Senior Fellow and Director, Africa Growth Initiative

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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. 

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The Global Economy and Development program at The Brookings Institution (Brookings) is accepting applications for the position of Senior Fellow and Director of the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI). The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings (Global) equips global, national, and local policymakers with the cutting-edge knowledge and actionable tools they need to address shared challenges and achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economic system for all. Housed within Global, the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) works to inform new policies and models for better development outcomes in Africa through rigorous research and analyses, convenings featuring African voices, and direct engagement with African partners.

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. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

Reporting directly to the Vice President and Director of the Global Economy and Development program, the Senior Fellow and Director, AGI, will manage and lead AGI’s research, convening, and dissemination efforts across a range of subjects related to Africa, as well as conduct original, scholarly research and writing for major publications and shorter policy papers. While the Senior Fellow and Director’s specific research program will depend on the candidate’s interests and background, key research areas should focus on economic development issues. The position will feature a focus on three main activities: research and writing, external representation, and internal management.

Building on their significant research and policy experience, the Senior Fellow and Director will produce regular knowledge products, which may include policy-relevant papers, briefs, reports, books, journal articles, and other commentary. S/he will lead issue-focused meetings, conferences, and other events; interact with and engage with other Brookings scholars, current and potential funders, the wider policy community, the media, and regional partners. S/he will lead and actively participate in Global program and scholar community activities, including seminars, recruitment activities, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. The Senior Fellow and Director will actively participate in funding efforts, including managing and stewarding of existing donor relationships and cultivation of new prospects.

Management of AGI is core to this role, in terms of continually defining and developing AGI’s strategy in consultation with the Vice President, managing the core budget, and direction of the core team.

Throughout all their work, the candidate must support a welcoming and inclusive community while upholding Brookings’s standards of quality and independence. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriately managing all conflicts of interest and strong management skills. S/he will manage a team, which includes an assistant director, research assistants and/or analysts, and affiliated scholars. 

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

Candidates for this position should hold a PhD in economics or a related field, have a minimum of ten years of post-doctoral research or policy-related experience in economic policy issues, have a proven record of leadership and engagement in global policy debates as well as resource mobilization, and have significant experience in and ties to Africa. Candidates will be recognized and respected leaders in their area of expertise, and must have at least three of the following: A PhD or other terminal degree in relevant field. Proven record of publishing that demonstrates in-depth research, rigorous analysis, recognized excellence in the field, and policy relevance. Publications can be from professional or academic journals, edited volumes, single-authored books, and/or policy-oriented publications. Significant professional experience from the public, private, academic, or non-profit sectors. For scholars whose work is practitioner-based, candidates must be able to demonstrate an exceptional professional track record with significant leadership, strategy, and policy experience. Track record of academic or policy impact, such as framing issues, setting agendas, or affecting evidence-based changes in policy and practice. The successful candidate will be capable of providing breakthrough thinking in international finance and economics and of influencing the intellectual discourse and will be recognized as an authority within a particular area of international and macroeconomic scholarship or policymaking. Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English and fluency is required; proficiency in French is a plus.  When selected as a finalist, the candidate will be asked to provide three (3) letters of recommendation from recognized and respected leaders in the field.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

The successful candidate should be an expert with stature and reputation and possess a deep passion and understanding of African economics and developing economies more broadly, governance, political landscape, social policy issues, and U.S.-Africa relations. S/he should have management experience, be entrepreneurial, and adept at developing and maintaining partnerships throughout the region and globally. S/he will have extensive relationships and networks among Africa’s policy community, and be comfortable working with high-ranking decision makers, senior government and diplomatic officials, current and potential funders, and Brookings senior management. S/he must have demonstrated ability to fundraise and ability to spearhead fundraising and outreach efforts of AGI. The position requires domestic and international travel. 

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.