CEGA Research Assistant in Rwanda 2026: Join an AI-Powered Poverty Research Project. Apply Now
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Are you passionate about behavioral science, poverty research, and technology for social impact? The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) is recruiting a full-time Research Assistant based in Rwanda to support the digitization and pilot testing of an innovative AI-powered behavioral savings intervention.
This is a unique opportunity to work with leading researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and implementation partner GiveDirectly to help low-income households improve planning and savings outcomes.
About CEGA
CEGA is a global research center headquartered at UC Berkeley that generates evidence to improve policies and programs in low- and middle-income countries. Its network includes nearly 200 faculty and dozens of scholars across Africa and other regions.
The organization focuses on rigorous research in education, health, and economic development, helping governments, NGOs, and private-sector partners make data-driven decisions that reduce poverty.
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About the Project
This position is part of CEGA’s Psychology and Economics of Poverty Initiative, which studies how poverty affects decision-making and long-term outcomes.
The project aims to digitize a successful paper-based intervention known as the “retrieval exercise.” This behavioral tool helps households budget effectively and save enough food and money to bridge difficult periods such as seasonal hunger.
Researchers previously tested this intervention in Zambia, where treated households entered the hungry season with about one extra month of food in savings and increased harvest revenue by 10 percent.
The Rwanda-based Research Assistant will convert this intervention into an AI-powered WhatsApp chatbot using Turn.io and test it among cash transfer recipients.
Position Summary
- Job Title: Research Assistant, AI Digitization of Behavioral Savings Tool
- Location: Rwanda (in-person)
- Contract Type: Consultant
- Duration: 1 year, with possibility of extension
- Start Date: As early as June 1, 2026
- Application Deadline: Rolling basis
- Time Commitment: 100% full-time
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will lead the design, adaptation, and pilot testing of the digital intervention.
Main duties include:
- Digitizing the savings intervention into an AI chatbot
- Conducting focus groups and qualitative fieldwork
- Testing the tool with participants and refining its design
- Coordinating with CEGA researchers and GiveDirectly staff
- Managing project workflows, timelines, and implementation logistics
- Training field teams where needed
- Monitoring data quality and research fidelity
- Conducting data analysis and preparing reports
Required Qualifications
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- At least two years of relevant research or fieldwork experience
- Experience working in low- and middle-income countries
- Willingness to be based full-time in Rwanda
- Strong project management skills
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and SurveyCTO
- Ability to work independently and adapt to changing circumstances
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Preferred Qualifications
Candidates with the following backgrounds will be especially competitive:
- Experience with digital or app-based development interventions
- Interest or academic background in psychology
- Experience managing relationships with NGOs, government, and donors
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
This role offers the chance to work at the intersection of behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, and poverty alleviation. You’ll collaborate with top researchers while helping scale a proven intervention that has already improved food security for hundreds of families.
There is also considerable room for professional growth for candidates interested in impact evaluation, digital development, and applied behavioral science.
Benefits of the Post
- Work on a cutting-edge AI for development project
- Gain hands-on experience with behavioral research and pilot testing
- Collaborate with world-class researchers and GiveDirectly
- Significant professional growth opportunities
- Competitive remuneration aligned with Rwanda market rates
Application Requirements
Interested candidates should submit:
- Resume/CV
- Cover letter
- Academic transcripts (preferred)
- Names of 2–3 professional references
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews.
How to Apply
Submit your application through CEGA’s online recruitment portal as soon as possible, since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Final Thoughts
If you are excited about using AI and behavioral science to address poverty, this Research Assistant role in Rwanda offers an outstanding opportunity to contribute to innovative, evidence-based solutions that can improve millions of lives worldwide.
