working with donor organizations or managing policy/communications teams
  • Not showing familiarity with J-PAL's research methodology or randomized evaluations

📅 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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