United States: Senior Gender Economist

Nov 21, 2019 | International Center for Research on Women
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The International Center for Research on Women (ICRW) has been the premier applied research institute focused on women and girls for the last four decades. ICRW works with partners to conduct empirical research, build capacity, and advocate for evidence-based practical solutions to change policies and programs. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., and with regional offices in South Asia and Africa, ICRW conducts research to inform policies and programs seeking to alleviate poverty, promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls. Corporations, foundations, governments and civil society organizations partner with ICRW to discover through rigorous research how to dismantle barriers and help women and girls achieve their full potential. ICRW’s focal areas include gender-based violence, healthy transitions to adulthood, economic empowerment, HIV/AIDS, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

At ICRW, we believe that research can and should be a process of social development, and we employ participatory methods when appropriate. Further, ICRW pursues intersectional research to the greatest extent possible. All research we undertake serves to advance ICRW’s mission of improving the status of women and girls, promoting gender equality, and eradicating poverty.

Primary Role:   

The Senior Gender Economist will conceptualize, lead and provide technical oversight to multiple research and evaluation projects focused on gender, economic empowerment and livelihoods. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to projects across sectors and topics, including agriculture, climate change, labor markets, environment, unpaid care and trade. S/he will also contribute to and lead conceptual and business development opportunities and contribute actively to the Gender, Economic Empowerment and Livelihoods portfolio and ICRW more broadly. Travel of at least 20-25% will be required.  This is a one-year contract position. Contract extension is also subject to additional funding.

Education:  

Ph.D. or master’s degree in Economics or a related discipline (Political Science, Sociology, Social Demography, etc.). 

Experience:  

Minimum eight (8) years of post-master’s or six (6) years of post-Ph.D. experience conducting research and evaluation internationally, with a focus on developing countries.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks: 

Research, Monitoring and Evaluation:

Designs rigorous observational research studies and experimental and quasi-experimental intervention studies. Works in multi-disciplinary teams to lead, design, supervise, and undertake quantitative and mixed-methods research. Analyzes primary and secondary data using appropriate methods, writes incisive products for diverse audiences, including research reports, peer-reviewed publications, and other outputs, such as policy briefs and reader-friendly blogs. Develops conceptual models and M&E frameworks to guide research and program evaluation.

Project Management: 

Serves as project director, overseeing and contributing to development and management of project implementation (including workplans and budgets), supervision of project staff and consultants, liaising with ICRW support units and managing partner relationships.

Business Development:  

Develops areas of research and proposals that complement and build on ongoing research efforts and contribute to achieving ICRW’s overall strategic objectives. Works closely with colleagues to conceptualize and design proposals and projects, as well as to disseminate findings. Identifies potential funding sources and actively cultivates potential opportunities with donors and funders.

Representation: 

Maintains professional expertise and recognition outside of ICRW through publishing and speaking in relevant forums.  Authors publications and represents ICRW in the media and with colleague organizations; serves on coalitions and builds policy advocacy efforts in line with current research program.

Skills:

• Expertise in gender, economic empowerment and livelihoods
• Experience in climate and environmental sciences
• Extensive experience in the design and implementation of formative, operations and evaluation research in gender, economic empowerment and livelihoods
• Quantitative data analysis skills, to include expertise with one or more of the following analytical software packages: SPSS, STATA, R
• Ability to review quantitative and/or qualitative studies for quality assurance
• Knowledge of qualitative analysis a plus
• Ability to effectively manage and juggle multiple projects, including staffing, workplans, deliverables, timelines and budgets
• Peer reviewed publications in gender and feminist economics
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary research teams
• Experience providing training, capacity building and technical assistance for research and programming related to gender, economic empowerment and livelihoods
• Demonstrated successful project management skills, along with maturity, diplomacy, and independence to work effectively with in-country partners, donors and project staff
• Strong strategic sense for fund-raising, committed to developing an innovative research and program base
• Strong networking and negotiation skills in order to identify, cultivate and sustain viable relationships with donors and other partners as well as communicate knowledgeably about project concepts, progress and impact
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated supervisory and mentorship skills
• Experience leading research projects funded by USAID, DfID, European Union and UN donors highly desired
• Membership of relevant professional organizations (IAFFE, WIEGO, SEEP) preferred
• High-level of fluency in English is required and proficiency in another language highly preferred

Interested candidates are expected to submit a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples. Due to the large volume of responses we receive, ICRW is not able to provide candidacy status on an individual basis. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

ICRW is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law, where applicable. ICRW is an E-Verify Employer.