The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan 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 policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.
The Global Evidence Advisory Panel on Skills (GEAPS) is a two-year initiative that will produce a systematic review of evidence on workforce skills development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), culminating in a flagship report, policy briefs, and related knowledge products. The GEAPS Secretariat — co-led by CGD and the World Bank — is responsible for research, Expert Panel and Steering Committee coordination, dissemination, and administration. The Senior Policy Analyst will work closely with Markus Goldstein (VP and Senior Fellow, CGD) to ensure GEAPS delivers high-quality, policy-relevant outputs on time and to standard.
Role and Responsibilities:
This is a full-time position based in Washington D.C for two years, with possibility of extension upon funding availability. The Senior Policy Analyst will report directly to the Project Lead at CGD. They will work closely with the World Bank co-lead team, CGD Communications team, the Expert Panel and Steering Committee. Occasional travel might be required.
Project Oversight
- Oversee overall project delivery and project team jointly with the Project Lead and SPA-Education, ensuring GEAPS activities are on schedule and within scope.
- Support the establishment and ongoing operation of the Secretariat, including internal workflows, communication protocols, and workplan management.
- Assist in recruiting and onboarding Expert Panel and Steering Committee members.
- Support fundraising efforts for GEAPS, including contributing to concept notes, donor proposals, and funder reporting as required.
- Support donor reporting as required.
Research and Systematic Review
- Lead the design and conduct of the systematic review of evidence across GEAPS focus areas, in line with the methodology agreed with the Expert Panel.
- Identify and compile relevant grey literature, proprietary research, and bibliographies, including material provided by Expert Panel and Steering Committee members.
- Conduct cost-effectiveness analysis and heterogeneity analysis, in consultation with the Expert Panel.
- Produce topical paper summaries for Expert Panel review at key stages of the systematic review.
- Identify evidence gaps and flag promising interventions for replication and scaling, in collaboration with the Expert Panel.
Knowledge Production
- Co-author the GEAPS flagship report and policy briefs, incorporating feedback from the Expert Panel and Steering Committee through formal review processes.
- Contribute to the monthly blog series, co-produced with Expert Panel and Steering Committee members.
- Manage the formal review and endorsement process for all GEAPS outputs, including tracking written positions, recording votes, and communicating outcomes.
- Channel Steering Committee feedback on draft outputs formally to the Expert Panel before finalization.
- Oversee the publication production process with an external firm
Dissemination and Partnerships
- Collaborate with the CGD Communications team and World Bank to co-develop and execute a communication strategy
- Support the development of a pre- and post-launch dissemination strategy for GEAPS products, in collaboration with the Steering Committee.
- Support outreach activities with the Expert Panel, Steering Committee, and external partners, including workshops, stakeholder consultations, and launch events.
- Contribute to in-country and regional dissemination in LMICs, in collaboration with Steering Committee members.
- Help identify and engage intermediary organizations in LMICs to serve as launching pads for the panel and its findings.
- Support connections with adjacent initiatives and facilitate their representation in GEAPS activities where relevant.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Master’s degree in economics, public policy, international development, or relevant discipline.
- At least eight years of professional experience, which includes considerable experience in international or public policy research with a record of publication and project management of complex research projects involving external partners. Experience in workforce development, skills, or labor market policy in LMICs is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience designing and conducting systematic reviews or large-scale evidence synthesis projects.
- Strong command of policy-relevant research methods, including cost-effectiveness analysis. Quantitative and econometric analysis and visualization skills using Stata, R, or Julia.
- Experience working with or coordinating expert advisory bodies, steering committees, or multi-stakeholder initiatives. Experience with dissemination in LMICs and engagement with government, civil society, or multilateral stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex evidence into accessible outputs for policy audiences.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects with multiple workstreams, deadlines, and stakeholders.
- Strong interpersonal skills and experience working across institutions and time zones.
Closing date: Sunday, May 10th at 11:59 PM ET
Salary range: $75,500-$85,000. Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience.
Interested candidates should submit a CV and a cover letter.
CGD offers a work environment that is collegial, rewarding, and rich with opportunities for intellectual and professional growth. The compensation package includes generous paid time off, a robust medical, vision and dental benefits with a modest employee contribution, employer retirement contribution, commuter benefits, and much more. Read about CGD's benefits package here.
The organization is working hybrid with all staff required to be in the office at least three days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, or Virginia. Candidates must be able to live and work in one of these locations to be considered.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire. CGD is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.
*CGD accept OPT and STEM OPT candidates. However, please be aware that CGD cannot offer visa sponsorship after the OPT or STEM OPT authorization ends. CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.