Policy Fellow, Gender Program

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 policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress. 

The Center is seeking a Policy Fellow to join the Gender Equality and Inclusion program to lead one or more areas of research on women’s economic empowerment and other gender and development policy issues. The Policy Fellow will define and undertake an agenda of policy analysis and outreach focused on issues of high importance to the global gender equality community. 

CGD’s gender equality work seeks to identify evidence-based interventions and policies to promote women’s economic empowerment, as well as provide guidance on how best to measure progress. We work with colleagues across CGD to integrate an intersectional gender lens into our other programs, such as those focused on global health, education, and migration, as well as into CGD’s own institutional policies. We aim to leverage CGD’s influence on donor institutions and other high-level decision-makers, positioning ourselves both as a go-to resource for learning and a level of accountability, guiding global leaders towards evidence-based policies and investments that promote gender equality.  

The Policy Fellow’s principal responsibilities will include: 

• Conducting research and policy analysis in areas of expertise, including but not limited to women’s economic empowerment, financial inclusion, social protection, care, gender data, and development effectiveness 
• Ensuring that research and policy analysis are translated into concrete actions and impact by establishing collaborative relationships with policymakers, development agencies, donors, and international financial institutions  
• Engaging in related policy outreach activities, including speaking engagements, representing the organization at a prominent level in meetings, conferences, presentations, expert group consultations, working groups, technical communities, and other forums; and publishing blogs, papers, policy briefs, and/or short commentaries geared towards policymakers, academics, and CGD’s public audience 
• Organizing and facilitating private meetings and public events in areas of expertise  
• Mobilizing financial resources and support for the program and its staff in close coordination and cooperation with fundraising staff and CGD leadership 
• Supervising mid-level and junior staff and being accountable for their performance management and development 
• Supporting the program director by providing input into the strategic direction and coordination of the gender program  
• Overseeing planning, budgeting, execution, methods, and staff to achieve the program’s goals 
• Engaging with and contributing to the institution’s wider initiatives around diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as a playing a key part in creating a culture which aligns with our mission and values 
• Integrating activities within the program and across the organization 
• Developing and supporting solutions to complex problems requiring a high degree of ingenuity, creativity, engagement, and innovation 

The successful candidate ideally possesses the following qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in economics, international development, public policy, or a related field 
• Recent record of complex, substantive research, or policy analysis along with a publication record that includes peer-reviewed journals or policy publications in areas of expertise  
• Extensive experience in the gender and/or development space with a long record of policy influence, and a network of strong professional relationships 
• Significant knowledge of current issues and debates in gender equality and/or economic development and related issues within low- and middle-income countries, as well as at international financial institutions and other donor institutions   
• 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 policy outreach 

The organization is working hybrid with all staff required to be in the office two days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, Virginia. Candidates must be able to live and work in one of these locations to be considered. 

In compliance with United States 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 will sponsor United States work authorization for this position. Any offer of employment requiring sponsored work authorization is contingent on CGD and the candidate's ability to successfully petition for and secure the necessary work visa(s). 

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons and particularly encourage applications from underrecognized or historically marginalized groups. All appointments will be made on merit of skill and experience relative to the role. 

Read about CGD’s benefits package here.  

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 shall have equal access to positions, limited only by their ability to do the job.