Job Opportunity with CGD Europe
- Job Title: Research Assistant - Europe
- Location: London, UK
- Salary: £32,550 - £39,900 plus excellent benefits
- First date of posting 27 June 2024
- Closing date: 18 July 2024 @ 5:30 BST
The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation in Washington, DC and London, UK (CGD Europe) that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Since its creation in 2001, CGD has earned a global reputation as a highly effective “think-and-do tank.” Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.CGD Europe seeks a full-time Research Assistant for its European Development Policy and Leadership Programme (Europe Programme).
Job Purpose:
CGD Europe is hiring a Research Assistant to provide qualitative and quantitative research support for its work on European development policy and European development finance. Recent areas of research have included analysing the value-add and impact of European development finance instruments and investments in developing countries; identifying improvements in the European development finance architecture; analysing the UK-EU relationship in a post-Brexit world; and convening European policy makers to spur intellectual debate and shape policy.The Research Assistant will conduct research, writing, and editing for policy papers, studies and reports; assist in monitoring developments in the European development policy environment; and provide administrative and programmatic support in relation to programme activities.
The post-holder will report and provide research assistance to Mikaela Gavas, Managing Director of CGD Europe and Senior Policy Fellow, but will also work with the programme’s Co-Director Ian Mitchell, and other CGD associates and fellows in London and Washington DC.The successful candidate will have experience working on European development policy and finance and will have strong quantitative, analytical and writing skills. This challenging position is a chance to study and influence development policy by working alongside researchers and policy professionals in a non-hierarchical atmosphere that requires you to take initiative and tackle tough, unstructured problems. The position would be well-suited to Masters’ graduates with some relevant work experience who are interested in pursuing rigorous research and policy outreach. The role will be based in London, and applicants should have the right to work and live in the UK.
Responsibilities:
Researching and writing
- Conducting desk-based primary research under the guidance of the Managing Director
- Reviewing and synthesizing policy and academic literature
- Drafting blogs, presentations, policy briefs and research papers
- Drafting summaries/notes for meetings/conferences
- Reviewing literature and fact checking
Analysing data
- Finding, cleaning, merging, and analysing complex datasets (in Stata and Excel)
- Exploring, analysing and preparing data visually and programmatically using relevant software
- Conducting statistical analysis.
Other support
- Organising in-person and virtual events, including agendas and relevant papers, and participating in private and public meetings/conferences.
- Liaising and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Supporting the monitoring of the research projects, including accurate and efficient data entry into CGD’s Salesforce system.
- Performing other administrative duties as necessary in support of the Managing Director and the CGD team in London.
Qualifications and skills we’re looking for:
- A Masters’ degree in a relevant discipline such as Economics, International Development or Finance, Political Science or a related field – or equivalent;
- Experience in political, economic, or public policy research and analysis related to international development.
- Good knowledge of European development policy and European development finance, and ideally experience of working in or with the EU institutions or European governments.
- Strong analytic skills, including some experience with data manipulation and econometric and statistical analysis.
- Commitment and curiosity in relation to the policies and issues affecting global development.
- Excellent writing and editing skills in English, with a flair for communicating research clearly, thoughtfully, and without jargon.
- Specific experience with or study of the topic areas mentioned above is an advantage.
- Proficiency in English. Fluency in another European language would be an advantage.
- Strong organisational and communication skills.
- Comfort working independently, with small groups, and across senior staff.
- Self-confidence, a can-do attitude, the ability to work with little supervision, a love of teamwork, a willingness to turn your hand to anything, the ability to multitask, and a good sense of humour
It is a requirement for this role that the successful candidate has, or obtains, the right to live and work in the UK.
To apply:
Applicants should submit a CV, covering letter, along with a sample of writing (preferably a piece of original research). It is the expectation that the successful candidate will be within commutable distance to the offices based in SW1. The successful candidate will need to be in the office a minimum of two days a week.CGD/E celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. We are committed to attracting and maintaining a diverse and dedicated workforce. CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.
