Policy Analyst, Climate Change, Food Security & Agriculture.

Founded and led by Nobel laureate and Faculty Director, Professor Michael Kremer, the Development Innovation Lab (DIL) is an affiliate of the Development Economics Center at the University of Chicago. Formally inaugurated in the spring of 2022, DIL brings researchers of various fields together with governments, firms and non-profits to use the tools of economics to identify, test, refine and scale innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries.

The Becker Friedman Institute for Economics (BFI) works with the Chicago Economics community to turn its evidence-based research into real-world impact. BFI takes a unique approach to bridging the divide between academic researchers and decision-makers in the business community and government by translating and packaging the rigorous work of the Chicago Economics community into accessible formats, and proactively sharing those findings with relevant decision-makers and thought leaders around the globe. BFI is a collaborative platform serving the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, the Kenneth C. Griffin Department of Economics, the Harris School of Public Policy, and the Law School. For more information visit https://bfi.uchicago.edu.

Job Summary

The Development Innovation Lab (DIL) at the University of Chicago is seeking to hire a Policy Analyst to support the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security and Agriculture. The Commission will promote innovations with the potential to address interlinked challenges of climate change and agriculture. Chaired by Professor Michael Kremer, this global Commission will convene an independent and high-level group of former heads of state, finance ministers, and private sector leaders. The Policy Analyst will be a key member of the Commission Secretariat, contributing to evidence synthesis, writing, data analysis, and program administration efforts, among other responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Supports analysis of policy challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and low agricultural productivity.
• Reviews and maps academic and policy literatures.
• Drafts research and policy-oriented materials under minimum supervision.
• Supports economic appraisal, including cost-benefit analysis, of proposals.
• Supports research and policy activities, including stakeholder engagements.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

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

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in economics, public policy, or related discipline.
  • Master's degree in economics, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant experience.
  • Academic and policy writing.
  • Translate technical ideas into non-technical content.
  • Working in the agriculture or climate space.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge:
  • Project management skills; plan tasks for teams, monitor progress, make corrections to plans.
  • Proficiency with STATA and/or R data analysis software.
  • Data and spreadsheet skills, such as building models for economic and financial appraisal.

Preferred Competencies:

• Team player with good problem-solving and time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills.
• Work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Develop strong partnerships with external collaborators.
• Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Curiosity and interest in climate change, biosecurity, including pandemic preparedness.
• Careful understanding of economic incentives and an ability to creatively apply economic principles.

Working Conditions

• Perform tasks mostly indoors in an office setting.
• Work independently for periods of eight (8) hours or more.
• Some travel to low and middle income countries

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Three Professional References Contact Information (required)
• Writing Sample (required)
• Academic Transcript (required)