The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. Based at Harvard Kennedy School, CID brings researchers and practitioners together across the university to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.<\/p>\n
Housed within the Center for International Development, the Global Education and Research: Unleashing Potential (GEAR:UP) initiative is focused on transforming education systems to improve learning outcomes. Despite increases in school enrollment, global learning levels remain stagnant, with millions of students lacking basic literacy and numeracy skills. Expansions in enrollment have created more diverse classrooms, yet educational outcomes and per-student spending have not improved at the same rate.<\/p>\n
Through its work, GEAR:UP aims to create personalized learning journeys at scale using big data and AI to improve education quality. The research uses a systems approach, which addresses interconnected challenges and fosters collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Ultimately, the goal is to get on track to 2030 with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: ensuring inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.<\/p>\n
CID research fellows work closely with faculty on specific research projects. This fellowship, under the direction of Professor Asim Khwaja, will focus primarily on education research but may also include projects on labor, governance, or taxation depending on staffing needs.<\/p>\n
Professor Khwaja’s work uses system-level randomized control trials to assess the impact of educational interventions. His work is distinguished by its integration of extensive fieldwork, rigorous empirical analysis, and microeconomic theory to address policy-relevant issues using a systems approach.<\/p>\n
His most recent projects include:<\/p>\n
This fellowship will focus primarily on research in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and potentially Colombia, providing a unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research on pressing educational and economic challenges in these regions.<\/p>\n
Fellows come from diverse backgrounds and bring highly valued technical skillsets and cultural perspectives to research teams. Fellows receive mentoring from faculty, work with cutting-edge topics and research methods, and participate in a broad range of activities at the Harvard Kennedy School. They are welcomed as members of the Harvard community and receive salary, benefits, and access to an array of University resources.<\/p>\n
Fellows are among the best and the brightest of future researchers and practitioners in Economics, Public Policy, and related fields, and many go on to graduate study or pursue careers outside of academia, supporting and implementing evidence-based policy from a wide variety of organizations.<\/p>\n
Applications must be submitted through the J-PAL\/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the University-based Data Research Associate position type “Research Fellow \u2013 Harvard CID (Prof. Asim Khwaja)” and include the following materials:<\/p>\n
Cover Letter:<\/strong> One page maximum<\/p>\n Curriculum Vitae<\/strong><\/p>\n Coding Sample:<\/strong> Demonstrating data analysis skills in Stata (preferred), R, or Python. To ensure a blind, bias-free grading process, candidates must redact their name or other information that could be used to identify them as a candidate (including versions of their name in referenced file paths) from anywhere it appears in the file. Applications with personal identifiers in the coding sample will be considered incomplete.<\/p>\n Two Letters of Recommendation:<\/strong> From academic (preferred) or professional references. Applicants are able to submit their application before references complete their recommendation letters; however, contact information must be included before submitting the application.<\/p>\n Transcripts:<\/strong> From all degrees completed and in-progress. Unofficial copies are acceptable.<\/p>\n Candidates may also be considered for similar positions at collaborating institutions. Applicants should opt-in to open recruitment when completing the J-PAL\/IPA common application.<\/p>\n Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and will not be considered complete until all elements (excluding letters of recommendation) are received.<\/p>\n Given the volume of applications received, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants chosen to move forward in the hiring process will be required to:<\/p>\n Fellows receive:<\/p>\n For questions about the position or application process, please contact: For more information about CID, visit: https:\/\/www.hks.harvard.edu\/centers\/cid<\/a><\/p>\n For more information about GEAR:UP, visit the GEAR:UP webpage on the CID website.<\/p>\nImportant Notes<\/h3>\n
Selection Process<\/h2>\n
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Benefits<\/h2>\n
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Contact Information<\/h2>\n
\ncidfellowapplications@hks.harvard.edu<\/a><\/p>\n
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