Senior Fellow and Director Smart Buys Alliance

Center for Global Development•Washington, DC

16h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
Candidates must be able to live and work in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

Nice To Haves

Successful track record in mobilizing grant funding is a plus.

Responsibilities

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.
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.