Senior Policy Analyst
The University of Chicago

Department

Development Economics Center

About the Department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer.

DIL hosts the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture, chaired by Professor Kremer. The Commission will convene an independent and high-level group of former heads of state, finance ministers, and private sector leaders to promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.

Job Summary

The Senior Policy Analyst will work closely with the Innovation Commission Director, and other team members to support the development and adoption of policy proposals that will promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change.

This position participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

This role requires strong technical knowledge of development economics and agricultural policy, as well as the ability to work efficiently across many projects and with external partners.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and drafts research and policy documents for the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture, in coordination with the Innovation Commission Director, team members, and external partners and stakeholders.
• Develops policy and outreach materials to support further project development and scaling.
• Collaborates with team members to perform desk research as inputs to innovation cases and literature reviews, and integrates edits to existing drafts.
• Performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project, plans and conducts quality assurance reviews and recommends changes as appropriate
• Develops and maintains strong partnerships with external collaborators, funders, and other important constituencies.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree (masters or higher) in a related field such as evaluation, economics, public policy, political science, sociology, or another social science related to monitoring and evaluation.
  

Experience:

• Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Deep understanding of economic incentives and creatively apply economic principles to policy challenges.

Preferred Competencies

• Synthesize complex research findings and summarize them for a non-technical policy audience.
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Prior experience in or exposure to agricultural policy, climate change, and food security.
• Background in agriculture or climate change policy in low- and middle-income countries.
• Experience working with policymakers and/or multilateral organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse and international teams.

Working Conditions

• Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
• Some domestic and international travel may be required on short notice.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References Contact Information (3)(required)
• Writing Sample, preferably for a policy audience (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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