Research Associate, Mobile Insurance Employment Opportunity at IPA - Tanzania

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Research Associate, Mobile Insurance at IPA - Jobs in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 

Overview

Organization: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Country: Tanzania
City: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Office: IPA in Dar es Salaam  

Reports to: Research Manager
Deadline to apply: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled
Desired start: date April 1st, 2018
How to apply: J-PAL/IPA Common Application
Job type: International

Innovations for Poverty Action seeks a Research Associate to manage a project that will answer questions related to take up, selection, and use/satisfaction of mobile insurance, across different enrollment methods (solicitation vs no solicitation), different controlled audio messages at the point of sale (disclosure, behavioral marketing), and different follow-up scenarios. The project is led by Michael King (University of Trinity Dublin) and Paolina del Carmen Medina Palma (Texas A&M University).

Development and roll-out of mobile insurance in developing countries has only begun recently. Insurance regulators do not yet have a clear understanding of the associated consumer protection implications and have not yet developed evidence based regulatory guidelines for interactions with customers. We expect this research to provide evidence on the efficacy of aggressive telemarketing and provide guidance on the effectiveness of disclosure solutions. On the assumption that our disclosure interventions are effective, the findings will empower regulators to pursue interventionist policies to ensure customers are better informed about terms and conditions and claims processes. This research project studies the effect of regulatory disclosures and behaviorally informed advertising strategies on take-up, renewal and claims for mobile hospitalization insurance provided by a large mobile network operator (MNO) and insurance provider in Tanzania. We use consumer protection motivated pre-recorded messages played during phone call solicitations, cross-randomized with informative follow text messages, to study changes in composition of the insured pool, and changes in user behavior. The study will include 4 groups:
Group 1: As a benchmark, we will study the characteristics and behavior of a random sample of 4,000 individuals that “self-enroll” in to the mobile insurance product by directly calling the MNO and without receiving a phone solicitation call.

To study the effect of different solicitation messages, we will randomize 150,000 pre-screened MNO users, into three groups of equal size to receive phone solicitations as follows:
Group 2: Phone solicitations with standard script currently used by the insurance provider.
Group 3: Phone solicitations with standard script and an additional pre-recorded disclosure message.
Group 4: Phone solicitations with standard script and an additional pre-recorded behaviorally informed marketing message.

We will complement administrative data on all of these individuals with two rounds of phone surveys with 12,000 respondents each to gather information on socioeconomic characteristics, historical health outcomes, experiences of insurance and use of informal insurance mechanisms

The Research Associate will work closely with the Research Manager, Principal Investigators, staff from the implementing partners, and other IPA country office staff to oversee the implementation of the research study including the development and roll-out of the consumer disclosure messaging. The position offers an opportunity to gain first-hand field management experience in an organization undertaking cutting-edge development research. The work will develop your analytical and management skills and require your full commitment in a challenging environment. This position will likely be based in Dar es Salaam and requires frequent travel to the field sites.

Responsibilities
The Research Associate will perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
Leading the implementation of the research study, including phone surveys of 12,000 individuals and collection of administrative data from the insurance provider and MNO partner
Managing budgets, timelines, contract worker payroll, and procurement
Managing day-to-day relationships with the insurance provider and MNO partner for this project
Leading the development of the consumer disclosure messaging; overseeing the implementation of this intervention
Measuring and enforcing adherence to data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, monitoring data collection, and conducting data quality audits;
Developing reports and deliverables for donors
Managing relationships with key stakeholders
Writing reports detailing research findings and proposed interventions;
Performing related duties as assigned by supervisor; and
Maintaining compliance with IPA policies and procedures

Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in economics, international development, public policy or related fields; Master's Degree an advantage
Excellent project management and organizational skills; meticulous attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; communication skills in KiSwahili an advantage
A strong understanding of research methods and prior training/experience in conducting quantitative research
Proficiency in Stata or similar data analysis software and MS Office
Creativity and intellectual curiosity in experimental methods, ability to find quick and effective solutions to unforeseen circumstances
Flexible, independent, self-motivating, ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and work under pressure
Interest in consumer protection and economic development
Ability to work in a diverse, multi-cultural environment

Application Instructions
Complete the J-PAL/IPA common application. After completing a brief registration, choose the Research job category, then select “Research Associate, Mobile Insurance”. Most applications for research positions require you to include at minimum two letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose (cover letter), CV, and transcripts.

Note that you are able to submit your application before your references complete their recommendation letters; however, you must include their contact information before submitting your application.
Given the volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

About IPA
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a research and policy nonprofit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems. IPA brings together researchers and decision-makers to design, rigorously evaluate, and refine these solutions and their applications, ensuring that the evidence created is used to improve the lives of the world’s poor. In recent decades, trillions of dollars have been spent on programs designed to reduce global poverty, but clear evidence on which programs succeed is rare, and when evidence does exist, decision-makers often do not know about it. IPA exists to bring together leading researchers and these decision-makers to ensure that the evidence we create leads to tangible impact on the world. Since its founding in 2002, IPA has worked with over 575 leading academics to conduct over 650 evaluations in 51 countries. This research has informed hundreds of successful programs that now impact millions of individuals worldwide.  

Disclaimers
Innovations for Poverty Action is an EO Employer-MF/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected class. IPA will endeavor to make a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at jobs@poverty-action.org or via phone at 1-203-772-2216. Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work to be performed by the specified position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA prior to releasing any extensive personal information to the organization. Please direct questions to jobs@poverty-action.org. 
** Please note that only qualified applicants will be contacted by the hiring manager

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