Senior Policy Analyst–Latin America and Caribbean Migration Policy
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), a nonpartisan think tank dedicated to the study of migration policies in the United States and around the world, seeks a Senior Policy Analyst to help lead MPI’s work on Latin American migration policies. The Senior Policy Analyst will oversee a broad portfolio of research and analysis on migration trends and policies in Latin America and the Caribbean; ongoing work with government and nongovernmental leaders in the region in addressing policies around migration and social cohesion; and frequent outreach to the media, governments, NGOs, scholars, foundations, and international organizations to contribute to the understanding and formulation of migration policies in the region. S/he will conceptualize new projects, obtain funding to sustain them, and oversee their implementation. The Senior Policy Analyst will be part of MPI’s International Program and report both to the Director of International Research and the President of MPI, working closely with colleagues across MPI on a wide variety of global initiatives.
The job is ideally based in Washington, DC with frequent travel to Latin America and the Caribbean (subject to safe travel guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic). The job is expected to be remote through end 2020, while MPI’s offices remain closed, however some travel may be encouraged/required.
Qualifications
- Advanced (PhD or master’s) degree in public policy or a closely related field, alongside 8 or more years relevant work experience involving policy analysis, qualitative field research, and/or quantitative research in academia, NGO, international organizations, and/or government sectors (preferably two of these sectors). Candidates holding a bachelor’s degree who can demonstrate significant work experience with increasing levels of responsibility and highly productive record of accomplishment will be considered.
- Verbal and written fluency in English and Spanish required, with Portuguese, French, or Haitian Creole a plus.
- Deep knowledge of key policy issues and key actors in Latin American and Caribbean migration policies (government, international organizations, NGOs, and academia), with particular knowledge of policies in South America. Must have recognized record of accomplishment in the field and the ability to build networks and represent MPI in high-level relationships with key stakeholders.
- Sound knowledge of the quantitative and qualitative research methodologies required for designing and implementing research projects.
- Exceptional thinking, writing, and editing skills.
- Substantial publications record, ideally in the immigration field, and excellent reputation in the research and public policy worlds.
- Ability to break down, analyze, and clearly communicate policy issues to nontechnical audiences; and ability to visualize, present, and explain data effectively.
- Demonstrated capacity in fundraising and development, and access to a wide network of decisionmakers and opinion leaders in migration and adjacent fields.
- Excellent oral communication skills, including offering lead presentations and keynoting events.
- High motivation and initiative; ability to handle multiple assignments, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated professionalism, judgment, and ability to work as part of team.
- Exceptional organizational skills, strong prioritization, and follow-through skills.
- Ability to handle multiple assignments with excellent time management and project management skills.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Assume broad responsibility for designing, managing, and executing policy research and analysis on issues relating to migration policy in Latin America and the Caribbean, supervise project staff, and ensure rigor and quality in all project outputs.
- Coordinate and lead research teams to explore changing migration trends, analyze policies, and propose new approaches for migration management in the region and for effective engagement of external actors in the region.
- Work with MPI senior management to actively identify and pursue new funding opportunities, conceptualize and write funding proposals, and build and maintain relationships with key donors and partners.
- Organize and conduct research interviews, engage in data analysis and research synthesis, and draft and contribute to development of MPI reports and publications.
- Research and write reports, background papers, memoranda, policy briefs, and articles, sometimes working in collaboration with other MPI staff.
- Work across MPI to integrate an understanding of Latin American and Caribbean migration issues into broader global research initiatives and U.S. policy initiatives that involve migration from the region.
- Plan and execute fieldwork site visits and telephone interviews.
- Represent MPI externally in media interviews, at conferences and meetings, and with governments, international organizations, scholars, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
- Organize and participate in private meetings and public events with researchers, government officials, and other stakeholders on migration in the region.
- Participate actively in institutional planning and internal meetings and discussions.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits are competitive.
To Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and short writing sample to hr@migrationpolicy.org. Please reference “Latin America and Caribbean Senior 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 Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 2, 2020. 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.
View job openings in the MPI Europe office in Brussels.
