Job overview
Development Initiatives (DI) has been working with governments, multilateral organisations and NGOs since 1992. Its focus is on analysing, interpreting and improving information about resources for poverty elimination with the aim of making it more transparent and accessible, and so better allocated in order to eradicate poverty.
Our central UK team of driven and highly competent analysts plays a vital role in providing evidence and analytical rigour in support of DI’s work, enhancing use and understanding of data and information, complementing our analysts in DI’s East Africa hub.
Jobholders will be expected to have the relevant quantitative skills and experience with strong spreadsheet and data presentation/manipulation skills. They should have an ability to rapidly analyse trends and produce high-quality technical and policy-oriented reports, using graphics and visualisations effectively. An understanding of economic principles in the context of international development and poverty reduction, paired with quantitative skills would be considered a significant advantage.
The analyst will need to be creative in and comfortable with sourcing data from a range of sources and systems, including developing countries where these may be weak or transparency poor, then be able to make the necessary judgements to use such data robustly and consistently. Making connections with the right people, in civil society, government, politicians or others, means language and communication skills are essential. The role may involve country visits.
Analysts’ time will be spent working across the range of DI programmes – including the Investments To End Poverty Programme (ITEP), Global Humanitarian Assistance (GHA) and aidinfo – as well as periodic consultancy work, with governments, development agencies and NGOs. Analysts should expect to work across a range of subject areas, including poverty statistics, aid architecture, aid statistics, transparency, domestic mobilisation, humanitarian assistance, trade, investment and other financial flows. While analysts may cover a broad range of work as part of their initial training, they may begin to specialise in certain areas.
Outputs will also vary from ad hoc responses, statistical summaries, shorter briefing notes, longer in-depth papers and presentations (internal and external). Deadlines will vary from same day to multi-year projects, so developing the ability to comfortably manage competing work-streams simultaneously is important.
A critical member of the team, reporting to a Senior Analyst, the analysts’ work will involve:
Gathering, analysing and evaluating data
Interpreting data and providing policy analysis for a range of reports, including contributing to flagship reports and online materials
Contributing to the format of reports (e.g. visualisation of data and its explanation)
Supporting DI’s other programmes (e.g. Gates, aidinfo, GHA and consultancy) and their strategic milestones
Providing peer review for colleague’ data work
Limited liaison with donors and clients (internal and external)
Progression through the analyst grade to senior analyst will be based on growing skills and experience, independence and ability to represent DI externally.
Person specification
Education/qualifications
Educated to degree level (2.1 or above) in economics or a related social science discipline (or equivalent)
A postgraduate qualification in economics, international development or a related subject is desirable
At least three year’s practical work experience in development and/or data/policy analysis
Knowledge/Technical Skills
Highly numerate, with a love of all things quantitative, and strong quantitative skills and aptitude for rigorous analysis of data
Strong (at least intermediate-level) Microsoft Excel (absolutely essential) and Word skills, and working knowledge of PowerPoint; knowledge of other statistical, data manipulation and mapping packages (e.g. STATA) are advantageous but not essential
Evidence of using databases coupled with a knowledge of the various international data sources particularly OECD, UN, IMF and World Bank
Ability to conduct high quality analysis and research involving a combination of internet and desk-based research that combines quantitative and qualitative analytical skills
Experience of using poverty and other development databases in statistical analysis, and knowledge of the various international data sources, particularly OECD, UN, International Monetary Fund and World Bank
A genuine interest in development issues and a basic understanding of the aid sector and its actors (governments, NGOs, private sector and civil society) is essential, while a practical understanding of the international development sector is desirable
Familiarity with the various actors (government institutions and donor institutions), processes and mechanisms in which they work, and issues and trends in poverty and economic development
An understanding of economic principles in the context of international development and poverty reduction would be considered a significant advantage.
Practical understanding of the dynamics in international development with ability to relate key development indicators to countries who are in a constant stage of change
Good written and spoken English are essential; an ability to work in a second language is an advantage
Familiarity with social media tools, including blogging platforms and other content management systems, useful but not essential
Personal skills/Qualities
Excellent interpersonal and networking skills coupled with the ability to build strong and lasting relationships with stakeholders, clients and colleagues
Clear and confident communicator (on telephone, in writing and face-to-face)
Time management and organisational skills
Adaptable and flexible working style
Willingness/ability to travel
A self-starter who has the ability to self-manage and work independently but also able to work collaboratively in a team environment
Ability to work under pressure yet deliver on time with attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to recognise, create and seize opportunities to put ideas into practice
Approaches projects methodically
Confident in questioning the validity of information and in offering ideas and solutions
Investigative: persistence in obtaining new information and data
Tenacious: ability to see a task through to completion and overcoming obstacles
Creative and positive problem-solving: presenting innovative yet practical solutions
Open: enthusiasm and willingness to learn and develop both individually but also as part of the team and DI in general
PLEASE VISIT OUR WEB SITE WWW.DEVINIT.ORG FOR THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
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