Research Specialist — Inclusive Finance & Policy Impact

Accion International; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (90% employer funded)

Life and disability insurance

Retirement plans (up to 7.5% employer)

Job summary

Accion is seeking a Research Specialist within the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) to contribute to research and policy influence work across data generation, communication, program management, and culture. The role sits in Washington, DC, hybrid, and supports inclusive financial services research with a strong emphasis on impact.

The ideal candidate has a relevant social-science background with 4+ years of research experience, strong writing skills, and experience with mixed methods and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, sociology, international development, or a relevant social science with 4+ years of research experience; Master’s degree preferred with 2+ years of experience.
• Research experience in low-income markets is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to draft knowledge products including literature reviews, blogs and policy memos.
• Familiarity with primary and secondary research methods; ability to use qualitative or quantitative tools (STATA, R, NVivo); experience with survey design and data cleaning; IRB compliance.
• Demonstrated understanding of inclusive financial services; experience with at least one strategic area (clients, markets, climate, gender).
• Track record of contributing on research projects in developing countries.
• Able to operate largely self-sufficiently within a matrix organization.

Responsibilities

• Actively support research projects related to inclusive financial services and CFI’s thematic priorities.
• Support data collection, management, and review processes.
• Gather, structure, summarize and analyze data using self-directed methodologies.
• Draft blogs, reports, and other knowledge products representing one’s own research.
• Present team research internally within CFI and Accion.
• Develop workplans for projects including administration, logistics, and vendor management.
• Engage with stakeholders and plan events/workshops.
• Contribute to a culture of learning and excellence.

Skills

Written communications

Verbal communication

Research methods

Stakeholder engagement

Self-management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in economics/sociology/international development or related social science

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

STATA

R

NVivo

Job description

Accion is seeking a Research Specialist within the Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) to contribute to research and policy influence work across data generation, communication, program management, and culture. The role sits in Washington, DC, hybrid, and supports inclusive financial services research with a strong emphasis on impact.

The ideal candidate has a relevant social-science background with 4+ years of research experience, strong writing skills, and experience with mixed methods and