Senior Fellow and Director Smart Buys Alliance

Job Description

Job Description

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: Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), Cooperation Globale, CGD, Global Poverty Research Lab (GPRL), and Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) as well as a range of donor agencies. 

This position will combine leading the SBA with the role of a Senior Research Fellow and will be based at the Center for Global Development. 

Principal responsibilities will include:  

• As leader for the Smart Buys Alliance:
  • Provide strategic and research leadership in collaboration with the Secretariat (Cooperation Globale). 
  • Work with constituent organizations and the SBA team to develop a program of evidence products and ensure these are completed.
  • Secure meaningful membership commitments and funding pledges through public and private engagements.
  • Work with senior officials in bilateral and multilateral organizations to develop approaches for evidence use.
  • Work with the SBA team and constituent organizations to develop a growth strategy for the SBA.
• Senior Research fellow:
  • Design and lead cutting edge research that informs policy debates.
  • Engage in related policy outreach activities, including speaking engagements, blogging, and interacting at a high level with key individuals and groups in the donor and technical communities. 
  • Lead or participate in expert group consultations and working groups. 
  • Publish blogs, papers, policy briefs, and/or short commentaries targeted to policymakers, academics, and CGD’s public audience. 
  • Track and respond to research and policy developments in relevant areas. 
  • Review and support CGD colleagues’ research and analysis in relevant areas.
  • Supervise and support the professional development of junior staff.
  • Engage and contribute to CGD’s wider initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as playing a key part in creating a culture that aligns with our mission and values.

The successful candidate possesses the following qualifications: 

• An established senior-level profile within bilateral and multilateral development institutions.
• Experience, at a senior level, engaging in evidence curation.
• Extensive experience with randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
• A doctoral degree in economics or a related field.
• Strong publication track record. 
• Experience using research to influence policy, with measurable impacts.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as high level organizational skills. 
• Ability to work collaboratively within the multidisciplinary team while remaining individually accountable for delivering on research agenda.
• Successful track record in mobilizing grant funding is a plus.

Closing date:  Friday June 19 at 11:59 PM ET.

Salary range : $180,000 -$190,000. Salary commensurate with education, skillset, and experience. 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample (preferably a piece of original research). 

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

The organization is working hybrid with all staff required to be in the office three days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Candidates must be able to live and work in one of these locations to be considered.

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.

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