Agriculture Policy & Research Leader

uchicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 73,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Development Innovation Lab seeks a Research & Policy Manager to oversee a growing portfolio of agricultural research from inception to completion and translate results into actionable policy. This role requires expertise in development economics, managing complex initiatives, and liaising with leadership, partners, and policymakers.

Hybrid work arrangement with on-campus presence, strong organizational and independent-work capabilities, and a focus on disseminating

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Master’s degree in a related field (economics, public policy, or other).
• Experience leading or contributing to RCTs in LMICs, agriculture, food security, or rural development.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to synthesize evidence and translate into policy documents.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex programs with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage the establishment and growth of external partnerships to conduct new research and scale innovations in agriculture and food security.
• Develop and manage research projects according to plan, providing direct support on research projects as needed.
• Oversees output produced by research staff, including junior researchers, allocate tasks, and ensure sufficient research support.
• Develops and maintains effective working relations with internal and external stakeholders, including partners, funders and other collaborators.
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project.
• Manage day-to-day project activities, including preparing for and facilitating internal and external meetings, ensuring tasks are completed on time.
• Provide direct support for faculty leads and collaborate with project partners to prepare for policy events and engagements.
• Coordinate messaging across stakeholders, working in close coordination with faculty leads.
• Develop and refine processes and procedures for project implementation, tracking, and reporting.
• Synthesize research findings and translate them for policy, practitioners, and general audiences.
• Coordinate fundraising efforts and identify opportunities for fundraising.
• Provide guidance, training and support to junior staff and project team members.

Skills

RCTs experience

Policy translation

Cross-cultural communication

Organizational skills

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in a related field

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Job description

The University of Chicago's Development Innovation Lab seeks a Research & Policy Manager to oversee a growing portfolio of agricultural research from inception to completion and translate results into actionable policy. This role requires expertise in development economics, managing complex initiatives, and liaising with leadership, partners, and policymakers.

Hybrid work arrangement with on-campus presence, strong organizational and independent-work capabilities, and a focus on disseminating