Research Analyst, Africa Growth Initiative (Job ID: 2020-2489)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy.

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors.

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. 

The Africa Growth Initiative (AGI), founded in 2010, aims to provide new models and policies for economic development in Africa to enable it to sustainably and inclusively converge with the rest of the world in terms of standards of living, opportunity, and GDP per capita income.  AGI produces high-quality, independent policy research, which helps establish long-term strategies for economic growth and enhances the programs of Africa’s key partners in Washington, D.C.

Please note: This position is based in Brookings' Washington, DC office. In response to COVID-19, Brookings staff are temporarily teleworking. The person hired for this position must be willing to move to or currently reside in Washington DC, Maryland, or Northern Virginia by their date of hire. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Research Analyst supports the Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI)  by providing research, writing, data and statistical analysis related to issues of comparative economic development, finance, and social urbanization policies with a focus on Africa.  The Analyst will deliver high quality output of advanced quantitative data analysis and interpret econometric results seamlessly, in a timely manner and with minimal supervision, which furthers the goals of AGI. 

Research Analysis  (80%)

• Conduct data analysis, utilizing econometric and other statistical tools; compile and organize large datasets, and present the results of empirical analysis in table and graphical formats
• Perform advanced econometric analyses and modeling using complex and large data sets
• Draft high-quality summary documents, briefing memos, reports on forums, symposia, and conferences; compile abstracts and summaries of books and articles
• Research data sources, updates and checks existing data; prepares databases for computer analysis
• For data-based projects, working jointly with Senior Fellow, prepare and revise programming code, simulation macros, database files, and regression estimates; prepare tables and graphs output from model simulations
• Conduct research on economic growth-related issues, which includes carrying out bibliographical searches, summarizing research papers, and contributing content and analysis
• Contributes to the preparation of presentations, blog posts, policy briefs and working papers
• Monitor , analyze and summarize current developments in relevant research areas of economic development and finance in Africa
• Update and check existing data and footnotes; assists in editing and proofreading of publications
• Collaborate with research team to prepare weekly news summaries for AGI blog and internal news briefings

 Scholar and Research Support (20%)

• In collaboration with Senior Fellow attend and represent AGI at events, and project workshop conferences and seminars, as needed.
• Support ad hoc requests for policy support, including preparing fact sheets, briefing notes for internal and external trends, supporting Congressional testimonies as needed.
• Contributes as a member of the AGI team in the organization of meetings, events, and outreach activities.
• Assist with the organization of AGI meetings and conferences as needed
• Other administrative duties as assigned

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, and/or a related social science field required, Master’s degree strongly preferred. Minimum two years of work experience (in a professional or student role) with empirical research and quantitative data analysis. Experience and confidence in manipulating and analyzing large datasets (with governmental and non-governmental organizations on international development and economic issues) in STATA and Microsoft Excel required. Familiarity with handling and processing large data sets. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Proficiency in SAS, STATA, SPSS, or related econometric packages is required.  Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills.  Knowledge and interest in Africa and/or development or emerging markets is highly preferred.  Knowledge of international economics and development, governance, banking, finance, and/or U.S.-sub-Saharan Africa policy issues desirable.  Strong computer skills and experience required.  Team player and fast learner. Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.  Strong work ethic and ability to support a variety of tasks based on the need of the program, staff, and scholars.   Professional demeanor and high level of comfort working with high-profile individuals from government/international sector.  Ability to work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgment.   

Additional Information:

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.