Development Economist

The American Institutes for Research (AIR)
Washington, DC - United States
S: Competitive

Overview

The American Institutes for Research (AIR) has opportunities available in Washington, D.C. for a Development Economist to work in our International Research and Evaluation group. AIR's international work improves the quality of life in developing countries by using rigorous research and evaluation to enhance education and social development. We conduct impact evaluations on a wide range of topics including cash transfer programs, early childhood nutrition programs, education interventions, health product distribution programs, and agricultural interventions. We partner with locally based researchers to provide context relevant policy analysis and to help build the research capacity in developing countries. Our work contributes to policy and financial decisions at the national and international level in countries around the world.

Responsibilities

•Developing conceptual frameworks that guide project work.
•Managing and analyzing large-scale data files for research.
•Applying appropriate quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data.
•Organizing and documenting analytic results and research procedures.
•Preparing technical reports and journal articles and presenting findings to clients, professional associations and the public.
•Assisting in developing and drafting new research proposals.
•Mentoring research analysts, sharing approaches to solving concrete problems, and providing feedback on the work of others.
•Managing or leading projects or tasks.
•Serving as client contact for analytical or statistical expertise.

Qualifications

A Ph.D. in economics, public policy, or related social science field, with expertise in econometrics or applied statistics. Able to apply advanced statistical methods, and able to communicate effectively about these methods to non-technical audiences. Highly proficient in STATA, and open to learning new statistical tools as required by different projects. Knowledge or experience with the analysis of large-scale data, and the design of experiments and quasi-experiments. Prior quantitative research on policy-relevant international development topics using advanced methods such as fixed effects, regression discontinuity, or instrumental variables.

Job summary