[Hiring] Social Scientist @IDinsight

Role Description

IDinsight Social Scientists (hereafter “Researcher”) are experts in quantitative and qualitative research tools who support a large portfolio of projects across diverse geographies, sectors, and methodologies. This position may allow for specialization along any or all of these dimensions.

The Researcher will be required to think critically about how to maximize methodological rigor given our clients’ time, operational, political and budget constraints. The ideal candidate should love having many different types of problems thrown at them, be able to quickly digest and understand the program and evidence objectives, and provide advice and guidance on how best to proceed.

The Researcher will be an important member of IDinsight’s Technical Team. The Technical Team is responsible for ensuring that the services we provide to clients are statistically and methodologically sound. In collaboration with the Technical Team lead and personnel, the Researcher’s role will include, but not be limited to, the following activities:

• Designing and implementing evaluations and other research activities for IDinsight clients in collaboration with project teams.
• Ensuring technical rigor of project deliverables.
• Working with culturally and geographically diverse project teams.
• Supporting the technical professional development of staff.
• Publishing IDinsight studies in academic and policy journals.
• Developing new projects and services.

Qualifications

• Deeply passionate about social, economic, and environmental policies and programs, and social impact.
• Advanced degree in economics, econometrics, statistics, political science, public policy, public health, sociology, anthropology or other applied field. PhD preferred, although candidates with a Master’s degree and a strong record of success doing similar work will be considered.
• Outstanding quantitative and critical thinking skills.
• Self-starter who will thrive in a start-up setting by taking ownership and initiative.
• Intellectual curiosity and sense of humor.
• 3+ years of relevant work experience preferred, including designing and managing evaluations, quantitative analysis, field research, and managerial experience in a developing country.
• Significant experience with Stata or R preferred. Experience with additional programming languages a plus.
• Prior work authorization in one of the position locations preferred.
• Deep contextual knowledge and experience in the regions where IDinsight works.
• Candidates interested in the Dakar or Rabat office should be fluent in French.

Requirements

• Professional development for Researchers is essential for IDinsight’s long-term impact.
• Researchers maintain self-directed professional development plans and are given "stretch" opportunities designed to strengthen their professional skills.
• Real-time feedback and structured reviews are regularly provided to maximize each Researcher’s expertise.
• IDinsight’s entrepreneurial culture allows roles and career progression to be tailored to individual strengths, interests, and goals.
• Researchers have the opportunity to increase responsibilities, and high performers will have the opportunity to move up in the organization along technical, managerial, or client-facing paths.
• Opportunities to protect a small portion of time for the candidate to work on their own research agenda may be possible.

Benefits

• Compensation and benefits are commensurate with the qualifications and experiences IDinsight is hiring for, and competitive within the global development sector.
• Comprehensive international health insurance, including mental health coverage.
• Paid vacation, sick, and parental leave.
• Relocation benefits.
• A travel stipend.
• Technology and work from home stipends.
• A professional development budget.

How to apply

Please click the "Apply for this job online" button at the top right. The application asks various questions in order for us to get to know you, and requires a CV and cover letter.

Please ensure that your CV includes relevant professional and personal experience as well as details on academic qualifications. CVs can range from one to two pages. Please note, headshot photographs, parental details, birth dates, marital status and other personal information not relevant to the application do not need to be included in your CV. Additionally, we strongly encourage you to use your cover letter to highlight why you want to work for IDinsight specifically, and what has prepared you to succeed in the role you’re applying for. A customized cover letter is an important part of IDinsight’s recruiting process as it allows us to understand your motivations for the position, relevant skills, and clarity of writing.

More information, including details on IDinsight’s hiring process and frequently asked questions, can be found online at IDinsight Careers. Any questions should be directed to [email protected].