Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Research Associate - J-PAL LAC

at Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

🏢 About Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL)

J-PAL LAC is unique as a non-profit research center that bridges rigorous academic research with real-world policy impact across Latin America and the Caribbean. Working here means contributing directly to evidence-based solutions for poverty reduction through randomized controlled trials, with a mission-driven culture focused on translating research into effective social programs and public policies.

About This Role

This Senior Research Associate role involves hands-on coordination of field research logistics, data management using Stata/SurveyCTO, and direct collaboration with government teams and local authorities. It's impactful because you'll ensure the quality and implementation of poverty-alleviation studies that directly inform policy decisions across the region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning coordination calls with government technical teams about participant recruitment logistics, followed by cleaning and analyzing survey data in Stata, then designing SurveyCTO instruments for upcoming data collection. You might also organize focus group materials, update project databases for quality monitoring, and prepare progress reports for Principal Investigators.

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Interview Prep

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

  • Has 2+ years of practical experience with Stata for data cleaning, processing, and analysis of survey data from field research
  • Demonstrates proficiency with SurveyCTO for survey instrument design and management, plus Excel for data tracking
  • Has direct experience coordinating logistics with government technical teams and municipal authorities in Latin American/Caribbean contexts
  • Can provide specific examples of organizing focus groups/qualitative interviews and monitoring data quality in research projects

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

1

Quantify your Stata experience: mention specific projects where you cleaned/analyzed baseline/follow-up survey data, including sample sizes and analysis types

2

Highlight any experience working with government teams in Latin America or on poverty-related research - be specific about your role in those collaborations

3

Include a portfolio link or attach examples of SurveyCTO forms or Stata do-files you've created (if possible)

4

Demonstrate understanding of J-PAL's mission by mentioning specific J-PAL studies or initiatives in Latin America you admire

5

Tailor your resume to mirror their terminology: use phrases like 'participant recruitment coordination', 'data quality monitoring', and 'implementation follow-up'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with Stata data cleaning/analysis for research studies - mention specific projects and outcomes', 'Examples of successful coordination with government teams or local authorities, especially in Latin American contexts', "How your skills align with J-PAL's mission of evidence-based poverty reduction - reference specific J-PAL work you admire", 'Your ability to manage both technical (data) and logistical (field coordination) aspects simultaneously']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review J-PAL LAC's current and past research projects in Latin America (available on their website) to understand their focus areas
  • → Study J-PAL's approach to randomized controlled trials and evidence-based policy - understand their methodology
  • → Research the specific government partners J-PAL LAC works with in the region
  • → Familiarize yourself with SurveyCTO's capabilities if you haven't used it extensively

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your process for cleaning and analyzing a complex survey dataset in Stata from a past project
2 Describe a challenging situation coordinating with government officials or local authorities and how you resolved it
3 How would you design a SurveyCTO form for a specific research scenario (e.g., tracking participant attendance and outcomes)?
4 What quality control measures do you implement when monitoring field data collection?
5 How do you stay organized when managing multiple project components (logistics, data, administration) simultaneously?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Only listing Stata as a skill without providing specific examples of data cleaning/analysis projects
  • Generic statements about wanting to 'help people' without connecting to J-PAL's specific evidence-based approach
  • Failing to demonstrate understanding of the coordination aspects - this isn't just a data analysis role

📅 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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