Research Associate

J-PAL SEA; Jakarta Utara; On-site; IDR 253.549.000 - 422.583.000; Full time

Job summary

A research organization in Jakarta seeks a Research Associate to support quantitative project development. The role involves background research, engagement with government partners, field research, and ensuring project compliance with research design. The ideal candidate has a Master's degree, strong econometric skills, and experience in managing stakeholder relationships. Interested candidates must apply by January 31st, 2026, with required application materials. This position offers a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics, social science, public policy, or related fields.
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in conducting quantitative research for over a year.
• Strong econometrics skills and proficiency in Stata.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate project development through background research.
• Engage with government and potential partners.
• Lead field research activities and ensure research design is followed.
• Prepare project summary reports and dissemination materials.

Skills

Quantitative research

Data analysis

Econometrics

Fluency in Indonesian

Fluency in English

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Microsoft Excel

Stata

Education

Master's degree in economics or related fields

Tools

Stata

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Research Associate – J-PAL Southeast Asia

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is globally headquartered within the Economics Department at MIT. J-PAL Southeast Asia (J-PAL SEA) is one of seven independent regional offices hosted at local universities. Under the Institute for Economic and Social Research, Faculty for Economic and Business at the University of Indonesia (LPEM FEB UI), J‑PAL SEA seeks a qualified applicant for a Research Associate for Project Development (Quantitative) position to coordinate the development of our projects through background research, engagement with government and potential partners, conduct field research and pilot activities toward the aim of implementing a large‑scale randomized evaluation.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands‑on experience and take on meaningful responsibility within a dynamic organization conducting cutting‑edge research in the development sector. Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs), the Research Associate will support both the design and implementation of the assigned project. Key responsibilities include ensuring activities are executed in line with the research design, leading data processing and analysis efforts, and building strong relationships with key stakeholders—such as government officials, implementing partners, and field survey teams.

The Research Associate will receive supervision from PIs and a Jakarta‑based Research Manager. The position is based in Jakarta, with potential travel to field sites outside the city, depending on project needs. This position offers an initial engagement period of six (6) months, with extensions subject to satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities

• Propose and, as appropriate, implement innovations in the different stages of a project in coordination with PIs
• Maintain and grow effective relationships with partner organizations (e.g., donors, implementing partners, and survey firms)
• Oversee and lead the field research activities, including the implementation of the evaluation, according to the research design in coordination with partners
• Design survey questionnaires, conduct qualitative research, run pilot exercise, refine study design and surveying instruments
• Supervise data collection and data entry and ensure the good quality of the data at each of these two stages
• If using administrative data, assist with data request process and fulfilling all requirements, conduct follow up on the data and ensure safe and secure data transfer, upholding data security protocol
• Assist with data check, data cleaning and data analysisli>Ensure that project activities are on schedule and prepare project update reports according to agreements with funders and partners
• Work with the J‑PAL SEA Finance and Research Managers to keep detailed accounts of all project activities, including monitoring expenses in the field and summarizing current expenditures and forecasting expected expenditures
• Facilitate, strengthen and maintain effective and efficient communication as the primary contact point with PIs
• Provide periodic updates on project activities to PIs and subject experts/relevant study partners
• Participate in the planning and design of any outreach activities
• Prepare project summary reports and dissemination materials in Bahasa Indonesia and English
• Produce project journal and progress report

Mandatory Qualifications

• A Master’s degree (preferred) in economics, social science, public policy, math, statistics or related technical fields
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in development, public policy, or research on social and economic issues
• Experience in conducting quantitative research, involving data and econometrics analysis, for at least 1 year (thesis work from Master’s degree can be taken into account)
• Experience in working with large datasets, including both panel and cross‑sectional data
• Strong econometrics skills
• High proficiency in Stata
• Proven experience in managing multi‑stakeholder initiatives in a professional or academic setting
• Fluency in both Indonesian and English, with excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage communications with diverse stakeholders, including NGOs, government, and civil society groups
• Proven management and organizational skills
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with partner organizations
• Self‑motivated and flexible, with the ability to work independently and in a team in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Experience in both quantitative and qualitative research
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Familiarity with RCTs is strongly preferred
• Familiarity with advanced econometrics methods (e.g. LASSO, Heterogeneous Treatment Effects)
• Familiarity with large‑scale survey data (e.g. SUSENAS, SAKERNAS, PODES)
• Experienced in using other statistical software or computational language is a plus (e.g. R, Python, Julia)
• Strong attention to detail, with advanced writing and presentation skills (clear, precise, and creative), to effectively translate policy insights from academic research into formats that are accessible and useful for policymakers
• Interest in pursuing a Doctorate degree in economics, social sciences, public policy, or related fields preferred

Note on Work Authorization: You must have work authorization in Indonesia (either by being an Indonesian national or otherwise).

How to Apply

Please prepare the following documents and fill in by January 31st, 2026:

• PDF copies of your CV, diploma, academic transcripts, and a cover letter no longer than 500 words. The cover letter should discuss how you meet the aforementioned position requirements, emphasizing relevant skills and experience, as well as why you are interested in working with J‑PAL SEA.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are advised to apply at the earliest. Only short‑listed applicants will be contacted. Short‑listed applicants will be asked to complete written and data exercise and may subsequently be called for interview.