Center for Global Development
Research Analyst
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Background
The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC, and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the intersections between the policy and financial priorities of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.
The Smart Buys Alliance (SBA) connects bilateral development agencies, leading research institutions, and philanthropies to promote the world’s most cost-effective development interventions. It operates through three core pillars: building new on-demand smart buy lists; helping with implementation and coordinating donors to build the evidence base; and convening a community of practice. The alliance is a collaboration of five organizations — the Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), Cooperation Globale, CGD, the Global Poverty Research Lab (GPRL), and the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) — as well as a range of donor agencies.
The Research Analyst will provide analytical, operational, and administrative support to CGD’s contribution to the Smart Buys Alliance, helping to deliver high-quality, policy-relevant outputs on time and to standard.
Role And Responsibilities
This is a full-time position based in London for 18 months, with the possibility of extension upon funding availability. The Research Analyst will report to Michelle Rao (fellow, CGDE). They will provide research, analytical and coordination support for the project, and any other duties in line with the responsibilities of the role.
Research and Analysis
- Support efforts to measure and analyse how donor agencies engage with and use cost-effective evidence, under the direction of the Research Fellow and with the broader research team. This will include literature reviews, data extraction and cleaning, quantitative analysis, and textual analysis using large language models
- Support related research to understand evidence-use in development policy, under the direction of the Research Fellow and the broader research team. This will include for example: original data analysis, quantitative methods, cost-effectiveness and heterogeneity analysis, and drafting of research outputs
- Contribute to drafting and revising papers, reports and blogs on monitoring and tracking the use of cost-effective evidence, under the guidance of the Research Fellow and with the broader research team
- Assist in tracking processes and initiatives for increasing evidence-use by development organisations, agencies and governments
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Convenings and Policy Engagement
- Support planning and logistics for the organisation of workshops, roundtable discussions, and launch events
- Provide logistical support for meetings and convenings, including offering time-zone options and liaising with participants on scheduling
- Support travel arrangements for partners and participants attending SBA events
Qualifications And Experience
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, or a closely related field
- At least four years of professional experience in economic or public policy analysis related to international development.
- Strong research and quantitative analytical skills, with experience designing and conducting empirical research and analysis in an academic or professional setting
- Knowledge and experience with data analysis and causal inference methods. Experience with evidence synthesis and textual analysis using large language models is a plus.
- Quantitative analysis and visualization skills using R and Stata. Experience with Python and Git is a plus.
- Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to summarize complex material clearly and concisely for policy audiences
- Experience supporting committees, working groups, or multi-stakeholder processes
- Experience with communications, social media management, or event coordination in a professional context
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
- Strong organizational skills, including experience managing shared documents, schedules, and communications
- A collaborative, team-oriented working style and the ability to work effectively across institutions and time zones
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Terms and Application
- Salary range: £46,725–£51,187 per annum, plus excellent benefits, commensurate with qualifications and experience
- Start date: September 2026. Fixed term until February 2028 contract for 18 months, with the possibility of extension upon funding availability
- Location: London. 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 three days a week
- Work authorization: It is a requirement for this role that the successful candidate has, or obtains, the right to live and work in the UK
- Application: Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter, outlining how they meet the requirements of the role, along with a sample piece of writing.
Equal Opportunity
We manually review applications; no AI or automated filters are used to screen candidates.
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.
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