Senior Policy Analyst

The Center for Global Development, Europe (CGDE) is seeking a Senior Policy Analyst to join its Europe Programme in London. This is an exciting opportunity for a policy professional with deep expertise in European development cooperation and development finance to contribute to high-impact research and policy engagement shaping the future of global development.

About CGDE

CGDE is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation with offices in Washington, DC and London (CGD Europe). Since its founding in 2001, CGD has built a global reputation as a highly effective “think-and-do tank.” Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with policymakers and practitioners, CGDE works to improve policies and institutions that affect people in low-and middle-income countries. Our work sits at the intersection of development policy and the governments, international institutions, and private actors that can help deliver progress at scale.

The Role

The Senior Policy Analyst will play a central role in advancing CGDE’s research and policy engagement on European and other governments’ development cooperation policy and financial tools, with a particular focus on EU development policy and finance. This role combines high-quality policy research, strategic policy engagement, and thought leadership. The successful candidate will generate innovative research ideas, produce influential policy analysis, and contribute to shaping debates on the effectiveness of European development cooperation, the European development finance architecture and EU development finance instruments.

Research topics within the programme include: maximising EU concessional finance for greater leverage and impact, the EU’s external budget, the EU’s global role and partnerships, increasing impact of climate finance, and the effectiveness of major European governments’ development policies. The Senior Policy Analyst will contribute to developing practical, actionable policy proposals, convening stakeholders, and helping ensure European institutions play a leading role in advancing effective development cooperation.

The role reports to Mikaela Gavas, Managing Director and Senior Fellow, and works closely with CGDE fellows and colleagues across London and Washington, DC.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality policy-relevant research on development cooperation, EU development finance, and related global development issues.
• Undertake desk-based research and expert interviews, including with policymakers, practitioners, and academics.
• Identify emerging policy challenges and develop innovative research agendas to improve international development policy.
• Lead and contribute to research/policy papers, reports, blogs, and briefings targeted at policymakers and the wider development community.
• Convene and facilitate discussions with policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to shape the global development agenda.
• Represent CGD at conferences, policy forums, and high-level meetings.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with European policymakers, international organisations, scholars, and funders.
• Lead research projects independently, from concept through publication and dissemination.
• Manage research partnerships and collaborations, ensuring high-quality outputs and delivery.
• Organise working groups, workshops, and policy roundtables, including agenda-setting and preparation of briefing materials.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships that amplify the impact of CGD Europe’s work.
• Mentor and support the professional development of junior research staff.
• Contribute to a collaborative and intellectually vibrant research environment.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical skills, deep policy expertise, and the ability to translate research into policy impact.

Essential qualifications

• A postgraduate degree (Master’s, PhD, or equivalent) in economics, political science, international development, or a related field.
• At least six years of experience conducting policy-relevant research and analysis on development policy and finance.
• Demonstrated expertise in European development policy and/or EU development finance.
• Experience leading research projects independently, from concept through publication and dissemination.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear policy messages.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced policy environment.

Desirable experience

• Professional experience within a European official development agency or Ministry, EU institution, or international organisation.
• Experience engaging directly with policymakers or influencing policy processes.

Why Join CGD Europe?

At CGDE, you will join a team committed to evidence-based policymaking and global development impact. The Europe Programme sits at the forefront of debates about the future of development finance and the role of Europe in tackling global challenges. This role offers the opportunity to:

• Influence European and global development policy
• Work alongside leading researchers and policymakers
• Produce research that directly shapes policy decisions

Applications

This is a full-time position based in London and the post-holder is expected to spend a minimum of three days a week in the office. CGD Europe offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. Interested candidates should submit their CV with a list of publications and cover letter, along with a sample piece of writing (preferably a piece of original research).

CGD/E is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and celebrates fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment. All persons will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, parental status, veteran status, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age or sexual orientation.