Research Assistant/Research Analyst

Job Summary:

The Development Strategy and Governance Division of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) seeks qualified candidates to fill ten  Research Assistants/Research Analysts openings.  The successful candidates will work on several research projects, involving household survey data collection and analysis. This is a one-year renewable appointment based in Yangon, Myanmar, with frequent travel and extended stays in different parts of rural Myanmar. Interested applicants must be authorized to work in Myanmar.

Essential Duties:

Specific Duties include but are not limited to:

• Collection, cleaning and analysis of primary and secondary data
• Assist with field implementation of survey activities (scoping, pretesting, training survey enumerators, etc.)
• Assist in handling household survey data (including survey design, sampling & questionnaire)
• Assist in preparing large datasets for public access
• Assist with development of research instruments and analytical tools
• Assist in developing data documentation manuals or other learning materials, as needed
• Conduct literature reviews & synthesis
• Assist in preparation of discussion papers, donor reports
• Other duties as assigned

At the Research Analyst level:

• Conduct data analysis, statistical analysis, econometric analysis
• Conduct literature reviews & synthesis
• Contribute to the writing of discussion papers, donor reports, and other scholarly publications.
• Coordinate field implementation of survey activities (scoping, pretesting, training survey enumerators, etc.)
• Prepare large datasets for public access
• Develop data documentation manuals or other learning materials, as needed
• Help develop & coordinate technical workshops
• Interact with collaborators and project partners.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or International Development or related field plus two years of relevant professional experience
• Demonstrated experience working with large quantitative data sets (data cleaning, management, analysis, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to perform in-depth statistical analysis and report the results.
• Demonstrated fluency in written and spoken English and Myanmar language.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Excellent interpersonal skills and to work in a team-oriented multi-cultural environment
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task as needed, consistently meet deadlines and manage time well
• Demonstrated professional level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Ability to work independently, with initiative and minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel.

At the Research Analyst level:

• Master’s degree in Economics, Agricultural Economics, or International Development or related field
• Experienced in conducting literature reviews of academic publications, research reports, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating activities in the field
• Demonstrated experience in effective interaction and coordination with collaborators and project partners.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Skilled in programming in Stata, GAMS and in managing household databases.
• Experience with data entry and CAPI software packages.
• Proficiency in Shan, Karen, Kachin, Chin, and/or Mon language.

At the Research Analyst level:

• Excellent econometric skills on cross-section and panel data analysis.

Physical Demand & Work environment:

• Employee will sit in an upright position for a long period of time
• Employee will lift between 0-10 pounds
• Employee is required to have close visual acuity to perform activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing computer terminal; extensive reading.