Research Analyst, CUE (Job ID: 2024-3364) - The Brookings Institution

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The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Global Economy and Development (Global) program at Brookings equips global, national, and local policymakers with the cutting-edge knowledge and actionable tools they need to address shared challenges and achieve a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economic system for all. The Center for Universal Education (CUE), founded in 2002 as part of the Global Economy and Development program, is one of the leading policy centers focused on universal quality education across the world. We develop and disseminate effective solutions for quality education and skills development. We envision a world where all children and youth have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. The Center plays a critical role in influencing the development of policy related to global education and promotes actionable strategies for governments, civil society, and private enterprise. Research analysts in Global’s Center for Universal Education support scholars by providing research, writing, data and statistical analysis related to global education policies and trends affecting developing countries.

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation. Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.  

Research analysts in Global’s Center for Universal Education support scholars by providing research, writing, data and statistical analysis related to global education policies and trends affecting developing countries. As an integral member of the research team, this research analyst performs analysis with limited supervision, delivers high quality output in a timely manner, participates in the development, dissemination and presentation of research findings; assists in the organization of meetings and events; and provides administrative assistance as needed. CUE is seeking a Research Analyst to support the Knowing Doing Network Leadership Coalition team, which is a global network comprising ten civil society organizations located in the Global South, and CUE. This role supports the design and implementation of research in education systems transformation, with the goal of ensuring that children are able to acquire the range of skills and competencies they need to live productive and fulfilled lives. The Research Analyst will support the KDNLC team by providing research, writing, data and statistical analysis to support greater and more relevant and impactful evidence generation in diverse communities and contexts. The Research Analyst will help ensure research data are used to inform efforts to support civil society agency in the journey of systems transformation. Expectations include ability to: perform analysis with limited supervision; deliver high quality output in a timely manner; participate in the development, dissemination and presentation of research findings; willingness to assist in the organization of meetings, events, and other administrative tasks as needed. The position is based in Washington DC. This is a two-year termed appointment, with the potential to renew.

Research Analysis (75%)

• Conducts empirical research and policy analysis on select global education policy issues
• Manages database process, including data collection, coding, storage, and visualization.
• Performs advanced analysis of large datasets and trends, utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods.  
• Creates and manages large datasets including establishing cleaning and storage protocols, and writes complex code to operationalize qualitative and quantitative analysis methodologies.
• Collaborates with scholars on research design processes including identifying methodologies.
• Creates tables, graphs, and other data visualizations that clearly communicate research findings.
• Co-authors working papers, policy briefs, and presentations on the team’s research for external publication
• Documents data methodologies in detail for both internal use and publication.
• Conducts literature reviews of material from conferences and seminars, government documents, academic journals and policy publications, institutional databases, and reports.

Research Support and Project Coordination (25%)

• Contributes to grant-writing activities, in coordination with program staff and scholars.
• Corresponds with collaborating researchers in other programs, centers and institutions.
• Collaborates with external stakeholders and presents about projects, both data and content.
• Coordinates communication products – events, publications, and multimedia –in collaboration with the team’s project managers and program Communications team 
• Assists with the organization of meetings and conferences related to the scholars’ work.
• Coordinates agendas, notetaking, follow-up, and capture of workstream meetings.
• Works with the program’s web site coordinator to maintain strategic oversight of the content of project-specific web pages and publications.
• Supports all areas of project administration and coordination, including liaising with partners and potential partners.
• Other administrative duties as assigned.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications:

Education/Experience Requirements 

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Education, or social science field required.  Master’s degree in Economics, Statistics, Education, Global Development, International Affairs or Public Policy, or related field preferred.  Strong academic record. Minimum two years of work experience in empirical research and quantitative data analysis. 

Knowledge/Skills Requirements

Successful candidate: must be proficient in quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods research methods, with experience and confidence in managing and analyzing large datasets and designing or implementing participatory research methods; must have capacity to connect details and data and bring them to a larger conversation; can build on methods, and build tool sets and techniques; needs to have experience working in Global South contexts; demonstrates knowledge of and keen interest in international development and global education issues; possesses outstanding oral and written communication skills; possesses ability and willingness to undertake research assignments with minimal supervision, can work well under pressure with discretion and mature judgement, and meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment;  demonstrates professional demeanor and high level of comfort working with high-profile individuals from civil society/government/international organizations. 

Additional Information

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings.

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment.

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings.

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.