Junior Fellow, Economic Policy
Position Title: Junior Fellow, Economic Policy Location: Washington, D.C. Application Deadline: August 30, 2026
About ORF America
The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) is an independent, non-partisan, and nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing global policy challenges, with a particular focus on relations between the developed and developing worlds and between India and the Americas. It produces research, curates diverse and inclusive platforms, and develops networks for cooperation between the developed and developing worlds based on common values and shared interests. ORF America was established in 2020 and is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), India’s premier non-government think tank. Its areas of focus include strategic and security affairs, technology policy, energy and sustainability, and economic policy. ORF America is an equal opportunity employer and hires staff without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.
Job Summary
ORF America seeks a research analyst to conduct quantitative research on current international trade issues and economics, including trade between India and the United States. The analyst would work within a broader economic policy research team and with partners in ORF’s offices in India and the Middle East to create regular data-driven analyses of international trade flows. He or she would also write and co-author regular reports and commentary on international trade for ORF America and external publications.
Qualifications:
A master’s degree (e.g. M.A. or MBA) in economics, business, or a related field.
Eligibility to work in the United States for more than two years. ORF America does not sponsor employment visas.
A willingness and ability to relocate to the Washington, D.C. area. Remote work will not be considered.
A minimum of four years of full-time work experience with demonstrable experience in economic and trade data analysis.
Proven organizational skills and a strong attention to detail, as well as problem-solving skills and a proactive work style.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including interpersonal skills, and ability to effectively collaborate with a variety of stakeholders and teams.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Developing systems for tracking and analyzing international trade data relevant to the United States, India, Europe, and other major economies.
Generating regular reports, in collaboration with colleagues, on international goods and services trade.
Writing and co-authoring regular analyses and commentary for ORF America and for external publications, such as newspapers and online publications.
Working within an economic policy team at ORF America; colleagues focused on technology, national security, and energy; and ORF colleagues in India and the United Arab Emirates on cross-collaborative research projects.
Helping to draft research proposals for donors, and briefing stakeholders on relevant topics and themes.
Providing support – including topical expertise – to ORF America programs in a collaborative professional environment.
Compensation and Benefits
ORF America offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $70,000-$75,000.
Benefits: Healthcare (medical, dental, vision), 403(b), life insurance (basic), short and long-term disability, and a generous paid time off policy.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to orfamerica@orfamerica.org in a single PDF file. Please include: “Job Application: Trade Analyst” in the subject line.
ORF America will contact only those candidates who are extended an interview. The deadline for applications is August 30. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply early.