Policy Fellow or Senior Policy Fellow, US Development Policy Program

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.

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 (500-1000 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.

In compliance with United States federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire. CGD will sponsor United States work authorization for this position. Any offer of employment requiring sponsored work authorization is contingent on CGD and the candidate’s ability to successfully petition for and secure the necessary work visa(s).

Read about CGD’s benefits package here.

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.