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Summary

FAI is seeking a Associate Research Scientist for our Global Projects portfolio to support FAI’s research on financial inclusion, microfinance, international development, SME development, and poverty and inequality. The successful candidate will design and manage new and existing research studies, and develop insights to deliver to research partners, policy makers, financial services providers, and funders. The job takes place in a collaborative (though partially virtual) team working environment, and includes management responsibilities: the Research and Operations Manager will directly supervise 2-3 people, and manage field research teams across several countries.

This is a grant-funded, full-time position, reporting to FAI’s Managing Director. The Research Manager may work in a hybrid remote/ in-person arrangement, but must be based in the tri-state area or Washington DC. To facilitate team collaboration the majority of working hours should fall within the window of Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm Eastern Time (US).

Responsibilities

Associate Research Scientist (Global Projects) will oversee the operational development and execution of FAI’s international research projects. This position will focus on managing research operations, ensuring quality data collection and analysis, and supporting project internal and external communications. It requires working closely with FAI’s core team as well as field research teams and local research partners to carry out high quality research work while contributing towards FAI’s strategic goals.

Project management

• Oversee execution of new and existing research projects, including creating and managing budgets, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring projects remain on schedule and within scope in accordance with project goals.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local partners and research teams as necessary to carry out research projects in multiple countries simultaneously

• Handle logistical and administrative elements of planning gatherings and events for field team and local partners as needed to execute research projects

• Continuously develop and improve systems and processes to streamline research operations and coordinate workflow across multiple projects

  Survey design, data collection, and data cleaning

• Work closely with the FAI core team and local field teams and partners to design and implement new surveys for data collection

• Supervise data collection across diverse multiple projects and geographies, ensuring data quality, accuracy, and timeliness

• Troubleshoot challenges as they emerge

• Develop tools, processes, and dashboards for sharing and reporting of data and findings

  Data analysis and research deliverable production

• Working with key members of the FAI core team, lead the development of plans to (internally) share, analyze and interpret new and existing data using R and Python

• Contribute to the development of findings, insights, and recommendations from the data; contribute to research outputs (e.g. data visualizations, slide decks, papers); and contribute to strategies and plans for sharing findings and implement recommendations

  Donor relations

• Support donor relationship management by providing timely operational updates and contributing to donor reports and presentations

• Contribute to grant proposals and reports as needed

  Administration

• Work with NYU Wagner’s finance team to manage budgeting, billing, and reimbursement processes, ensuring compliance with NYU’s financial systems and financial requirements

• Liaise with NYU Wagner’s grants administration and legal teams to facilitate grant administration, including contracting, disbursements, reporting, and IRB approvals.

  Professional and Personal Attributes

• Positive attitude, willingness and enthusiasm to pitch in and help out on assignments as needed

• Strong critical thinking and analytical abilities—able to foresee issues and proactively address them

• Empathetic and diplomatic communicator and relationship builder, in particular with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds

• Able to work independently on multiple projects while clearly communicating progress and results with other team members; strong sense of personal accountability

• Demonstrated interest in creating and improving tools and processes to help teams work together more effectively

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and ability to complete tasks on time

• MPA/MPP or MA/MSc in economics, or a similar degree with 2 years of relevant experience preferred. BA/BSc holders with 4 years of relevant experience will also be considered.

• Experience working on primary research studies, from conception to dissemination

• Familiarity in using programming languages such as Python, Stata, and/or R to analyze large data sets

• Knowledge of and interest in FAI’s research areas, including financial inclusion, microfinance, international development, and poverty and inequality

• Excellent problem-solving skills – must be able to break down complex tasks and craft an execution strategy with little guidance

• Familiarity with typical organizational tools: MS Word; Powerpoint; Google Drive; DropBox; Slack

• International work experience, demonstrated cultural sensitivity, and interest in intercultural collaboration are a huge plus

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NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

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