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Policy Analyst: Mexico/Central America

Policy Analyst: US Immigration Policy Program

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Policy Analyst – Mexico/Central America

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to the study of national and international migration policies, seeks an exceptional analyst to help anchor the Mexico- and Central America-related activities of the Institute’s International Program. The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate a passion for and nuanced understanding of migration in North America and Central America as well as related or derivative policy issues. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

Required

An exceptional candidate with substantial practical experience in a policy setting and a Master’s degree. Combined postgraduate education or relevant experience of at least 7 years. Promotion potential to Senior Policy Analyst.

Excellent English writing and editing skills (finalists will be asked to complete a writing exercise).

Nuanced understanding of migration in North America and Central America and derivative policy areas, such as border security and the security implications of the international narcotics trade in the region, the economic and labor market consequences of migration for sending societies, the economic and demographic drivers of migration, and education and workforce training systems throughout the region.

Deep understanding of Mexican and Central American social and political systems, and migration policies and associated policy issues, as well as a nuanced understanding of US immigration issues related to nationals from the region; full appreciation of key bilateral and regional policy differences and similarities.
Completely bilingual in Spanish and English and able to move fluidly between professional environments in the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Demonstrated familiarity with key research literature.

Preferred

Familiarity with labor market, education and workforce issues in Mexico and Central America; broad knowledge of the sociology, politics, and economics of human mobility and its impact on labor markets and the wider society.

Publications record in relevant policy fields.
Experience with public speaking and working with the media.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and short, unedited writing sample to hr@migrationpolicy.org . Please do not send edited journal articles or coauthored papers; the ideal writing sample is short, nontechnical, and accessible to a lay audience. Please reference “PA-Mexico” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position.

Due to the large number of applicants, only those being considered for the position will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion or physical ability. Minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Policy Analyst
US Immigration Policy Program

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a nonpartisan, nonprofit think tank dedicated to the study of national and international migration policies, seeks an experienced policy analyst to carry out research, writing, and key project/program management responsibilities for the Institute’s work on US immigration policy and programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, conduct, and write about research and its policy implications on key immigration issues for broad policy audiences. The successful candidate will have strong analytic skills, the ability to write for broad policy audiences, and be knowledgeable about immigration and its role in law enforcement and national security, the economy and labor markets, politics and legislation, federal-state-local relations, and foreign affairs. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Promotion potential is to Senior Immigration Policy Analyst.

Qualifications:

Required

Ph.D. , J.D. or combination of equivalent education and experience in relevant social science or legal disciplines;
Understanding of issues, and research and writing experience pertinent to: the US immigration system and laws; government agencies and programs charged with implementing immigration policy; the economic, labor market, and socio-political dimensions of immigration and immigration policy; and current immigration debates and policy proposals;
Strong analytical skills and experience addressing complex public policy issues with proven ability to complete projects within time and budget guidelines;
Demonstrated ability to think conceptually and write clearly, presenting information accessibly in a variety of formats for policy-interested audiences; and
Ability to think independently while also developing effective working relationships with government officials, academics, elected officials and staff, advocates, immigrant service providers, law enforcement/security professionals, and other experts.

Preferred

Practical experience in a public policy setting;
Publications record, especially in policy fields, and standing in the research and public policy worlds;
Ability to work in collegial project and research teams;
Spanish-speaking;
Good oral communications and presentational skills; and
Experience working with press and the media.

Duties and Responsibilities:

With other members of MPI senior staff, serve as the research, writing, and project management backbone of the Institute’s US immigration program work;
Design and direct research, analysis, and writing projects on existing immigration programs and new initiatives, both legislative and administrative;
Staff high-level working groups and convenings of prominent policymakers and experts focusing on many different dimensions of US immigration policy and programs;
Write and work with MPI’s communications staff to produce reports, articles, policy briefs, and fact sheets of varying lengths and degrees of detail and complexity; and
Participate in fund-raising and reporting, and help identify and respond to new funding opportunities.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and writing sample to hr@migrationpolicy.org. Please reference “Immigration Policy Analyst” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position.

Hard copies may be sent to:

Human Resources
Migration Policy Institute
1400 16th St NW, Ste 300
Washington , DC 20036

Due to the large number of applicants, only those being considered for the position will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

The Migration Policy Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual or gender orientation, religion or physical ability. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.