Training Associate - J-Pal Lac

J-PAL LAC is a non-profit research center that aims to reduce global poverty by generating rigorous scientific evidence on which social programs and policies can make a real difference in people's lives. Formed by a network of more than 900 academics worldwide, J-PAL measures the impact of programs with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and uses these results to influence the design of public policies. The J-PAL network has conducted over 2,200 evaluations in over 90 countries, organized in 12 sectors.
J-PAL organizes its work into three main areas: Research: We partner with donors to create initiatives that fund research. We also implement RCT, from data collection to data analysis.
Public policy: We summarize the investigation's results, create alliances, and provide technical assistance to governments.
Training: We lead the executive training and develop a rigorous online education to build regional knowledge.
J-PAL's local grounding is essential for its success. The seven regional J-PAL offices are located at leading universities on five continents. J-PAL is headquartered at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC Chile) in Latin America and the Caribbean. J-PAL LAC also has a Memoranda of Understanding with Insper for work in Brazil, the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala for work in Central America, and ITAM for work in Mexico.
In 2019, J-PAL founders Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee won the Nobel Prize in Economics "for their experimental approach to alleviating poverty." Our office J-PAL LAC is based at UC Chile in Santiago, where most of our staff is. We also have a team in São Paulo, based at Insper and project staff in several LAC countries.
We strive for a collegiate, horizontal, and amicable culture where peers can learn from each other and are not afraid to innovate. The office is led by Executive Director Paula Pedro, originally from Brazil, and Deputy Executive Director Claudia Macías, originally from Mexico. Paula leads the office's overall strategy and fundraising and has a more external-facing role. Claudia oversees our operations and develops strategic partnerships, especially with Governments.
About the team, project, or initiative you would be working with: The Training and Education team is dedicated to building capacities and fostering collaboration across different stakeholders to enhance better producers and users of evidence and equip learners worldwide with skills in evaluation, including data analysis and economics. The vertical is pivotal in coordinating specific training and technical assistance needs with other areas and projects at J-PAL LAC.
The main general activities of the vertical are structured as follows: Play a pivotal and strategic role in fostering capacity development for evaluation and evidence use within governments in LAC. Draw on J-PAL's extensive and refined expertise in designing and implementing government partnerships to improve evidence-informed policymaking and contribute this knowledge and expertise to CLEAR LAC's strategy of building partnerships with governments in the prioritized countries. Tailoring and crafting content, along with designing capacity-building solutions that resonate with the needs of our partners in the region. This involves harnessing J-PAL's online courses in Spanish and Portuguese and creating and executing customized courses. Assume an active role in contributing to the education programs and efforts at J-PAL and CLEAR LAC. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to address poverty's complex causes and consequences. To advance our mission, J-PAL LAC must draw on diverse experiences from our staff and affiliated researchers to ask better questions and identify better solutions. We are working to increase the limited representation of individuals from underrepresented economic backgrounds. We are committed to self-reflection, learning, and dialogue to nurture understanding across differences. Together, we will build an equitable, inclusive culture where everyone is respected, empowered, and heard.
Summary of the Role: The Training Associate will primarily support the implementation of training workshops, events, and technical advisory services to help partners better understand evidence use, generation, and impact evaluation. Key tasks include preparing presentations, training materials, manuals, and knowledge products for various capacity-building activities. Valentina Olivares (Training & Education) will supervise the associate, supported by Vianney Fernández (J-PAL LAC's policy manager).
The associate will coordinate and implement training courses tailored to the needs of internal and external organizations. This role includes designing and implementing new processes and tools for the vertical. The associate will create new training and education materials for various capacity-building initiatives, including manuals and knowledge products. This task will ensure that J-PAL's training standards are maintained across different projects.
The Associate will facilitate coordination between government partners and J-PAL's academic network to enhance institutional capacities for evidence use and generation. This role aims to help policymakers in Mexico overcome institutional barriers and disincentives and engage meaningfully with evidence and data through expanding government partnerships. The Associate will provide technical assistance to local State officials, building institutional capacity in evidence utilization, identifying innovative solutions for daily challenges, and supporting capacity-building activities. Particularly to the collaboration between J-PAL LAC and the Secretariat of Planning of Querétaro (SPPC), which oversees the state strategic planning system, coordinating with state agencies to develop short-, medium-, and long-term plans. In this context, the role of the Training Associate is relevant.
