Research Analyst, Africa Growth Initiative (AGI) (Job ID: 2024-3507) - The Brookings Institution

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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, one of the five research programs of Brookings, envisions a more equitable global economic system for universal and sustainable prosperity. Its mission is 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. 

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.  

Please Note:This position is included in the staff bargaining unit, Brookings United, affiliated with the IFPTE Local 70 union, and is covered under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. 

Ready to contribute to Brookings success?

The Research Analystsupports the Africa Growth Initiative (AGI)with research covering a full range of public policy issues related to Africa with a special focus on economics, development, finance, trade, U.S.-Africa relations, and the political economy of Africa.  

Research analysts at Globalhelp obtain, manage, organize, and analyze large datasets using statistical analyses and econometric modeling; writes high quality drafts of working papers, policy briefs, commentary, and presentations based on data work and other relevant approaches; assists in the presentation of research findings and participates inproject dissemination activities; supports with fact-checking of blog posts, policy briefs and working papers; aides in the organization of meetings and events; assists with outreach activities, and provides administrative assistance as needed. 

The Research Analyst will deliver high quality research outputs and provide administrative support, in a timely manner and with minimal supervision, which furthers the goals of the projects assigned.  The analyst brings a mix of creativity, data analytics, and systematic project management skills. A flexible and entrepreneurial mindset will be essential, always with an eye toward opportunities for innovation and amplifying impact. 

This is a two-year termed position, with extension contingent on funding. 

 Research Analysis and Policy Development (60%)

• Conducts empirical research and policy analysis on policies and trends.
• Conducts data analysis, utilizing econometric and other statistical tools.
• Compiles, manages, and organizes large datasets, and presents the results of empirical analysis in table and graphical formats.  
• Creates tables, graphs, and other data visualizations that clearly communicate research findings using primarily Stata, R, or other statistical tools.
• Writes high quality drafts of working papers, reports, policy briefs, blog posts, op-eds, and presentations based on the data work and other relevant approaches.
• Develops high-quality summary documents; briefing memos; reports on forums, symposia, and conferences; compiles abstracts, summaries, and analyses of books and articles.
• Documents data methodologies in detail for both internal use and publication.
• Conducts literature reviews of material from conferences and seminars, government documents, academic journals and policy publications, institutional databases, and reports.
• Supports with drafting, editing, fact-checking, and proof reading of research reports, policy briefs, articles, blogs, and other published materials.
• Researches data sources, updates and checks existing data; masters underlying methodologies and concepts of key economic data; prepares databases for computer analysis; presents results in a final, professional format; explains all facets of data along with implications for ongoing research.
• For data-based projects, prepares and revises programming code, simulation macros, database files, and regression estimates; prepares tables and graphs output from model simulations.  
• Conducts research on economic growth-related issues, which includes carrying out bibliographical searches, summarizing research papers, and contributing content and analysis.
• Updates and checks existing data, footnotes, and citations; helps with fact-checking and proofreading of publications.
• Develops research and presentation materials for relevant conferences, seminars, and meetings.
• Attends and represents AGI at events, project workshop conferences, and seminars as needed and prepares presentations, event summaries, and blogs.
• Collaborates with research team to prepare weekly news summaries for AGI blog and internal news briefings.
• Tracks and monitors current events, policy analysis papers, and government activities in relevant research areas.
• Supports ad hoc requests for policy support, preparing fact sheets, briefing notes for internal and external trends, supporting Congressional testimonies, and other impromptu program needs.

Project Coordination and Operations Support (40%)

• Assists with outreach and coordination for project meetings, calls, and communications with external groups as well as scholars and staff within Brookings.
• Coordinates the planning, organization, and execution for all levels and types of virtual and in-person events (public and private; roundtables, conferences, and seminars); helps develop, prepare, and manage participant lists; drafts agendas, invites, and background materials.
• Contributes to the organization of AGI meetings, events, and outreach activities. 
• Drafts and edits project-specific documents and communications products, including data visualizations, research briefs, blogs, presentation slides, and funding proposals as assigned .
• Assists assigned scholar with presentations, event preparation, capturing meeting notes, tacking action items, and other research-related tasks as needed.
• Keeps AGI Director, AGI Assistant Director, and assigned scholars abreast of project direction and progress made, including identifying project-specific challenges, approaches, timeline, and resources required.
• Supports annual processes such as Foresight Africa, with data analysis, event planning, and logistical assignments as needed.
• Supports the AGI Assistant Director with project components of the flagship Foresight Africa report, including engaging with external experts, third party service providers, internal staff across Brookings, reviewing material, and executing all necessary tasks leading to final publication and dissemination.
• Responds to requests from media, external stakeholders, and regional partners for data analysis and research implications.
• Works with the Web Content and Digital Media Manager, and AGI team to oversee content of project-specific web pages, publications, and digital engagements. 
• Handles overall administrative/logistical prioritization for assigned scholar and AGI Director; maintains calendar and coordinates daily scheduling; manages and handles incoming queries and meeting requests; proactively anticipates scholar’s needs and provides advance information and materials for meetings; manages flow of information for AGI scholars. 
• Supports assigned scholar priorities by keeping them informed of items and/or conflicts that may affect their schedule and calendar; uses judgement to suggest solutions and/or prioritization.
• Organizes and coordinates local and international travel itineraries and logistics; makes travel arrangements; and processes expense reimbursement reports for AGI scholars and Director.
• Coordinates and handles outreach mailings (books and other publications) on behalf of AGI scholars.  
• Identifies, stores, and catalogs all evidence of impact for the program; as well as maintains and updates contacts database.
• 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 

Education Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum two years of work experience in conducting empirical and/or qualitative research analysis. Familiarity with key sources of economic data and core scholarship on urban, labor, or social policy. Proven competence to undertake assignments with little or no supervision. Demonstrated experience engaging policymakers is a plus. Experience working in multicultural, diverse, professional environments and high level of comfort interfacing on policy issues with senior figures from public institutions, civil society, academia, philanthropy and the private sector are required.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements 

Demonstrated interest in public policy and strong potential for policy impact. Strong written, research, and oral communications skills required; high functionality in Microsoft Office software package. Must be able to present research work in a cogent style consistent with standards for Brookings and the field. Ability to meet rapid, multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. 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.Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision benefits, generous time off, and workplace flexibility. For more information, please visit Brookings Benefits.   

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.