About the Department
The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.
DIL brings researchers in different fields together with governments, firms and non-profit organizations to identify, test, refine and scale innovations.
Job Summary
The Policy Associate will also work closely with Prof. Michael Kremer’s Chief of Staff (CoS) and the Associate Director of Policy on analysis and policy engagement with organizations such as the World Bank, IMF, and other DC-based institutions. Responsibilities include providing policy support to the CoS in outreach and communications related to the work of the Faculty Director including writing, public speaking and presentations, project development, multilateral engagement, and human resources of the Office of the Faculty Director.
In general, the position supports the CoS in the public engagement of the Faculty Director and facilitates the strategic engagement to fulfill the Faculty Director’s responsibilities at the University of Chicago as University Professor of Economics in both the College and the Harris School of Public Policy. Other responsibilities include supporting the management of the Office of the Faculty Director to provide support in correspondence, logistics and calendar management and coordinating with the other teams reporting directly to the Faculty Director.
This role aims to further the research agenda of the Development Innovation Lab by fostering relationships, communicating research findings, and identifying opportunities for collaboration and impact.
The ideal candidate possesses technical knowledge of development economics, and policy, and the ability to work efficiently across many projects and teams. The Policy Associate will work directly with Prof. Kremer and the senior leadership team. This position is well-suited for someone interested in a career at the intersection of research and policy.
Candidates looking for a career in policy are strongly encouraged to apply. This includes candidates looking to apply to graduate degrees (public policy and MBAs), consulting and government roles.
Responsibilities
- Support drafting speeches, presentations, communications, and policy briefs. (30%)
- Translate DIL’s research findings into policy briefs and presentations tailored for policy audiences. (20%)
- Support research activities, and work on some research projects. (10%)
- Support the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders and policy makers in multilateral organizations. (10%)
- Support DIL leadership at relevant policy events and conferences in Washington, DC and Chicago. (10%)
- Providing support to the CoS for OFD in the preparations of event planning, public relations, and other external communications and related activities that require Faculty Director involvement. (10%)
- Perform other related work as needed. (10%)
Minimum Qualifications
- College or university degree in economics or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Experience with academic writing.
Competencies:
- Excellent writing skills, including the ability to translate technical ideas into non-technical content.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.
- Strong coordination skills.
- Ability to assess the quality of economic evidence and cost effectiveness for economic innovations is strongly preferred
- Understanding development economics and economics research is strongly preferred
- Knowledge of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used in economics is strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, mathematics, statistics, public policy, or related discipline
Working Conditions
- Candidates must be willing to travel flexibly as needed for their respective responsibilities.
- Frequent evening and weekend work required
- The length of this project is expected to last two years. This position will end on or before January 1, 2027.”
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
- References Contact Information (3)(required)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.