Strong interpersonal and analytical abilities Work Management: Ability to perform a variety of tasks and duties as well as to organize and prioritize work assignments effectively; Orientation to Detail: Strong ability to manage a time-sensitive workflow while maintaining absolute accuracy with details; It is crucial to be able to work on projects independently, make decisions, and be willing to pitch in to get tasks done. Communication: Have good writing and presentation skills (both creating and presenting material for large audiences); Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds; A record of accomplishment in adeptly navigating complex organizations and building relationships among diverse groups of stakeholders. Flexibility to adapt and respond to changing circumstances, demands, and stakeholder expectations. Self-motivated with an orientation towards results over processes. Time Management: Proven ability to handle various projects/tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines. A willingness to work hard, be self-motivated, and learn will be essential for doing well in this position. Punctuality and consistency in work hours are required. Mission alignment: We highly value experience in community organizing, activism, or engagements focused on bettering the lives of your community. Extensive knowledge of the following methodologies is highly desirable: theory of change, logical framework, indicator generation, randomized evaluations, and quasi-experimental methods. The candidate should be capable of applying these methodologies and effectively sharing them through training sessions with others.Responsibilities The primary responsibilities of the training associate revolve around promoting a culture of evidence-based decision-making within SPCC and other agencies and secretaries of Querétaro and fostering collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, including the Government Partnerships manager and J-PAL LAC. Some of the expected responsibilities and results for the position are:
Promotion of Evidence-Based Culture: Drive the advancement of a culture within SPCC that emphasizes the generation and application of rigorous evidence. Identify potential opportunities and support the ongoing process of creating an innovation laboratory. Stakeholder Collaboration & Matchmaking: Foster continuous collaboration with key partners, such as the Government Partnerships' manager and J-PAL LAC. Support & Technical Advisory: Play a pivotal role in shaping SPPC's strategic planning and evaluation framework. Offer technical guidance to enhance the scope of internal evaluation efforts and actively assist SPPC's public servants on research-related tasks. Capacity building: Contribute to developing skills for using and generating rigorous evidence for decision-making in public policy. Some activities include providing technical training on randomized evaluations and sharing literature review findings through executive presentations. Qualifications Education: A bachelor's or master's degree in economics, political science, public policy, or a related field. Recent graduates will be given preference. Knowledge of the design and analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) is essential, including a solid command of the associated terminology, statistical procedures, and concepts. Understanding of other impact evaluation methods is also desired. Languages: This job is based in Mexico, so full proficiency in Spanish is a must. Advanced English is needed as you frequently interact with the Global and Regional Teams. Experience: We expect you to have at least two years of work experience, emphasizing training and scientific dissemination activities. As work experience, we will also consider prior work as an assistant to university professors. Word and Excel: Advanced PowerPoint: Advanced Statistical Packages (STATA or R): Intermediate. Other: Experience writing public policy memos or briefs: Intermediate to advanced Experience with impact evaluation methodologies: Intermediate. *Work permissions: This position is open to citizens or foreigners with visas and/or valid work permits in Mexico at the time of applying for this vacancy.
How to ApplyWhat to expect from this application process? As our team is mainly made up of people from outside Mexico, questions in English can be asked during the interview process. If you are uncomfortable responding to them in English, please speak Spanish. We understand that most people in the region do not speak English, and we will consider your personal history.
If you are interested, please follow these steps: Please fill out the following application form:
You will be asked to answer relevant questions and upload a CV and a short motivation letter (both in one single PDF). You can send your materials either in English or Spanish.
What is expected from your cover letter Write a one-page cover letter in the most comfortable language, clearly stating your qualifications for the various responsibilities and the reasons for your interest in J-PAL. Please share aspects of your life that might be challenging to spot on your CV but might make you a good candidate!
What is expected from your CV Ideally, in 1-2 pages, in the language you are most comfortable with.
Given the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Steps expected for shortlisted and final candidates Screening interview - culture fit and alignment of mission: yes
Test: yes
Round of interviews: yes
Final Interview: yes
Feedback could be provided only to finalist candidates. We want to get to know you as a professional and human being, and we also want you to succeed. At each step, you will receive all the necessary materials and information. We might also ask for additional information or additional interviews. If so, you will be informed as soon as possible to respect your time.
The process exists because we believe that, in an unequal region like ours, only some people have the same chances, and, often, more than CVs are needed to demonstrate talent and motivation. In addition, it is an opportunity for you to understand our work well. These two ingredients are the secret to a successful partnership.
The team is also happy to accommodate your needs to ensure you feel at ease during the process. Just ask us!

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