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 role
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
- 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.