MPI Careers

The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank that seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions. MPI is committed to recruiting, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect the breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. This breadth of experience encourages diversity of thought that enriches and adds greater credibility to our work. MPI is committed to making sure that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment.

Associate Policy Analyst - Global Program

MPI’s Global Program seeks a full-time Associate Policy Analyst to support the team with rigorous empirical research and comparative analysis on a range of migration policy topics — from the impact of demographic change on labor markets to the future of refugee protection to managing climate-related migration. The program operates globally, with an established portfolio of projects in Latin America, East Africa, and Europe, and emerging work in South/Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and Australia. This position offers direct exposure to MPI’s behind-the-scenes policy advising and convening, and the opportunity to work with a highly collaborative team of world-class researchers.

We are a tight-knit, dynamic team where everyone gets a chance to contribute intellectually. From day one, you will have a seat at the table: participating in team strategy meetings, developing your own research ideas, and—as you build expertise—co-authoring policy briefs, op-eds, and long-form written pieces. In turn, we expect team members to be curious, willing to learn, and ready to jump into diverse types of work along the lifecycle of a project (from background research to fieldwork to convening to project management to grant reporting). Successful applicants will demonstrate exquisite attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. 

About MPI and the Global Program

MPI is an independent, nonpartisan evidence-informed think tank focused on the movement of people worldwide. We seek to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions. The Institute  is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect a breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where we work. MPI is committed to diversity of thought and ensuring that staff members of all backgrounds work in an inclusive, equitable environment.

The Global Program acts as a policy laboratory for innovative, evidence-based, and politically feasible solutions to migration policy challenges. From direct policy advice to deep comparative research, its work interrogates policy design and effectiveness, helps countries newer to immigration learn from innovation and evidence in other regions, and anticipates how demographic, economic, and technological shifts will reshape migration in the years ahead. It supports governments in responding to crises with greater coordination and foresight, and provides a trusted off-the-record space for engaging with sensitive topics. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Deliver in-depth policy analysis with clear interpretations and actionable recommendations, and help shape the methodology behind new research projects.
• Draft and edit background notes and analytical reports, policy briefs, and other research materials with minimal supervision and under tight deadlines. 
• Contribute to and co-author MPI publications and short-form work, with opportunities to single- or lead-author policy briefs as experience grows. 
• Assist senior staff in fundraising and grant management duties, including contributing to grant proposals and reports, and researching prospective funding opportunities.
• Support with organizing high-level roundtables and private meetings, including developing agendas and concept notes, liaising with participants, and briefing speakers.
• In time and with support, engage with the news media.

Required Skills 

• Master's degree with 3–5 years of direct experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to collect and make sense of large volumes of data from primary and secondary sources, surveys, and/or fieldwork. Experience conducting original quantitative analysis (using statistical programming software) is a plus, though not required.
• Knowledge of international migration trends and policies with specific expertise in one or more countries outside the United States preferred (particularly in Africa, Latin America, or Europe).
• Sharp writing and oral communication skills (comfort with public speaking and/or ability to visualize, present, and explain data effectively is a plus). 
• High motivation and initiative, with the ability to juggle multiple assignments, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment. 
• Curiosity and willingness to read widely and bring in new thinking or methods from other policy areas.

Salary and Benefits

This position is based out of MPI’s Washington, D.C. office. Remote work (worldwide) will be considered for the right candidate. The starting pay range for this position for an Associate Policy Analyst based in the United States is $62,000 to $67,000, with pay commensurate with skills and experience. MPI also offers a generous benefits package for full-time U.S.-based employees.

For remote appointments, employment arrangements, benefits, and compensation will be reviewed and agreed based on the candidate’s location, experience, and local employment regulations.
 

To Apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and a short writing sample to [email protected], labeling each file with their last name. For the writing sample, please write 1,000 words on an immigration policy of your choosing. You can use AI tools, but please disclose how. Please reference “Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program” in the subject line and include a line telling us how you heard about this position.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Eastern, Wednesday, September 30. Individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the large number of applicants expected, only those being considered for the position will be contacted. No phone calls or emails to MPI staff, please.

To learn about internship opportunities at MPI, check out the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Program.

For information about openings at MPI Europe, see this careers page and internship page.

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. We value a diverse work environment and welcome applications from all candidates who meet the requirements for the position.