Policy Fellow or Senior Policy Fellow, US Development Policy Program

Center for Global Development

$130K — $190K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD or master's degree in economics, international development, public policy, or similar field.
  • Distinguished career with a proven record of project completion and securing external funding.
  • Established professional relationships in the program area.
  • Proficient in basic statistical analysis and experience managing large datasets.
  • Deep knowledge of current US foreign policy issues and debates.
  • Exceptional communication skills to present complex findings to varied audiences.
  • Capable of independent work in a small, collaborative organization.

Responsibilities

  • Design and lead a research agenda that informs policy debates.
  • Support mobilization of financial resources for development policy initiatives.
  • Engage in educational outreach through speaking, writing, and high-level interactions.
  • Publish analytical reports and commentary targeting policymakers and the public.
  • Organize events to present research findings and gather expert insights.
  • Collaborate with colleagues on research and provide analytical support.
  • Mentor and supervise junior staff, guiding their development and performance.

Benefits

  • Flexible hybrid work environment with in-office requirements.
  • Opportunity to contribute to impactful research in global economic development.
  • Access to a network of experienced professionals and policymakers.
  • Supportive organizational culture fostering professional growth.
Full Job Description
CGD is seeking a Policy Fellow or Senior Policy Fellow, depending on career level and experience, with expertise in US foreign assistance and development finance programs and agencies. The successful candidate will have policy or research experience in US foreign assistance or development policy and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to policymaking in these areas.

Fellows typically specialize in one or more of CGD's core research areas related to global economic development. In this instance, we are particularly interested in candidates who can develop and implement a research agenda examining US international economic statecraft and its relationship to global development, including a critical assessment of whether and how levers such as trade policy, development finance tools, and foreign aid can be effectively harnessed to advance development objectives, and what policy reforms might better align them toward that end.

The fellow/senior fellow will contribute to and help coordinate CGD's work in this area, collaborating with other Fellows, interacting with external audiences, and supervising research assistants on discrete tasks as needed. Policy/Senior Policy Fellows possess excellent networks in their relevant policy area, research, and funding communities, as well as experience managing complex research projects.

Responsibilities include:
  • Design and lead a research agenda that employs data to inform policy debates and generate actionable insights
  • Support the mobilization of financial resources to support the Center's work on US development policy
  • Engage in related educational outreach activities, including speaking engagements, blogging, and interacting at a high level with key individuals and groups in the donor and technical communities
  • Publish reports, papers, policy briefs, and short, timely commentary that incorporate quantitative findings targeted to policymakers, the development community, and CGD's public audience
  • Develop and host events (public and private) to showcase research findings and other relevant subject matter or highlight and gather expertise
  • Contribute to the research of colleagues where appropriate, particularly providing expertise and analytical support
  • Supervise and mentor associate staff, including performance management and professional development

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:
  • A PhD or master's degree in economics, international development, public policy, or a related field, and a distinguished career and body of work, combined with demonstrated ability to take a project to completion and to generate external financial support
  • Prominence in the program area and strong professional relationships
  • Proficiency in basic statistical analysis and experience with large datasets
  • Significant knowledge of current issues and debates in US foreign policy
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to translate complex findings for diverse audiences, as well as high-level organizational skills
  • Ability to work independently within a small, closely-knit organization and to contribute to the development of new institutions

Closing date: Wednesday, July 8th at 11:59 ET.
Salary range:
Fellow: $130,000 - $150,000 per annum.
Senior Fellow: $170,000 - $190,000 per annum.
Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience.

Interested candidates should submit (1) a cover letter describing your experience with US development policy and qualitative analysis, (2) a resume, and a (3) a writing sample ([redacted] words) that demonstrates your analytical writing skills.

We manually review applications; no AI or automated filters are used to screen candidates.

The organization is working in a hybrid environment with all staff required to be in the office at least three days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Candidates must be able to declare a primary residence in one of these 3 locations.

Read about CGD's benefits package here.

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