Vacancy: Research and Project Assistant
£30,000
UK-based with the right to work in the UK
12 months
Are you skilled in constructing and analysing large datasets? Do you want to use your research and support skills to improve the transparency of aid and development finance?
Publish What You Fund has a history of successful, targeted evidence-based advocacy. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) such as the World Bank, African Development Bank and British International Investment currently dominate much of the rhetoric in the aid and development sector. We’re here to ensure these institutions are transparent. We are looking for a detail-oriented, numerate Research Assistant to support with data collection and research for our DFI Transparency Initiative project. This is a full-time staff position for twelve months.
Job summary
Publish What You Fund is the global campaign for aid and development transparency. We are an independent NGO combining robust research and technical expertise with targeted advocacy in order to make aid and development efforts more transparent and effective.
We are recruiting a Research Assistant to work on the DFI Transparency Initiative, a project aimed at improving the transparency of leading multilateral development banks (MDBs) and bilateral development finance institutions (DFIs). The DFI Transparency Initiative maintains the DFI Transparency Tool and publishes the DFI Transparency Index every two years. We are currently building towards the second iteration of the DFI Transparency Index in 2025 and seek research support with a focus on dataset construction and maintenance, and project assistance.
The role involves supporting with data collection to construct datasets that will inform the 2025 DFI Transparency Index. The successful candidate will also support the project team through project assistance duties including taking meeting minutes, arranging meetings, and providing logistical support.
The position is offered on a twelve month fixed term contract. This is a UK-based position with remote working and visits to the London office.
Roles and responsibilities
Research Assistance (80%)
- Carrying out desk research to construct investment datasets from leading MDBs and DFIs
- Analysis of data according to DFI Transparency Index research methodology
- Collating data and performing consistency checks
Project Assistance (20%)
- Taking minutes during team meetings
- Supporting the Research Manager and Research Officer in administrative tasks including arranging meetings with external stakeholders
- Supporting the Index report launch, including fact-checking, proof-reading and event support
Essential experience
- Detail-oriented with understanding of quantitative research and quality control
- Experience collecting, manipulating and performing quality control on large data sets in Excel
- The ability to take initiative and manage, prioritise and deliver multiple tasks to tight deadlines
- Attention to detail with ability to take precise meeting minutes and to complete administrative tasks promptly and accurately
Desirable experience
- Experience using web scraping tools and technologies
- An interest in aid and development finance generally
- Basic understanding of DFIs, development finance activities, and the general development finance ecosystem
- An ability to speak French, Spanish and/or other working languages of major MDBs and DFIs advantageous, though not essential
How to apply
We’re looking for someone to start in July 2024. Applications will be considered until a suitable candidate has been appointed so please apply early. Please send your CV and a covering letter of max. 1 page each outlining:
- Why you want to work at Publish What You Fund
- Why you are suitable for the role, addressing the responsibilities and experience required as listed above
to: recruitment@publishwhatyoufund.org with the subject line ‘DFI Transparency Initiative Research Assistant’
Any questions about this vacancy can be sent to paul.james@publishwhatyoufund.org
Publish What You Fund is committed to enhancing the diversity of its staff team, and to promoting racial and gender equity in the workplace. We particularly welcome applications from people of colour and other underrepresented groups.