Background 

The purpose of the USAID/Jordan ERA TO 1 is to support the Government of Jordan (GOJ) to prioritize and implement economic reforms. Through coordination with the GOJ, the Jordanian and international private sector, other donors, and Jordanian civil society, this activity will (1) advance economic reforms, (2) strengthen the business enabling environment, (3) increase exports and local, regional, and international investments, and (4) respond to emerging priorities.    

Assignment Overview

Seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant to join the USAID Economic Reform Activity (ERA) team. The Research Assistant will play a critical role in conducting comprehensive research, analysing data, and providing insights to support evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development in Jordan.

Detailed Responsibilities 

The Research Assistant will be responsible for performing the following tasks:  

• Conduct thorough research on various aspects of economic development, policy reform, and sector-specific issues in Jordan.
• Map the different economic reform activities and interventions by stakeholders to learn about the outcomes, the lessons learnt and the impact of their interventions, 
• Gather data from multiple sources including government reports, academic publications, industry analyses, and surveys.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, patterns, and correlations relevant to the project objectives.
• Assess the effectiveness of existing policies and regulations in driving economic growth and development in Jordan.
• Evaluate the potential impact of proposed policy reforms and initiatives on key economic indicators and sectors.
• Contribute to preparing clear and concise reports summarizing research findings, data analysis results, and policy recommendations.
• Communicate complex economic concepts and analyses in a manner accessible to diverse stakeholders including policymakers, government officials, and development partners.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external partners to ensure alignment of research activities with project objectives and priorities.
• Engage with stakeholders including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector representatives to gather insights and validate research findings.
• Collaborate with MEL team,
• Other tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field.
• At least two years’ experience in conducting research and analysis, preferably in the context of development projects or policy initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in statistical analysis software such as R, Stata, or SPSS.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team environment and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with the socio-economic context and policy landscape of Jordan is a plus.

Reporting 
The Research Assistant will report to the Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Component Lead.

Location
Amman, Jordan