Research Assistant, Forests and Climate

~ Center for Global Development works to change the policies and practices of rich countries and powerful institutions to reduce global poverty and inequality. ~

We are a policy crucible, where world class scholars use independent, rigorous research to develop new knowledge and practical solutions. Through creative communications and outreach we engage with policymakers, practitioners, thought leaders, media and engaged citizens to turn ideas into action.   

Position Overview

The Center for Global Development, an independent, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC seeks a Research Assistant to provide a broad array of research and organizational support functions to the forests and climate change team, including three senior researchers, as part of CGD's Tropical Forests for Climate and Development Initiative. 

General Responsibilities 

• Conduct literature reviews, data compilation and analysis for ongoing and new research projects, with a focus on forests and climate change, including REDD+ and climate finance. 
• Perform analysis of complex datasets. Knowledge of Excel required; GIS tools and STATA knowledge highly desirable.
• Provide other research, writing and editing support for various reports and documents. Perform duties requiring independent judgment and analysis related to data gathering, report preparation, and special projects.
• Manage and track the commissioning of background papers and peer reviews.
• Collaborate with senior staff and members of the CGD communications team to draft reports, correspondence, documents, blogs, policy briefs, notes, and other web content, report periodic findings, and provide outreach support.
• Organize, coordinate, and attend various internal and external meetings, events and conferences.
• Manage team calendar, documents, travel logistics, and contacts.
• Liaise with CGD Institutional Advancement team to assist with grant management and production of deliverables.
• Help to organize and prioritize senior staff workflow.
• Perform other duties as necessary in support of senior research staff. 

Qualifications 

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills: 

• Bachelor's degree in economics, international affairs, or other climate, forestry and development-related fields. Familiarity with issues related to development and climate change, development economics, environment and resources, and related topics. 
• 1-2 years professional experience in related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (especially Office, Excel and Powerpoint) required. Basic knowledge of econometrics and familiarity with STATA and other statistical packages a plus.
• Outstanding communications and writing skills. Ability to independently draft correspondence, documents, reports.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills required.
• Flexibility, confidence, sense of humor, and can-do attitude; ability to advance projects with hands-off supervision, to work independently and with teams, and to prioritize work between multiple supervisors. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter and CV.
• Please indicate "Research Assistant - Forests and Climate" in the subject line of all e-mail correspondences.
• No phone calls please. 

~ CGD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All persons regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job. Finalist(s) for this position may be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. ~