Policy Associate

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,400 - 82,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Policy Associate to advance the research agenda of the Development Innovation Lab. The role involves researching and editing communications while engaging with various stakeholders to promote innovations in climate change, food security, and agriculture.

Candidates should possess a degree in a related field and ideally have experience in policy roles. Responsibilities include supporting outreach, developing policy strategies, and contributing to research projects that have significant policy implications.

Qualifications

• Less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in policy roles preferred.

Responsibilities

• Research, compose, and edit communications, publications, and reports.
• Develop and execute communication strategies.
• Draft policy briefs and presentations for senior policymakers.

Skills

Excellent writing skills

Strong network within multilateral institutions

Outstanding verbal communication skills

Excellent time management

Education

College or university degree in a related field

Master’s degree in Economics or related field

Job description

Department

SSD Development Economics Center: Staff and Temporary Employees

About The Department

The Development Innovation Lab at the University of Chicago uses the tools of economics to develop innovations with the potential to benefit millions of people in low- and middle-income countries. It was founded and is led by Nobel laureate Michael Kremer. DIL brings researchers in different fields together with governments, firms and non-profit organizations to identify, test, refine and scale innovations.

Job Summary

The policy associate will research, compose, and edit communications, publications and reports for the University, working with moderate to high levels of guidance. The role advances the research agenda of DIL by fostering relationships, communicating research findings, and identifying collaboration opportunities. The policy associate will engage with policymakers, multilateral institutions, bilateral donors, academic partners, and implementing partners to scale innovations related to climate change, food security, and agriculture. Additionally, the policy associate will support outreach and communication, writing, public speaking, project development, multilateral engagement, and human resources functions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project teams to develop and execute communication strategies.
• Oversee or support the preparation of speeches, presentations, and other high-level communications.
• Support the team in crafting compelling narratives that showcase DIL's impact to diverse audiences.
• Support the development of comprehensive policy strategies aligned with DIL's research agenda.
• Draft high-impact policy briefs, white papers, and presentations for senior policymakers.
• Provide policy guidance to the team.
• Support the translation of DIL's cutting‑edge research into policy recommendations.
• Identify opportunities for policy-relevant research and advise research teams accordingly.
• Contribute to research projects with significant policy implications.
• Support the team in cultivating and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in multilateral organizations, governments, and major donors.
• Help prepare DIL team members for high-profile policy events and global conferences; participate as needed.
• Support strategic discussions with policymakers.
• Coordinate work by research professionals, program associates, and other project staff.
• Contribute to the team’s workload, ensuring high‑quality outputs and adherence to deadlines.
• Support the fostering of a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and professional growth.
• Assist in the research, verification, writing, and editing of publications, including technical material for manuals or journals.
• Use knowledge of writing with moderate to high levels of guidance to produce in-depth pieces.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• College or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience

• Less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in policy roles, preferably in international development.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong network and experience within multilateral institutions, government agencies, and/or the development sector.
• Experience influencing policy at national or international levels.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in development economics and a strong understanding of empirical research methods.
• Ability to assess the quality of economic evidence and cost effectiveness for economic innovations.
• Knowledge of randomized controlled trials and other empirical methods used in economics.
• Experience related to smallholder agriculture in a low- or middle-income country setting.
• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to translate technical ideas into non-technical content.
• Outstanding verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to meet external and internal deadlines.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• Transcripts (required)
• References Contact Information (required)

Weekly Hours

37.5

Pay Range

$70,400.00 - $82,500.00

Benefits

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Safety Information

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