Research Analyst

Company: Mathematica
Location: Ann Arbor
Posted on: May 3, 2021

Job Description:

* Position Description*: Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to address complex social challenges and improve well-being around the world. We create and use evidence to help our public and private sector partners improve programs, refine strategies, and advance knowledge. Over the past two decades, we have developed a large portfolio of international development work that spans more than 50 countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Our work provides actionable learning to guide decision-making and improve outcomes in a range of policy areas, including health, agriculture, energy, education, and workforce development.

Mathematica is looking for highly motivated and skilled *Research Analysts* to join its *International Research* Unit. Research Analysts will have the opportunity to generate vital, timely evidence and learning that can help donors, practitioners, and policymakers improve programs, strengthen strategy, and make data-driven decisions. They partner with researchers and other staff to design and execute user-focused evaluations and other measurement and learning efforts that help answer pressing research questions and translate findings into actionable lessons and recommendations.

We seek candidates that will thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that prioritizes analytical rigor, critical thinking, and a client-centered approach. This role is ideal for individuals with strong research and analytical skills, a passion for international development, and a commitment to using data and evidence to drive change. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in South Asia and/or Sub-Saharan Africa, candidates with experience conducting research focused on agriculture or health, and candidates who are fluent in French.

Responsibilities include:

* Working on interdisciplinary, cross-office research teams to design and implement evaluations and a range of measurement and learning efforts using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods; you will have the opportunity to contribute to and grow your skills in impact evaluation, strategy and portfolio reviews, performance measurement, dashboard development for multi-project initiatives, and a range of other methods * Conducting literature reviews, landscape scans, and background research to inform evaluation design, help "connect the dots" between our research and the field, and generate findings that are grounded in context and build on what is known * Developing survey instruments, focus group discussion guides, and in-depth interview guides for a variety of stakeholders, from the ultimate beneficiaries of the programs we evaluate, such as women and girls, to those participating in and implementing these programs on the ground, such as teachers, farmers, and healthcare workers, to those overseeing these programs, such as development partner staff and government officials * Overseeing local partners conducting quantitative and qualitative data collection (including supporting efforts to pilot and refine instruments, leading training sessions for data collectors, training data quality observers, and supporting other data quality assurance efforts) * Conducting in-depth analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and preparing public use data sets; this might also include the application of innovative methods including remote sensing and machine learning * Working with project teams to develop reports, data visualizations, policy briefs, and slide decks that share our results and analysis, as well as action-oriented lessons and recommendations, with a range of audiences; support and participate in meetings, presentations, and learning workshops that facilitate discussion of our results and their implications * Supporting the growth of the expanding International Unit by contributing to proposals and other business development efforts

* Position Requirements*:

* Excellent qualitative and/or quantitative analytical skills and a strong understanding of high-quality research methods * Superlative written communication skills, the ability to convey complex research results to diverse audiences, and interest and skill in drawing out the programmatic implications of research results * Excellent oral communication skills, including an ability to collaborate in a poised and professional manner with clients, implementing partners, consultants, and other external stakeholders * Field experience in one or more of the sectors in which Mathematica conducts research, such as health, agriculture, energy, education, and workforce development * Proven ability to work on teams to deliver high-quality products while meeting deadlines and managing multiple competing priorities * Advanced knowledge of Stata, R, GIS tools, Python, and/or NVivo/other qualitative analysis software is preferred * Experience developing complex slide decks to share results, facilitate meetings and learning events, and foster decision-making is a plus * Experience developing creative graphics-that describe program models, theories of change, and evaluation approaches, and visualize data and results-is a plus * Experience overseeing surveys, key informant interviews, and/or focus group discussions is a plus * Master's degree in public policy, international development, economics, statistics, public health, or a related field, or equivalent experience is required * Willingness to travel to and work in developing countries for up to 30% time, as needed (travel is not occurring during the public health crisis) * Experience in South Asia and/or Sub-Saharan Africa is preferred * Fluency in French is a plus

Applicants must submit: a cover letter, resume, and writing sample that demonstrates analytic thinking (preferably illustrating research or analysis skills on a policy-related topic). Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo a background investigation or security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance.

Mathematica offers our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, as well as the advantages of being 100 percent employee owned. As an employee stock owner, you will experience financial benefits of ESOP holdings that have increased in tandem with the company's growth and financial strength. You will also be part of an independent, employee-owned firm that is able to define and further our mission, enhance our quality and accountability, and steadily grow our financial strength. Read more about our benefits here: https://www.mathematica.org/career-opportunities/benefits-at-a-glance.

This position is open in the following cities and states; however, we are all currently working from home and provide the support and flexibility needed to work from home. We ask the candidates to identify their preferred location for when we return to working in-person.

* Available locations: Princeton, NJ; Washington, DC; Cambridge, MA; Chicago, IL; Ann Arbor, MI; Oakland, CA; Seattle, WA*

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of *$60,000-$100,000*. This position may be eligible for a discretionary bonus based on company and individual performance.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Keywords: Mathematica, Ann Arbor , Research Analyst, Other , Ann Arbor, Michigan