Research Assistant/Analyst, Economic and Social Policy Latin America Initiative at Brookings for Recent/May Grad

The Research Assistant/Analyst undertakes research and provides analytical support, writing, and/or statistical assistance for scholars in the Global Economy and Development program, but more specifically scholars in the Brookings Global CERES Economic and Social Policy Latin America Initiative (ESPLA). Participates in the dissemination, communication and presentation of research findings; helps obtain, manage, organize, and analyze large datasets using statistical analyses and econometric modeling; handles and processes large data sets, assists in the preparation of presentation, blog posts, policy briefs and working papers; aides in the organization of meetings and events; assists with outreach activities; and, as needed, provides administrative assistance.

Responsibilities:

Research (90%)

• Conducts empirical research and policy analysis on a variety of topics (e.g. macroeconomic policy, social policy, governance, and well-being metrics) with a regional emphasis on Latin America.
• Creates and manages datasets within Stata and Microsoft Excel; conducts quantitative data analysis, utilizing econometric and other statistical methods; writes code in Stata to operationalize analysis; prepares results in graphical formats and data visualizations for dissemination.
• Conducts literature reviews, monitors and analyzes relevant material from conferences and seminars, government documents, academic journals and policy publications, institutional databases and reports from a wide variety of sources, including development organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Prepares summary notes and reports, media summaries and briefing memos; compiles detailed data methodologies both for internal use and publication; assists with drafting, editing and proof reading of published materials.
• Contributes to the dissemination and coordination of ESPLA’s research agenda. 

Scholar Support (10%)

• Contributes to grant-writing activities, in coordination with program staff and Senior Fellows.
• Facilitates manuscript communications and correspondence among chapter authors, editors, Brookings Press, and designated scholars.
• Assists with the organization of, and attends, meetings and conferences related to the Fellow’s work, in collaboration with program staff.
• Works with the program’s web site coordinator to oversee content of project-specific web pages and publications.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Education/Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Mathematics, Statistics, or social sciences required. Minimum of one year of research experience doing empirical research and quantitative data analysis in an office environment required. Strong academic record. Experience handling, manipulating, and analyzing large data sets required. Background in international financial institutions (IFIs) preferred. Work experience in, and knowledge of, Latin America preferred. Knowledge of Latin American-related information sources helpful. Experience working with governmental and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on international development and economics issues is highly desirable.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Knowledge of Latin American economic issues required. Excellent verbal, written, and communication skills and fluency in English and Spanish required. Strong computer skills and experience required. Strong proficiency in Excel, knowledge of SAS, R, Stata, SPSS and related econometric packages required. Ability to conduct research independently, or with little supervision. Excellent attention to detail. Professional demeanor and high level of comfort working with high-profile individuals from government/international organizations. Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

Read more and apply here.