Project Coordinator, Center for Sustainable Development

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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 program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.

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The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to offer innovative policy solutions and tools to help global, national, and local policymakers build more inclusive and sustainable economic systems that deliver prosperity for all. The Center for Sustainable Development (CSD), housed within Global, generates leading research and practical insights to advance global sustainable development and implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within and across all countries. CSD engages with diverse activities focused on the intersection of economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. This includes hosting secretariat for the 17 Rooms initiative, which is co-chaired by CSD’s Senior Fellow and Director (Center Director) and works in collaboration with external partners to advance action, insights, and community for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 17 Rooms is a “start-up” undertaking requiring a core team with supple, adaptive mindsets and a willingness to adjust responsibilities as the initiative grows and evolves. The Project Coordinator will be a core member of the 17 Rooms secretariat team at CSD and support overall CSD priorities. Under the supervision of the Center’s Assistant Director, and with an indirect reporting line to the Center Director, the Project Coordinator will be responsible for providing administrative, operational, and research support while also playing a key role in supporting the 17 Rooms initiative and overall CSD priorities, including the coordination and planning of key meetings, events and activities, and providing background research and analysis on relevant topics. Additionally, the Project Coordinator will provide direct support to the Center Director, managing scheduling and travel arrangements. This is a one-year termed position, with possibility of extension.

Project Support (40%)

• As a core member of the 17 Rooms secretariat, supports the overall management of the initiative to facilitate the successful planning and execution of the “17 Rooms” flagship process and other Center priorities.
• Supports any and all of the 17 distinct Rooms as required, contributing to the successful completion of their respective workstreams. This may include conducting quick background research, tracking progress and deliverables, scheduling meetings and taking notes as needed.
• Maintains and updates the “17 Rooms” participant database and manages the project’s email communication system. Identifies and tests ideas to improve the efficiency of these systems.
• Coordinates communication plans – events, publications, and multimedia – in collaboration with other members of the 17 Rooms secretariat team and program Communications team
• Drafts sections of core project documents, communications products, and donor reports as required, including annual reports.
• Manages logistics and planning arrangements for virtual and in-person events with focus on partner coordination and seamless execution. 
• Coordinates agendas, notetaking, follow-up, and capture of weekly priorities for project secretariat
• Supports Center Director and project secretariat on program impact tracking and grant reporting.
• Supports the Assistant Director in coordinating intern workstreams.
• Other duties as assigned.

Center Operations Coordination and Administrative Support to the Director (40%)

• Maintains the Center Director’s calendar and coordinates daily scheduling. Receives all incoming queries and requests for meetings, speaking engagements, interviews, etc.
• Liaises between the offices of high-level meeting participants, senior policy stakeholders, donors, internal Brookings staff, and external vendors.
• Organizes travel itineraries and logistics for the Center Director and designated team members; prepares expense reimbursements
• Manages the daily flow of information and tasks for the Center Director to ensure timely attention to his commitments.
• Supports the Center Director’s priorities by keeping him informed of items and/or conflicts that arise throughout the day which affect his schedule; uses judgement to suggest solutions, prioritization, and/or opportunities.
• Supports in the organization of priority CSD convenings, whether virtual or in-person, as designated by the Center Director
• In collaboration with program Finance team, supports monthly reconciliations on CSD purchasing account; and obtains and coordinates external contract processes, as necessary. 
• Serves as liaison, as designated by the Center Director and Assistant Director, with hotels, caterers, and other vendors and service providers; maintains files on external vendors, service estimates, and fulfillment of service payments.
• Drafts letters and memoranda for the Center Director’s review.

Research Assistance (20%)

• Conducts qualitative and quantitative research on topics relevant to global sustainable development, the Sustainable Development Goals and the “17 Rooms” project.
• Conducts literature reviews, synthesizes findings, and monitors relevant material from conferences and seminars, government documents, academic journals and policy-relevant publications, institutional databases and reports from a wide variety of sources, including international organizations, specialized media, and non-governmental organizations.
• Writes high-quality research summary notes and reports, media summaries, and briefing memos.
• Supports the Center Director in preparing presentations.
• Participates in the dissemination, communication and presentation of research findings; assists with drafting, editing, and proof reading of materials for publication; provides support in the preparation of presentations, blog posts, and policy briefs.  

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:

Qualifications Bachelor’s degree with a concentration in economics, political science, natural science, environmental science, health science, international development, sustainable development, international affairs, or related field; Master’s degree is a plus.  Strong academic record. Minimum of two years combined work experience in project coordination and/or research environment required.  Experience working with governmental, private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on economics or sustainable development issues highly desirable.  Demonstrated ability to work with senior level stakeholders. Experience living, working, and/or studying abroad is a plus. Familiarity with or interest in issues of global sustainable development is strongly preferred. Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Excellent oral and written communication skills and fluency in English language required. Exceptional analytical and organizational skills. Competence to undertake assignments with light supervision.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office (MS) Suite (including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and database software (e.g., Stata, R).  Cooperative, professional, and entrepreneurial disposition; able to navigate ambiguity in building new and efficient processes and systems. Ability to work independently and within a team to effectively multi-task, prioritize, and meet multiple deadlines with accuracy and precision in a fast-paced work environment to ensure project success and meet deadlines. Good working knowledge of global economic, social, and environmental policy issues and demonstrated ability to get up to speed quickly on frontier insights; familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals preferable. Sound judgment and discretion in navigating complexity.

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.