Job Description:

• Coordinates and drafts research and policy documents for the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture, in coordination with the Innovation Commission Director, team members, and external partners and stakeholders.
• Develops policy and outreach materials to support further project development and scaling.
• Collaborates with team members to perform desk research as inputs to innovation cases and literature reviews, and integrates edits to existing drafts.
• Performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project, plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate
• Develops and maintains strong partnerships with external collaborators, funders, and other important constituencies.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

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:

• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of economic incentives and creatively apply economic principles to policy challenges.

Preferred Competencies

• Synthesize complex research findings and summarize them for a non-technical policy audience.
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience in or exposure to agricultural policy, climate change, and food security.
• Background in agriculture or climate change policy in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience working with policymakers and/or multilateral organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse and international teams.

Working Conditions

• Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
• 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)

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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 the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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About University of Chicago (UC)

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