The Center for Effective Global Action has announced a new Research Assistant position focused on the digitization and field testing of an AI-powered behavioral savings intervention in Rwanda. The role is part of an ongoing effort to apply behavioral science and artificial intelligence tools to improve financial planning and savings outcomes among low-income households in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The application deadline is rolling, with candidates encouraged to apply as early as possible. The anticipated start date is June 1, 2026, and the contract is expected to last one year, with the possibility of extension. Research Role Focused on AI-Driven Financial Inclusion Tools The position centers on adapting a proven behavioral intervention known as the “retrieval exercise,” originally designed to help low-income households improve budgeting and savings discipline. The intervention is being transformed into a digital AI-powered chatbot tool delivered via smartphone, integrated into cash transfer programs in partnership with implementing organizations. Key objectives of the project include: Digitizing a paper-based behavioral savings tool Deploying an AI chatbot via WhatsApp Testing feasibility in real-world field settings Measuring behavioral and economic outcomes among participants The initiative is part of broader research into the psychological dimensions of poverty and financial decision-making. Partnership Between Academic Researchers and Development Organizations The project is led by researchers including Professor Supreet Kaur in collaboration with field implementation partners such as GiveDirectly. The research is embedded within CEGA’s Psychology and Economics of Poverty Initiative, which studies how poverty affects cognitive processes and long-term economic decision-making, including savings behavior, agricultural investment, and household resilience. Background: Evidence-Based Behavioral Intervention Expanded to Rwanda The digital tool builds on earlier research conducted in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly studies focused on seasonal hunger—also known as the “hungry season”—when rural households often exhaust food supplies before the next harvest cycle. Previous field studies showed that simple behavioral “retrieval exercises” significantly improved household outcomes: Households entered lean seasons with increased food reserves Agricultural investment levels improved Farm revenues increased by approximately 10% in earlier trials Large-scale randomized controlled trials were conducted with over 850 households in Zambia The intervention is now being expanded to additional countries, including Malawi and Rwanda, as part of ongoing scale-up efforts supported by multiple global development funders. Core Responsibilities of the Research Assistant The Research Assistant (RA) will play a central role in designing, implementing, and testing the AI-powered version of the intervention in Rwanda. Digital Intervention Development The RA will lead the adaptation of the existing behavioral tool into a digital format using AI chatbot systems, including: Building a WhatsApp-based chatbot using platforms such as turn.io Designing user interaction flows for participants Conducting qualitative fieldwork, including focus groups and interviews Iteratively refining the tool based on participant feedback Field Pilot Testing and Evaluation The RA will also oversee field implementation and pilot testing of the intervention, including: Running pilot programs with beneficiary groups Conducting A/B testing of different chatbot versions Measuring user engagement and short-term behavioral outcomes Identifying implementation challenges and improvement opportunities Reporting findings to implementing partners Project Management and Coordination Duties The role requires strong field coordination and research management skills, particularly in low-resource environments. Responsibilities include: Coordinating with academic teams at UC Berkeley Managing partnerships with local implementing organizations Ensuring smooth communication across multiple stakeholders Developing training materials and implementation protocols Overseeing data collection systems and quality assurance Supporting survey design and field logistics when needed Required Qualifications Emphasize Field Experience The position requires at least two years of relevant research or fieldwork experience, with a strong emphasis on working in LMIC contexts. Essential qualifications include: Willingness to be based in Rwanda Experience living and working in low- and middle-income countries Strong project management and organizational skills Ability to work independently and adapt to dynamic field conditions Experience engaging with governments, NGOs, or development partners Strong English communication skills Familiarity with digital research tools such as SurveyCTO Applicants are also expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and the ability to work across diverse stakeholder environments. Preferred Skills Include Digital Development Experience While not mandatory, the organization highlights several preferred qualifications that strengthen applications: Experience with digital or app-based development interventions Background or interest in psychology and behavioral science Familiarity with AI-enabled tools or chatbot systems Experience in data analysis and field experimentation Compensation and Work Environment The role offers competitive remuneration aligned with development sector standards and GiveDirectly’s Rwanda office compensation scale. The position is full-time, in-person, and based in Rwanda, with an expected duration of 12 months and potential for extension based on performance and project needs. Application Process and Submission Requirements Interested candidates are required to submit: A current CV or resume A cover letter Academic transcripts (optional but preferred) Names of 2–3 professional references Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, while unsuccessful applicants may not receive individual feedback due to high application volumes. Advancing Digital Behavioral Economics in Development Research The role reflects growing global interest in combining artificial intelligence with behavioral economics to improve development outcomes. By digitizing proven psychological interventions, researchers aim to scale low-cost tools that support financial resilience among vulnerable populations. The project represents a collaboration between academic institutions, development organizations, and field implementers, contributing to evidence-based solutions for poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.