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Applied Economist

Position Announcement: Applied Economist
University of Maryland, College Park

Background
The IRIS Center ( http://www.iris.umd.edu/ ) is a research and advisory center located in the Department of Economics at the University of Maryland, College Park. IRIS works to understand and facilitate economic growth and democratic development in poor and transition countries, focusing on the role of institutions — the formal and informal rules by which individuals organize economic, political, and social activity.

IRIS is seeking an Applied Economist with direct experience designing and leading studies involving experimental & quasi experimental designs and mixed-methodology to evaluate progress and assess impacts of development projects in developing countries.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Contribute to the design and implementation of impact assessment studies to help donors, grantees, and clients improve their products and services.
• Analyze and report results in response to client needs and specifications.
• Employ quantitative and qualitative tools and experimental (randomized and quasi and natural) designs, as needed.
• Work with a team of researchers, survey firms and field staff to assess progress and results and prepare reports.
• Coordinate with IRIS colleagues and Program Manager on staff management, project timelines and resources.
• Liaise with donors, professionals, and colleagues on work progress.
• Present research as appropriate in academic and professional forum, research journals and other publications, or web blogs.
• Contribute substantively to new business development initiatives, including writing and editing grant proposals and recruiting expertise as needed.

Preferred Qualifications
• Phd in applied economics or related field.
• Experience with quantitative methods in international development work.
• Completed dissertation showing use of experimental (randomized, quasi or natural) designs and latest quantitative methods, or demonstrated ability to produce publications for peer review journal.
• Experience with international development research and technical assistance projects.
• Ability to work well within a team and with multicultural colleagues in a respectful and collegial manner.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Fluency in at least one other language commonly used in one or more developing countries (Spanish, French, Arabic, etc…).

Other Requirements
• Must be eligible to work in the United States.
• Must be willing to travel at least 20% of the time.

Application Process
Please submit a CV, cover letter, and salary history in three (3) separate documents to resume@iris.umd.edu with “Applied Economist” in the subject heading.


Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled.