At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on productivity and decent work policies for various countries.
- Company: Join The Productivity Institute, a leading UK research organisation at The University of Manchester.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work flexibility and earn £3,000 for your contributions.
- Other info: Applications open until 5 September 2025; perfect for high-achieving students and independent experts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global policies while enhancing your research skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal for students with a degree in social sciences and strong analytical skills.
Overview
The Productivity Institute (TPI), based at The University of Manchester, is seeking Country Analysts to contribute to a global research project commissioned by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The study, “Bridging Policies for Productivity and Decent Work”, explores how national productivity policies align with decent work principles and inclusive growth.
To support the evidence base for the project, we are recruiting analysts for eight case studies of policies on productivity, inclusive growth and decent work for the following countries:
- Vietnam
- Ethiopia
- Egypt
- South Africa
- Colombia
- Mexico
- Philippines
- Malaysia
Location: Remote
Duration: Mid-September to Mid-December 2025 (3 months)
Remuneration: £3,000 (paid upon submission of final deliverables) – approximately 10 working days
Application Deadline: 5 September 2025 at 23:50 UK time
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct a desk-based review of international (ILO, World Bank, OECD, UN, etc.) and national policy documents and relevant academic policy studies (past 10 years) related to productivity, inclusive growth, and decent work in the country.
- Optionally conduct a limited number of stakeholder interviews.
- Produce a comprehensive country report (20-30 pages) and a country vignette (approx. 8 pages). Both reports should build on the project’s position paper and outline by the project leads (available by mid-September).
- Participate in a 2-hour online workshop with project leads, 1–2 follow-up sessions with project leaders, and regular check-ins with the country analyst coordinator.
Research Themes
- Integration of decent work principles in productivity policies
- Trade-offs between productivity and employment outcomes
- Inclusion of marginalised groups and informal workers
- Support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in productivity strategies
- Governance frameworks and stakeholder involvement
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in policy analysis, especially in economic and social domains
- Degree (bachelor, master, PhD) in a social science discipline (for example, economics or public policy)
- Strong analytical and report writing skills
- Excellent command of English (working and writing language)
- Proficiency in the national language of the selected country
Deliverables
- Draft report by end of November 2025
- Final report and vignette by mid-December 2025
How to Apply
Submit an online application (max. 500 words) outlining your motivation and qualifications. Include your CV and, if applicable, a list of publications. Please clearly indicate the country you propose to study as well as from where you plan to do the work.
- Applications should be sent to TPI-Applications@manchester.ac.uk
- Deadline: 5 September 2025 at 23:50 UK time
- Contact for queries: TPI-Applications@manchester.ac.uk (responses within 3 working days)
Eligibility and Practical Considerations
Applications are welcome from independent experts and university students (see Candidate Requirements for details on qualifications)
- Independent Experts: Arrangements will be made on a consultancy basis. If you are based outside the UK, different contractual and payment arrangements may apply. Depending on the country, approval may be subject to a due diligence process at The University of Manchester, including export control checks, to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
- Students:
- To be eligible for this project, you need to study in a Master programme or above (PhD or postdoctoral).
- If you study at a UK institution, you may be subject to restrictions on paid work during term time and visa conditions.
- If you study at a foreign institution, different contractual and payment arrangements may apply. Depending on the country, approval may be subject to a due diligence process at The University of Manchester, including export control checks, to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
Background information
The Productivity Institute is a UK-wide research organisation headquartered at Alliance Manchester Business School, part of The University of Manchester. It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and brings together leading experts to address the challenge of improving productivity to enhance living standards and well-being. This project is commissioned by the SME Branch at the International Labour Organization and led by Professor Bart van Ark and Dr. Dirk Pilatat of The Productivity Institute.
About The Productivity Institute
The Productivity Institute is a UK-wide research organisation headquartered at Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester. It aims to inform productivity policy for inclusive growth and decent work.
Qualifying details
- Seniority level: Entry level
- Employment type: Full-time
- Job function: Other
- Industries: Research Services
Country Analyst – Productivity & Decent Work Policies employer: The Productivity Institute
The Productivity Institute at The University of Manchester is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research that shapes productivity and decent work policies globally. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of remote work, analysts can contribute meaningfully while enjoying a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives and innovative thinking.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Country Analyst – Productivity & Decent Work Policies
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the project, such as the integration of decent work principles and the support for MSMEs. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during interviews and demonstrate your understanding of the project's objectives.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of productivity and decent work policies. Attend relevant webinars or conferences to connect with experts and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application and future role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous policy analysis work, especially those related to economic and social domains. Being able to articulate your experience clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in productivity and decent work policies in the countries listed. This knowledge will not only enhance your application but also prepare you for potential interview questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Country Analyst – Productivity & Decent Work Policies
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Country Analyst position. Familiarise yourself with the themes of productivity, decent work, and inclusive growth as outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Motivation Statement:In your online application, clearly articulate your motivation for applying. Highlight your relevant experience in policy analysis and how it aligns with the goals of the Productivity Institute. Keep it concise, within the 500-word limit.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When submitting your CV, ensure it showcases your analytical skills and any previous work related to economic and social policies. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to conduct research and produce reports.
Specify Your Country of Focus:Clearly indicate which country you propose to study in your application. This shows your understanding of the project’s scope and helps the selection committee assess your fit for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Productivity Institute
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the key themes of the project, such as productivity policies and decent work principles. Being able to discuss how these concepts interlink will demonstrate your analytical skills and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully conducted policy analysis or research. Highlight your ability to synthesise complex information into clear reports, as this is crucial for the deliverables expected in the role.
✨Demonstrate Language Proficiency
Since proficiency in both English and the national language of the selected country is required, be ready to discuss your language skills. You might even want to prepare a brief introduction or summary in the national language to showcase your capabilities.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions related to the project and the expectations for the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively to the team.
