Job Description

The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) is a global research center working to reduce poverty by ensuring that policy is informed by scientific evidence. Anchored by a network of over 390 affiliated professors at universities around the world, J-PAL conducts randomized impact evaluations to answer critical questions in the fight against poverty.

The IT Associate is based at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, MA.

J-PAL encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion in our work, and we value the diverse perspectives our staff bring to their roles and to the broader J-PAL community. We encourage people from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the field of economics, to apply to this role. In your cover letter, you are welcome to share how your background and lived experiences have influenced your desire to work at J-PAL (this is entirely optional, just an opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better).

Position overview

The IT Associate is responsible for managing and supporting the IT systems and services at J-PAL, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations across various platforms. Key responsibilities include administering G Suite, managing the ticketing system, providing technical support, and overseeing the maintenance and security of IT hardware, software, and networks. The role involves collaborating with internal teams, MIT IS&T, and external vendors to implement and maintain IT systems, while also support and training staff on IT tools such as Salesforce and G Suite. The position also entails troubleshooting issues, ensuring data security through regular backups, managing user accounts, and maintaining documentation for systems and processes. The individual in this role will also manage IT projects, communicate risks, and maintain a knowledge base to empower staff with self-service solutions.

Responsibilities may include:

Qualifications

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree ideally in computer science or a related technical field preferred.
  • Experience: 2 years of minimum work experience with at least one year working in IT. MacOS, and Windows experience preferred. Salesforce experience and G-Suite administration skills are strongly desired.
  • Handling confidential information: Exercises sound judgment when granting access to the appropriate individuals and manages all confidential or sensitive information securely and undisclosed.
  • Communication: Proven ability to work with non-technical staff to determine needs, present solutions clearly to staff and work with outside vendors. Must have excellent customer service skills. Strong communication and responsiveness required.
  • Initiative: Able to work independently, see trends, anticipate the needs of staff and offer solutions.
  • Interpersonal: Proven ability to work with others; solid people skills; sensitivity to different cultural contexts.
  • Organization-building: Promotes a learning environment through sharing of knowledge. Empowers J-PAL staff by providing trainings and builds organizational sustainability through documentation.

    • This role requires the specialist to be on campus at least on Tuesday and Wednesday, and other days needed up to 5 days a week.

    Professional development

    J-PAL supports a culture of learning, with opportunities to attend weekly and take classes for credit at MIT or elsewhere with our generous .

    Compensation

    Information about the pay range and pay grade for this position can be found

    Benefits

    As a member of the MIT community, you benefit from more than just your salary.

    J-PAL hires highly qualified staff and rewards them accordingly. Total compensation packages are competitive for the non-profit and international development field with excellent , including comprehensive health insurance, a 401(k) match and pension-based retirement plan, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, MIT community discounts, a generous vacation policy, and a flexible work policy that includes the opportunity to work from home three days a week.

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