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10/06/2013

Evidence for Policy Design
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow – Saudi Labor Market Project

Position Description

Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) at Harvard University is a research program that promotes the use of rigorous evidence to inform the design of public policies in countries around the world. This research group directly engages with governments and local organizations to design and test innovative new policies—identifying key policy questions, using economic theory to design policy responses and evaluating these via large field-based experiments. Current research topics at EPoD include governance, education, entrepreneurship, health, agriculture, sustainable development, and access to finance.

EPoD is currently seeking a Post-doctoral Research Fellow to contribute to a new initiative that will assess current constraints in the areas of employment and job acquisition in Saudi Arabia and identify potential policy solutions by utilizing and further developing a base of rigorous empirical research. The position offers an opportunity to work closely with and under the mentorship of economists doing empirical research in top-tier academic institutions and to collaborate with policy counterparts in Saudi Arabia. This position is based in Cambridge, MA but will include travel to Saudi Arabia and potentially other locations on a periodic basis. The job is ideal for someone with an enthusiasm for empirical research, and the ability and interest to learn new skills and take initiative as the project develops. This position will provide excellent experience for individuals who are interested in pursuing a research career in Saudi Arabia working on issues of policy design and evaluation.

Responsibilities:
•  Compile and assess existing research on labor market policies and interventions and synthesize into a background paper, with the guidance and oversight of the research faculty.
•  Support the design, preparation and coordination of policy research workshops within
this research agenda.
•  Write other key project documents in close collaboration with the research team.
•  Contribute to survey and experiment design.
•  Coordinate and oversee data collection activities with field staff and partner organizations, including making short visits to field sites abroad.
•  Execute econometric and statistical analyses under the direction of the faculty researchers, including data management and overseeing data cleaning activities.
•  Contribute to other related activities, as needed.

Basic Qualifications:
PhD in economics, public policy, political science or related field with a strong empirical focus. Masters candidates will be considered in exceptional cases. Demonstrated interest in public policy and labor market issues in Saudi Arabia. Coursework in empirical methods, including econometrics and economics with strong demonstrated academic performance. Excellent English oral and written communication skills, including a strong ability to integrate research and policy into coherent and effective written materials. Experience in field research. Proficiency with Stata in addition to high computer proficiency (including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Preferred Qualifications: 
The candidate should be well organized, able to prioritize, have strong attention to detail and be able to manage multiple assignments simultaneously. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, and research partners internationally. Previous experience in a research environment and willingness to travel internationally desired. Proficiency in Arabic strongly preferred.

How to Apply: 
If you are interested, please email epod@hks.harvard.edu with the subject line “Post-doc: Saudi Labor Market Project”, your CV, academic transcript, and a statement of interest.