Department
 

Development Economics Center

About the Department
 

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) 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 hosts the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture, chaired by Professor Kremer. The Commission will convene an independent and high-level group of former heads of state, finance ministers, and private sector leaders to promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.

Job Summary
 

The Policy Analyst will work closely with the Innovation Commission Director, and other team members to support the development and adoption of policy proposals that will promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.

This position performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

Contributes to drafts of research and policy documents for the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture.Collaborates with team members to perform desk research as inputs to innovation cases and literature reviews, and integrates edits to existing drafts.Under limited direction, performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.Collects, records and analyzes data.Conducts literature reviews.Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Advanced degree (Masters or higher) in a related field such as evaluation, economics, public policy, political science, sociology, or another social science related to monitoring and evaluation.

Experience:

Synthesize complex research findings and summarize them for a non-technical policy audience.Background in agriculture or climate change policy in low- and middle-income countries.

Preferred Competencies

Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.Strong oral and written communication skills.Stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.Curiosity and interest in agriculture, climate change, and food security.Careful understanding of economic incentives and creatively apply economic principles to policy challenges.

Working Conditions

Some domestic and international travel may be required on short notice.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (required)References Contact Information (3)(required)Writing sample, preferably for a policy audience (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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