Call for Applications: Research Assistant III (Inclusive Democracy)

Unit: Ateneo School of Government (ASOG)

Location: SDC Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City

Duration: Three Months (subject to renewal)

Program: Inclusive Democracy Portfolio (1 Position)

I. Description

The Ateneo School of Government is the public policy academic arm of the Ateneo de Manila University. Its long-term mission is to teach and work with effective and ethical public servants to build prosperous, sustainable, just, and happy communities in the Philippines, empowered by democratic, participatory, transparent, and accountable governance institutions and processes. Through its research and extension programs, and its work with public, private and civil society organizations, ASOG aims to develop and foster innovative ideas and approaches in order to change mindsets and systems in such areas as leadership, poverty eradication, climate change, social accountability, and politics.

As a graduate school for leadership and public service, ASOG's academic and executive education programs bridge the gap between classroom wisdom and real-world policy decision- making and governance. Through its research and extension programs, as well as its collaborations with public, private, and community organizations, ASOG continues to develop and foster innovative ideas and approaches in areas such as leadership, poverty eradication, climate change, social accountability, and politics.

II. Tasks and Functions

The Research Assistant III (Inclusive Democracy) will be a member of the Inclusive Democracy Program Team and will be responsible for providing research and administrative support in line with the program’s agenda. This covers political dynasties, electoral and institutional reforms, media and disinformation, political economy and public opinion studies. In particular, the Research Assistant III (Inclusive Democracy)  is expected to:

• Provide research and technical assistance to the Dean, Policy Center Head, Program Manager or assigned Senior Research Fellows in crafting economic and policy research outputs such as working papers, policy briefs, presentations, and journal articles;

• Assist in the design and development of empirical approaches to ensure rigorous economic analysis, including the formulation of data collection methodologies and the analysis of micro-data;

• Support the execution of primary data-gathering activities such as key informant interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions;

• Assist in the planning and execution of academic and policy outreach events organized by the program team and the Ateneo Policy Center, including webinars, conferences, seminars, and research colloquia.

• Contribute to the continuous development and maintenance of databases (e.g., partner, conference and expert databases) to strengthen knowledge management and support network expansion; and

• Participate in all required meetings, events, and functions as determined by the program team and the Ateneo Policy Center.

III.  Description of Education, Competence, and Required Experience

Applicants for the Ateneo Policy Center - Research Assistant III (Inclusive Democracy) position must have the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, business economics, applied economics, business administration, accountancy, or in any related field, with above average academic performance; Masteral units an advantage;  

• Strong analytical skills with a solid grounding in economic and financial analysis, and an appreciation of development issues;

• Significant training in statistical analysis, ideally involving experience in applied econometric analysis of social, economic, and development indicators;

• Thematic familiarity with public finance, governance and institutions, and/or political economy;

• Knowledge of using statistical analysis platforms such as STATA or R;

• Project management experience is an advantage;

• Graphics presentation and research communication skills are an advantage;

• Can efficiently handle and deliver outputs with minimal supervision;

• Has excellent written and interpersonal communication skills in English, and excellent interpersonal communications skills in Filipino; and

• Has excellent organizational skills and is able to contribute to team research processes.

IV. Application Requirements

All interested applicants must submit the following:

1. An Application Letter addressed to Ms. Ivyrose S. Baysic, Head of the Ateneo Policy Center; 

2. Curriculum Vitae.

Please submit the required documents via email to policycenter.asog@ateneo.edu and use “[SURNAME] – APC Research Assistant III (Inclusive Democracy)” as email subject. Deadline for the submission of applications is extended until October 15, 2025.