Policy Analyst, Innovation Commission- Development Innovation Lab - Chicago

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 hosts the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture, chaired by Professor Kremer. The Commission will convene an independent and high-level group of former heads of state, finance ministers, and private sector leaders to promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change. 

Job Summary

The Policy Analyst will work closely with the Innovation Commission Director, and other team members to support the development and adoption of policy proposals that will promote innovations related to agriculture and food security in the context of climate change

Responsibilities

Contribute to drafts of research and policy documents for the Innovation Commission for Climate Change, Food Security, and Agriculture. 

Collaborate with team members to perform desk research as inputs to innovation cases and literature reviews and integrate edits to existing drafts. 

Under limited direction, performs complex lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.

Collects, records and analyzes data.

Conducts literature reviews.

Participates in writing reports and manuscripts.

Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

Performs other related work as needed.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field (e.g public policy, political science, sociology, or another quantitative social science).

Careful understanding of economic incentives and an ability to creatively apply economic principles to policy challenges

Ability to synthesize complex research findings and summarize them for a non-technical policy audience

Excellent analytical and critical-thinking skills

Strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to stay organized on multiple projects simultaneously

Curiosity and interest in agriculture, climate change, and food security. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Advanced degree (Masters or higher) in a related field (evaluation, economics, public policy, political science, sociology, or another social science related to monitoring and evaluation).

Background in agriculture or climate change policy in low- and middle-income countries

Working Conditions

Some domestic and international travel may be required on short notice