Data and Research Analyst

JOB TITLE: Data and Research Analyst

REPORTING TO: EGER Project Manager

LOCATION: New York, NY or Washington, DC

JOBS SUPERVISED: EGER Interns

ASSIGNMENT LENGTH: 12 months - Renewable by mutual consent and available funding

POSITION SUMMARY: The Population Council’s Gender, Education, Justice and Equity (GEJE) Innovation Hub seeks a Data and Research Analyst to contribute to education research and web development for the Evidence for Gender and Education Resource (EGER) Project. EGER seeks to address inequalities and injustices in global education. Through evidence and partnership, EGER aligns what works, what is being done, and where needs are greatest in gender and education, so all children have the opportunity to learn and thrive. Our rigorous research portfolio and innovative web portal supports the global gender and education community make informed decisions about their programming, investments, and policy and research priorities.

The Data and Research Analyst will be a core member of the GEJE team and focus on three primary responsibilities:

1. Research Analysis: Contributing data and research analysis support to EGER evidence products such as peer-reviewed publications, reports, briefs, and website content.
2. Web Development: Driving strategic planning for the EGER website by strengthening existing pages, conceptualizing new features, and developing comprehensive development plans based on user research and feedback.
3. Database Management/Data Collection: Leading and managing EGER’s ecosystem mapping, including supervising data collection and entry teams, conducting verification, and quality assurance.

In addition to these core functions, the Data and Research Analyst will build and manage partnerships with external gender and education organizations, collaborate with web development vendors, and provide other research, communications, event planning, or administrative support to the GEJE program as needed. This position requires a proactive and versatile individual with a passion for gender and education, as well as experience in data ecosystems, research, web development, and stakeholder engagement.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Digital Product Management: Collaborate with project team leadership and web-development/web-design consultants to maintain and further develop the EGER web portal. This may include managing, enhancing, or developing data visualizations, incorporate new data, materials, and content into existing web pages, and manage database user accounts. Create web-development project plans and execute plans according to project timelines. Oversee the development of all EGER web-portal content. Ensure an integrated vision between the larger EGER work portfolio and the web-portal is executed. (30%)
2. Data Collection, Management and Validation: Collaborate with project team leadership and country teams to continue and improve ecosystem mapping methodology and continue data collection processes. This includes developing and overseeing data management systems in Django, Airtable and Excel, collecting organizational and program data, collecting country-level data from online data repositories, providing quality assurance during data collection, supervising data collection/entry team and conducting data verification processes. (20%)
3. Research and Data Analysis: Contribute to EGER reports, briefs, papers, and online materials through data analyses using STATA or R, as well as literature reviews. Draft sections of and copy-edit reports, briefs, presentations, visualizations, and communications materials for EGER, as needed. Support efforts to disseminate research to members of the gender and education and broader development communities as appropriate. (20%)
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnership Management: Contribute to stakeholder engagement efforts and develop relationships with external gender and education organizations by collaborating with project leadership to identify opportunities for product development and enhance the visibility and utility of the EGER web-portal. Develop targeted outreach plans to current and prospective EGER users. Collaborate with country teams to organize convenings to engage policymakers and other stakeholders at the national and sub-national levels. Manage collaboration efforts with key strategic partners. (15%)
5. Supervision, Training and Administration: Supervise and train research assistants in data collection, data management processes and systems, and data validation approaches. Provide support for general project management. Hire and manage web-development and web design consultants, including identifying consultants, conducting interviews, reviewing references, creating SOWS and contracts, completing the procurement process and managing consultant invoices. (15%)
6. Additionally: Perform related duties as assigned by GEJE leadership on an ad-hoc basis

QUALIFICATIONS:

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.

1. Master’s degree in public policy/administration, education, public health or other social science discipline preferred, with at least 2-3 years of experience working as a research assistant/analyst and conducting research in international settings.
2. Demonstrated understanding of research and programs focusing on girls’ education or other gender and development issues internationally. Demonstrated knowledge of international network of gender and education actors, including INGOs, CSOs, multi- and bi-lateral organizations, research institutions, advocacy groups, and policymakers. Experience working in operations for a multi-location organization, preferably including international office locations.
3. Knowledge and applied experience of simple quantitative research methodologies and background in statistical analysis. Demonstrated ability to collect and synthesize relevant research literature. Proficiency in software for qualitative and quantitative analysis (STATA, R, etc.).
4. Understanding of and experience working in website management, database management, data collection systems, data visualization projects or web-based project management. Demonstrated ability to monitor web-based products and projects. Certification in digital product management a plus.
5. Excellent diplomatic, problem solving, management and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and efficiently with high attention to detail and follow-through; ability to prioritize and make decisions in a timely manner under competing priorities and multiple tasks. Must be flexible, adaptable, and team-oriented.
6. Proficiency in software and web platforms such as Django, AirTable, HubSpot, Zapier, etc. a plus.
7. Excellent English language skills (oral and written), with experience editing written documents. Ability to draft and contribute to research materials and briefs with sharp attention to detail, appearance and accuracy while utilizing good editorial judgment strongly preferred.
8. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and reference management software such as EndNote required.
9. Experience in or knowledge of the Council’s regional locations highly desirable. Fluency in French and/or Spanish a plus.

SALARY AND BENEFITS: Salary range between $70,000-$80,000 annually, depending on knowledge, skills and experience. Excellent benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance available immediately upon hire;
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution equal to 12% of annual salary (up to a maximum salary of $200,000) after one year of employment;
• 24 annual and 12 sick days per year (accrued semi-monthly) *
• Approximately 10 paid holidays;
• 13 weeks of paid parental leave;
• Educational assistance*
• College tuition support for dependents**

We strive to provide an environment of professional growth and development.

• Pro-rated for part-time staff who work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
• Employees must work full-time to be eligible for this benefit

Application Deadline: May 15, 2025

When applying through the web portal please attach your CV and Cover Letter in Word or PDF format.

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp.

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.