Job Description

Position Summary

Within CEGIS, Public Revenue/Taxation/Public Finance teams role is to

support institutionalization of data driven decision making by setting up the

required infrastructure and technical capacity with the relevant line

departments. High quality data and insights generated are expected to aid the

State in goal setting, progress monitoring and strategic decision making. In

addition, as a sectoral workstream, specific objectives are furthered by

testing and institutionalizing interventions in the form of Micro RCTs with the

larger goal of improving tax compliance and augmenting revenues.

Specifically, this will, among other things, entail:

Analyzing past data on tax collections

Examining tax design and tax administration and analysing the possible impact on economic decision making

Designing, implementing, and evaluating interventions (behavioural as well as administrative)

Measuring integrity of administrative data gathered and managed by the state machinery and suggest ways of improving its quality

Conducting high-frequency measurement of outcomes and monitoring (of key programs and schemes) using various tools and techniques

Generating learning notes to document project milestones and lessons for the future, and share generalizable knowledge with the wider team.

The (Senior) Program Associate (PA) will play an important role in contextualizing and executing the CEGIS vision in a select state. The role will work closely with other technical teams project delivery teams in respective States. While currently the team operates out of Delhi, there is the possibility of working with other state governments which may entail regular travel/relocation. The (Senior) Program Associate will be directly reporting to the Program Manager (PF) in the state.

Role and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of the (Senior) Program Associate include:

Assist in developing technical notes and measurement and analysis protocols for the vertical

Oversee complex data collection and management operations involving multiple rounds of high frequency monitoring

Design and manage other smaller scale interventions and evaluations as per the requirement of the project

Ensure adherence to data quality protocols, including auditing enumerators, monitoring data collection, and conducting data quality audits

Replicate any analysis submitted by external partners to ensure rigor and quality of outputs

Gather administrative data from relevant government line departments, review them using a prescribed template and conduct analysis as required

Manage relationships with senior officials in relevant departments in collaboration with the management team

Keep track of global best practices in taxation and assist in strengthening the teams capacity to adopt those

Develop high quality outputs for dissemination at various forums

Required Qualifications, Skills and Abilities

Education and Experience

Bachelors degree (Masters degree or equivalent preferred) in economics, public policy, social science or related fields from a reputed institution

0 to 3 years work experience in India with a research organization (research agency/ think-tank (government or private sector) preferred

Experience with data cleaning and analysis of large and complex data sets and econometric analysis

Knowledge of STATA or R (strongly preferred) or any other data analysis software preferred

Experience in client servicing/government projects would be preferred                Knowledge of public finance/indirect taxation would be a plus        Understanding of experimental and non-experimental research methods

Personal Characteristics and Desired Qualities

Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills, strong research aptitude ability to analyse complex quantitative and qualitative data and formulate solutions

Fluency in English and excellent writing and communication skills (ability to communicate complex ideas in a meaningful way and across different audiences) within and outside the organization

Strong planning and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines and meet deadlines

Ability to think creatively, willing to take risks to experiment with new ideas and the ability to turn ideas into action

High ability to collaborate and actively listen to others, understanding and valuing others views

Demonstrated ability to manage high-level relationships with partner organizations

Operating style suited to working independently and in a small organization setting, where teamwork and resourcefulness are highly valued

Location and Compensation

This role will be based out of Bengaluru with the possibility of regular travel.

Remuneration will be competitive with Indian philanthropy and social sector pay scales and will depend on the candidates experience levels.