About J-PAL:

LAC is a non-profit research center that aims to reduce global poverty by generating rigorous scientific evidence on which social programs and policies can make a real difference in people's lives. Formed by a network of academics worldwide, J-PAL measures the impact of programs with randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and uses these results to influence the design of public policies. The J-PAL network has conducted evaluations across dozens of countries, organized in 12 sectors. In Latin America, J-PAL LAC supports a growing portfolio of evaluations across the region.

J-PAL organizes its work into three main areas:

Research: We partner with donors to create initiatives that fund research. We also implement RCTs from data collection to data analysis.

Public policy: We summarize the results of the investigation, create alliances, and provide technical assistance to governments.

Training: We lead executive training and develop rigorous online education to build regional knowledge.

The local grounding of J-PAL is essential for its success. The seven regional J-PAL offices are located at leading universities on five continents. In , J-PAL LAC is headquartered at the . J-PAL LAC also has a Memorandum of Understanding with Insper for work in Brazil and the for work in Central America.

In 2019, J-PAL founders Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee won the Nobel Prize in Economics for their experimental approach to alleviating poverty.

Our Office:

is based at in Santiago, where most of our staff is located. We also have a team in São Paulo, based at Insper, teams in Guatemala and Mexico, and project staff in several LAC countries. We strive for a collegiate, horizontal, and amicable culture where peers can learn from each other and are not afraid to innovate. The office is led by Executive Director Paula Pedro, originally from Brazil, and Deputy Executive Director Claudia Macías, originally from Mexico. Paula leads the office's overall strategy and fundraising and has a more external-facing role. Claudia oversees our operations and develops strategic partnerships, especially with governments.

About the Project:

The is a strategic collaboration between and J-PAL,



designed to support the scale-up of high-impact PES-like models across Latin America and the Caribbean. The Lab aims to identify, curate, and apply rigorous evidence and best practices to improve the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of PES programs and policies, contributing to nature conservation and improved livelihoods for environmental stewards.

The Lab will engage with governments and other organizations involved in designing or reforming PES initiatives. Its activities include needs assessments, evidence dissemination, technical advisory support, documentation of scalable models, evaluation and cost-effectiveness frameworks, and policy integration and capacity building.

This position will be based in São Paulo, Brazil, working in a hybrid arrangement as part of the collaboration between J-PAL LAC and The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The role will involve close coordination with J-PAL colleagues, TNC partners, government representatives, and technical experts across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Summary of the Role:

Lead the PES Delivery Lab to support the design, improvement, and scale-up of evidence-informed Payments for Environmental Services programs and policies across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Responsibilities:

- Manage the PES Delivery Lab portfolio, coordinating activities, priorities, and partnerships
- Identify and assess opportunities to support the design, improvement, and scale-up of PES programs
- Engage with governments and partner organizations to understand policy needs and identify opportunities for collaboration
- Curate and disseminate rigorous evidence and best practices to inform PES policies and programs
- Coordinate technical advisory support and connect partners with relevant experts and researchers
- Develop knowledge products, contribute to thought leadership, and support monitoring, evaluation, and cost-effectiveness frameworks





Qualifications:

Education:

Master's-level studies in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Environmental Studies, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.

Languages:

Full proficiency in Portuguese is required. Intermediate to advanced English proficiency is expected, given the collaboration with J-PAL Global and regional teams and partners across Latin America. Spanish proficiency is considered a plus.

Experience:

At least three years of relevant qualified experience, preferably involving government partnerships, public policy design or implementation, or multi-stakeholder project coordination. Familiarity with Payments for Environmental Services (PES) programs or related environmental policies is highly valued.

Technical skills:

Proficiency in Google Workspace and presentation tools. Experience with impact evaluation, monitoring and evaluation, or evidence-informed policymaking is desirable.

Other qualifications:

Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate multiple priorities and stakeholders.

Work Permissions:

This position is open to citizens or foreigners with visas and/or valid work permits in Brazil at the time of applying for this vacancy.

Additional Requirements:

Hybrid position based in São Paulo, Brazil. The role involves coordination with partners and stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean. Candidates must reside in São Paulo and have valid authorization to work in Brazil.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to address poverty's complex causes and consequences. To advance our mission, J-PAL LAC must draw on diverse experiences from our staff and affiliated researchers to ask better questions and identify better solutions. We are working to increase the limited representation of individuals from underrepresented economic backgrounds. We are committed to self-reflection, learning, and dialogue to nurture understanding across differences. Together, we will build an equitable, inclusive culture where everyone is respected, empowered, and heard.

📌 Policy Manager, Payments for Environmental Services (PES) Delivery Lab – J-PAL LAC, Brazil (India)
🏢 J-PAL South Asia
📍 India