IPPA Research Fellow / Research Associate (Economics, Data Science, Public Policy)

Department: Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA)

Reports to: IPPA Team Lead

Duty Station: CAO, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Deadline: August 19,2024

UCA Background:

The University of Central Asia is currently seeking a qualified candidate in Economics, Data Science or Public Policy to fill a full-time position within the Institute of Public Policy and Administration (IPPA). Established in 2011, IPPA is dedicated to enhancing public policy in Central Asia by conducting comprehensive analyses of regional policy challenges. It strives to bolster the analytical capabilities of governmental and civil society entities, facilitating evidence-based decision-making through professional development initiatives. IPPA disseminates its findings through a series of rigorously peer-reviewed research papers covering a spectrum of social and economic issues, as well as public administration and policy matters pertinent to Central Asia.

The Research Fellow will serve as a crucial contributor to the institute's research initiatives, actively advancing its agenda through the application of specialized expertise. The Research Fellow will contribute to IPPA’s research projects in economic, political and social studies, through; undertaking original scholarly research, teaching at the executive and postgraduate levels; research and development grant capture, organizing/conducting policy analysis, data collection and analysis, report writing and publication, participation in seminars and conferences and publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

IPPA is developing strengths in climate and environmental economics, urban development, agricultural economics, public health policy, sustainable development, digital policy and data science. Candidates with expertise in these areas are particularly welcome.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement own research agenda predicated on peer-reviewed publication and grant capture activities.
• Contribute to a diverse range of research projects in the sphere of public policy and administration at IPPA.
• Develop and implement own research agenda by developing peer-reviewed publications and grant capture activities.
• Conduct quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, interdisciplinary research and take part in fieldwork
• Write research papers, policy papers, policy briefs, internal research, analytical reports and assignments.
• Contribute to proposal writing with other researchers at IPPA and submit applications to secure external funding of research and capacity building projects.
• Engage with IPPA research partners, including other units of GSD and other UCA schools.
• Develop national and intra-regional partnership and networking.
• Engage in knowledge exchange activities, such as seminars, workshops, and conferences, to disseminate research findings and foster dialogue with stakeholders in academia, government, and civil society.
• Undertake relevant teaching and supervision on the Graduate School of Development’s graduate and executive education programmes.
• Support curriculum development and quality assurance in learning and teaching.
• Contribute to the administration of IPPA and GSD through; planning and reporting on projects; attending meetings as required; supporting the organization of key events.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A PhD in Economics or relevant related field is required for this position.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis, data science and/or econometric modelling.
• Publication record in climate change and/or environmental economics is desired.
• Teaching experience on graduate level is desired.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Experience in grant capture is desired.
• A high standard of written and spoken English is essential for this role.
• The ability to work across disciplinary boundaries and collaborate with colleagues from across the Graduate School is desirable.

Languages:

• Advanced English is essential.
• Advanced Russian is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of Kyrgyz, Tajik, and/or Kazakh would be an asset.

How to Apply
Ready to join our team? We kindly invite you to submit your application for this position by clicking the Apply button on this page. To facilitate a smooth application process, please create an account on our website. Be assured that the account setup and application steps are straightforward.

Candidates from the founding countries of UCA: Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan are encouraged to apply for the position.

Applications will be reviewed when received. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.