Research Assistant/Program Coordinator

The Center for Global Development, an independent, non-partisan research organization in Washington, DC seeks a Research Assistant/Program Coordinator to work under Senior Fellow Steve Radelet and Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Herrling on a new US Foreign Assistance Modernization Initiative. The successful candidate will have experience working on issues related to aid effectiveness, including knowledge of the US budgeting process, foreign aid accounts and the Foreign Assistance Act, and aid innovations such as the Millennium Challenge Account, the Global Fund and PEPFAR. The Analyst must demonstrate strong analytical, writing and communications skills, as well as a strong track-record and capacity for teamwork.

The Research Assistant/Program Coordinator will play a central role in CGD’s existing Millennium Challenge Account Monitor and will help to expand that program into a new initiative on US foreign assistance modernization, through a mixture of research, program management, writing, organizational activities and field work. S/he will support and participate in collaborative research and writing on ongoing and future projects related to the objectives and results of US foreign aid; the impact of new foreign aid programs such as the Millennium Challenge Account and the increasing role of the Department of Defense in development assistance; and the compilation and dissemination of development successes. S/he will also assist in conceptualizing outreach activities -- experts’ meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences -- on these and related topics.

Under the direct supervision of Senior Fellow Steve Radelet and Senior Policy Analyst Sheila Herrling, the successful candidate will perform a range of project research, policy analysis and coordination duties in support of the initiative, including, but not limited to, the following:

* Conduct research in the area of development effectiveness, US foreign aid programs and budgets, results management, and aid innovations. This includes, in particular, a heavy data compilation and analysis exercise (using STATA and Access) each Fall associated with the Millennium Challenge Account country selection process.
* Understand and track the US budgeting process for foreign assistance, primarily the 150 Account.
* Contribute to the Millennium Challenge Account Monitor blog and other potential blogs at CGD.
* Contribute to the strategic selection and execution of research projects and policy analysis.
* Conceptualize and perform field visits to inform Washington-DC based policy analysis.
* Perform duties requiring independent judgment and analysis related to data gathering, report preparation, and special projects related to foreign assistance effectiveness.
* Maintain and update CGD’s MCA Monitor website and future US Foreign Assistance Modernization initiative website.
* Work with supervisors to form working groups on select topics, support the successful management of these collaborative projects.
* Work with Events Coordinator to schedule working group meetings and luncheons.
* Represent CGD through participation in conferences, private meetings, and other public events.
* Build and maintain relationships with key partners, including scholars, policy-makers, multilateral development banks (such as the World Bank, IMF, and regional banks), and Congressional staffers.
* Collaborate with members of the Center's communications team to draft policy briefs, newsletters, notes and report periodic findings.
* Work with supervisors, fellows, and communications team to design successful information dissemination strategies to produce policy change.
* Performs other duties as assigned.

* At least 2 years of work experience on substantive issues surrounding development effectiveness and US foreign assistance. Experience with the US budgeting process and the US Foreign Assistance Act highly desirable.
* Bachelors degree (Masters preferred) in international development or international relations, or related field, with significant work related experience required.
* Competence and experience conducting qualitative research and interpreting quantitative results
* Superb interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
* Familiarity with current issues, actors and debates in economic development, foreign aid, and related topics.
* Proven ability to be a team player and to successfully manage multiple and changing priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, all while maintaining a good sense of humor.
* Poise, confidence, and outstanding organization and time management skills, with an attention to detail.
* Proficiency in written English usage, grammar and punctuation.
* Work and research experience in a developing country and French or Spanish fluency is highly desirable.
* Desire and ability to travel overseas.
* Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office (specifically PowerPoint and Excel), STATA and Access.

Salary

* Mid $30's commensurate with experience.

Applicants for vacancy should send a short cover letter and CV to our HR Director at hrjobs@cgdev.org by October 31, 2007.

Please use the title "Research Assistant – US Foreign Assistance Modernization in all e-mail correspondences. No phone calls please.

Contact Email: hrjobs@cgdev.org

Contact Person:

Link to organization's application form: http://www.cgdev.org/section/about/employment#RA

Other Information: