Research assistant (migration, displacement and humanitarian policy)

The Center for Global Development (CGD) Research assistant
Location Washington DC
Application deadline 30 June 2020
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
Salary USD48,000 (starting)
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We work to reduce global poverty and improve lives through innovative economic research that drives better policy and practice by the world’s top decision makers. We strive for excellence and intellectual rigor and believe global prosperity starts with smart policy based on evidence. Our work is nonpartisan and our recommendations are not influenced by our funders. We are willing to challenge powerful institutions and the status quo for better development practices. We are committed to transparency, diversity, and professional and personal integrity. We value mutual respect, a collegial work place, and a healthy sense of humor.

The role

The Center for Global Development (CGD), an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC seeks a Research Assistant to support the work of CGD Senior Fellow Michael Clemens, Research Fellow Thomas Ginn, and the broader program on Migration, Displacement, and Humanitarian Policy (MDHP). Key areas of focus include the effect of migration on local economies and societies, drivers of migration, and policy tools for managing future migration flows, protracted displacement situations, economic inclusion and self-reliance of refugees, and social cohesion among forcibly displaced and host populations. The successful candidate will have 1-4 years of substantive professional experience with research and program coordination, preferably on migration and displacement issues. The successful candidate will demonstrate outstanding analytical, qualitative, writing, and communication skills.

Key roles and responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of a Senior Fellow for the MDHP program, the successful candidate will perform a range of project research, coordination, and other duties including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Support quantitative economic research projects on displacement and migration topics;
  • Clean and analyze data for rigorous research and policy writing;
  • Manage data collection for field projects Conduct literature reviews and synthesize evidence;
  • Support policy writing by drafting blogs and policy briefs;
  • Organize and attend meetings/conferences related to research priorities;
  • Provide administrative support to the MDHP program;
  • Coordinate across multiple fellows on complementary and joint research and policy writing projects;
  • Perform other duties as necessary in support of the Senior Fellow and program.

Experience and skills

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

  • Demonstrated interest, and preferably experience, in issues relating to migration, forced displacement, and international development;
  • Undergraduate degree in International Relations, Economics, or a related field;
  • Training and demonstrable experience in quantitative research is required;
  • Proficiency with Stata is required;
  • Communication and writing skills in English is required;
  • Ability to travel for work for up to two weeks at a time and for up to 10% of total time is required;
  • Experience with primary data collection is desired;
  • Experience with policy writing and training in qualitative methods is desired;
  • Experience managing projects, events, and administrative tasks is desired;
  • Detail-oriented and adept at managing multiple deadlines and projects;
  • Confidence and can-do attitude;
  • Ability to advance projects with hands-off supervision;
  • Comfort working independently, with small groups, and across senior staff with multiple supervisors;
  • Flexibility and a collegial spirit are essential.

Other relevant information

Starting salary for this position is $48,000/year.

Our employees are our most valuable asset in achieving our mission to reduce global poverty and inequality. CGD seeks highly qualified and deeply dedicated employee partners to further our research and program goals and our communications and outreach efforts, as well as to improve our organizational efficiency. The Center offers a range of positions in economics, policy, communications and administration. Occasionally, as space and funding are available, CGD also offers post-doctoral fellowships and internships.

CGD is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and foreign nationals with I-9 employment status are encouraged to apply. Our generous benefits package for full-time U.S. based employees includes: Health and dental insurance of which the employee pays only a modest portion 6 weeks PTO per year 15 paid holidays per year Employer-paid life, short-term disability and long-term disability insurance Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave Commuter benefit Retirement – 15% contribution after one year, up to legal limits Onsite fitness center Office yoga, softball, soccer, and basketball Tuition reimbursement CGD Europe benefits may differ from that of the U.S. headquarters. Please inquire for details.