Job Opportunity

Research Assistant

Position Title: Research Assistant Areas of Focus: Global Economics and Development, and Energy and Climate Policy Job Type: Full-Time Location: Washington, DC  

About ORF America

The Observer Research Foundation America (ORF America) was established in 2020 as an independent, non-partisan public policy institute based in Washington DC. It is an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation, India’s premier non-government think tank. ORF America produces research and commentary and convenes policymakers and thought leaders on global affairs, with a particular focus on relations between the developed and developing worlds and between India and the Americas. 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 is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to provide high quality support to its Global Economics and Development and Energy and Climate Policy programs. The Research Assistant will contribute to the ORF America’s work through a combination of research, writing, and data analysis, as well as by providing administrative support as needed.

The successful candidate will have experience in development economics, energy and climate policy and related fields. Candidates must demonstrate strong research, writing, analytical, and communication skills, alongside the ability to advance tasks independently and work as a member of an interdisciplinary team. ORF America is operating on a hybrid work plan (both in the office and from home). 

Qualifications

1. A completed graduate degree in economics, political science, public policy, or a related field with a focus on global economics, sustainable development, energy and climate change

2. At least 1 year relevant research experience with demonstrated output (e.g. peer-reviewed academic publication, policy report, etc.)

3. Ability to structure and execute independent policy research with a key attention to detail.

4. Experience with supporting multi-stakeholder convenings

5. Excellent writing and presentation skills

6. Familiarity with statistical packages and coding skills (Stata, ArcGIS, R, Python, etc.) are a plus

7. Flexibility to work on multiple inter-disciplinary projects

8. Eligibility to work in the United States

Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Work with Senior Fellow/Fellow to undertake research projects related to development economics, energy, and climate change policy.

• Perform day-to-day research tasks, including synthesizing literature reviews, summarizing reports etc.

• Undertake advanced database management and data analysis, including but not limited to scraping large datasets, running econometric and simulation models etc.

• Draft research and policy papers under the guidance of Senior Fellow/Fellow.

• Communicate research output to non-specialist audiences.

Program and Project Management

• Work with program assistant to organize seminars, roundtables and other events

• Support event management, execution and logistics

• Assist with maintaining a robust database

Compensation

ORF America offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.

Contact Information

Candidates are requested to send a resume/CV and a short sample of their previous writing (e.g. policy brief, report, journal article) to orfamerica@orfamerica.org. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.