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- Tasks: Lead impactful research projects and manage survey fieldwork in developing countries.
- Company: Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford - a hub for innovative public policy research.
- Benefits: 38 days annual leave, excellent pension scheme, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global governance while collaborating with top researchers.
- Qualifications: Experience in development economics and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Blavatnik School of Government, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG
About the Blavatnik School of Government
Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policymaking worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.
What we offer
The School is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford. We host regular events and talks with well-known guest speakers – all of which are open to staff. On the social side, we have regular coffee/cake mornings for staff, a family-friendly Halloween event, and Christmas and summer parties. As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:
- An excellent contributory pension scheme
- 38 days’ annual leave
- Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
- Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
- Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
About the role
Anchored at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, PROSPER tests scalable, evidence-based solutions – from smarter recruitment and job search tools to digitally enabled income support – to generate measurable gains for workers, firms, and economies. The programme is a multi-country collaboration of researchers from Oxford, Warwick, Duke, Northwestern, Berkeley, Peking, and RAND, J-PAL Africa, the Busara Center for Behavioural Economics, REMIT, and NGO and government partners in Kenya and South Africa.
As Senior Research Associate in Development Economics, you will work primarily with the survey fieldwork aspect of the operation, based at JPAL Africa in South Africa and the Busara Centre for Behavioural Economics and REMIT in Kenya. They are currently running three large-scale randomised controlled trials or longitudinal surveys and three more will be launched in the next three years. You will lead on building systems for ensuring high quality data is collected and appropriately managed; oversee survey and intervention design processes; and oversee the building of effective field operations and management structures.
About you
As a strategic, adaptable thinker who can manage multiple complex projects, coordinate diverse stakeholders, meet deadlines, and take ownership across all stages of project delivery, you will have exceptional communication, meticulous organisational skills, and demonstrated ability to build operational systems—spanning finance, HR, and data management—enabling you to excel in challenging environments. As a capable and collaborative leader, you work effectively with cross-cultural research partners and are willing to travel frequently for extended periods to support survey launches across developing-country settings. This position is based at the Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford in the UK, with considerable time allocated to fieldwork in Kenya and South Africa.
Application process
Senior Research Associate (PROSPER Programme) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford
Contact Detail:
University of Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate (PROSPER Programme) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Blavatnik School of Government on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the PROSPER Programme and its impact. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the mission of improving public policymaking worldwide.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to project management and cross-cultural collaboration. We want to see how you handle challenges and lead diverse teams!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at the Blavatnik School.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate (PROSPER Programme) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight relevant experience in development economics, project management, and any previous work with cross-cultural teams. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at the Blavatnik School of Government.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to the PROSPER Programme. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your strategic thinking and adaptability. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As communication is key in this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. Use concise language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate clarity and directness in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your materials and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the PROSPER Programme and its objectives. Understand the key research areas and methodologies used by the team. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders and complex tasks. Be ready to discuss how you ensured high-quality data collection and operational efficiency, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Cultural Sensitivity is Key
Since the role involves working in diverse environments, be prepared to discuss your experience with cross-cultural teams. Highlight any previous work in developing countries or with international collaborators to demonstrate your adaptability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team's current projects and future directions. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the challenges they face in fieldwork or how they measure the impact of their research.
