Behavioral economics has changed how we think about how we think. Now, ideas42 is moving it out of the lecture hall and using behavioral economics to design new products, services, and policies.
Applying research insights from behavioral economics to real problems is very much an emerging science. Focused on exactly this practice, ideas42 is a unique design and research lab bringing together highly creative practitioners and industry and policy experts with world-renowned economists and psychologists from top-tier universities. Our mission is to apply our expertise in behavioral economics to invent fresh solutions to the world's toughest social problems with the goal of improving tens of millions of lives. We are a social enterprise funded by many of the largest philanthropic foundations.
We believe we will be successful in achieving real change only if we pair real-world, high-energy, entrepreneurial and execution skills with the insights and rigor that academia brings.
If you want to use your experience and creativity to generate massive social impact, ideas42 is the ideal vehicle for you.
What We Do
We work globally in consumer finance, criminal justice, poverty alleviation, health, education, and the environment. Our day-to-day work begins with re-conceptualizing problems, designing new solutions and testing them in the field, then finally scaling them up to reach millions of people. We partner with large companies to create products that will do social good. We collaborate with innovative non-profits to incubate game-changing ideas. We work with governments around the world. We also teach practitioners how to use behavioral economics for innovation. Examples of projects include:Designing and testing a behaviorally–informed foreclosure mitigation process
Working with the Western Cape Government in South Africa to design and test behavioral solutions for increased update of government social services programs
Performing “financial health checks” that help people manage their finances
Training entrepreneurs in developing countries in heuristic-based accounting systems so their businesses can grow
Conducting executive education classes to teach senior-level executives how to apply research insights from behavioral economics to products and services
Employment Opportunities: Financial Heuristics
The Project Manager will play an active role in managing all aspects of a multi-year project to scale-up a behaviorally-informed financial management training for micro-entrepreneurs based on financial heuristics or simple rules of thumb in India and the Philippines. The position involves working closely with a lead Finance academic at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and partner microfinance institutions and technology firms in India and the Philippines. The position spans over the two and a half years of the project, with potential opportunity to transition into a full-time position at ideas42 upon project completion. It is also excellent preparation for a wide range of other roles in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
Research relevant behavioral science and Financial Inclusion literature to identify applications for the Financial Heuristics scale-up project
Design and implement pilot studies in field settings, including experiment design, ensuring fidelity to human subjects protocols, qualitative interviews, and data collection and analysis
Manage field projects in India and the Philippines, including implementation, data collection and analysis, and serving as the day-to-day contact for partners (the position requires 10-15% travel)
Assist with dissemination activities, such as creating PowerPoints and writing policy papers
Who Are We Looking For?
We seek inquisitive, resourceful, analytical individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit. A passion for understanding human behavior and innovation, and experience in the financial inclusion field is critical, but prior expertise or training in behavioral economics is not required. Specific qualifications include:
Mission aligned, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
1-4 years of relevant work experience. We are especially interested in candidates with a background in financial inclusion, microfinance, small and medium enterprises and/or international development. Client-facing or interviewing experience is a plus.
Bachelor's or Master's degree with a record of academic excellence. Academic experience with finance, economics, or statistics is a plus.
Strong analytical skills and working knowledge of statistics. Prior experience with Stata is a plus.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a commitment to high-quality output
Location: New York, NY
Starting Date: September 2014
Compensation: Competitive within the non-profit industry
Work Authorization: Candidates must already be authorized to work in the U.S.