Job Title: Research Associate
Department: Pro-Poor Economic Development Program
Reports to: Program Director
Location: NY
Status: Full Time
FLSA Status (OT eligibility): Exempt
SUMMARY
Wellspring Advisors, a philanthropic consulting firm that develops and administers grantmaking programs, is seeking a New York–based Research Associate to join our economic-development program. The position will provide research support to a staff of 3 working on a diverse set of issues affecting the poor in low-income, Sub-Saharan African countries. Some of the issues the program is currently addressing are: the impact of cash-transfer programs, the effects of demographic changes on the informal sector, employment creation, improving market access for small-holder farmers, the determinants of voting behavior and building communications capacity within civil-society organizations. Secondarily, the position will provide some administrative support to the program.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Locate, synthesize and summarize existing research on assigned issues.
Produce regular, concise summaries of news, reports and academic studies relevant to the program.
Develop and maintain economic, social and political knowledge of 2–3 selected countries.
Conduct scoping studies to identify relevant organizations and other actors.
Survey grantees, colleagues and other players of relevance to the program.
Assist other program staff in assessing grantee performance.
Assist other program staff with administrative tasks, such as proofreading, scheduling, data entry and tracking status of grant proposals and reports.
Other duties, as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATONS
An outstanding academic background, ideally a master’s degree in development economics, political science/governance, history, behavioral science, social psychology, communications or a related field.
Excellent written and spoken English, especially the ability to write concisely.
An open, analytical and experimental mindset.
Initiative, resourcefulness and flexibility. Comfort with varying levels of supervision. You should be a self-starter and yet team player.
U.S. work authorization and a valid passport.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additionally, the ideal candidate should possess some combination of the following:
Four years of work experience in one of the above-named fields.
Familiarity with experimental field-research methods.
Experience in basic data analysis.
Experience in program evaluation.
Experience in living and working in low-income communities, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Familiarity with philanthropic and foreign-aid programming on small-holder agriculture, employment creation, governance/anti-corruption and/or development policy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The team member may be required to perform duties outside of his or her normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
ABOUT WELLSPRING
Established in 2001, Wellspring is a private philanthropic consulting firm that coordinates grantmaking programs that advance the realization of human rights and social and economic justice for all people. Wellspring has offices in New York, NY, and Washington, DC.
Wellspring’s work is rooted in respect for the dignity and worth of every human being and is informed by the following beliefs:
— Social institutions and structures should promote the full realization of human rights and human potential, and should be accountable to these ends. — The rights of all people are advanced when the rights of the most marginalized and vulnerable peoples are protected.
— Social justice movements should employ means that are consistent with their ideals, and should give agency to the people whose interests they seek to advance.
— As responsible stewards, we must strive to maximize the impact of our charitable investments.
The firm’s services include: working with donors to develop, implement and administer giving programs that meet their philanthropic goals; conducting research and education tailored to the interests of our donors; managing programs, administering grants and monitoring grantee performance; and working to promote the effectiveness of programs that receive donor funding.
Wellspring Advisors, LLC, hires, promotes and retains employees based on their professional qualifications, demonstrated abilities and work performance, as well as on the degree to which these qualities are required in the employment positions made available by the Firm’s service needs and business requirements.
All personnel decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital, status, domestic partner status, military status, sex, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all our activities, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, assignment, training, promotion, discipline and discharge. This policy also bans discriminatory harassment.
Wellspring offers competitive compensation and a generous benefits package including 24 days of paid time off during the first year of employment, 100% of employee health coverage (and 80% for spouses/domestic partners and family members), and a contribution/match to a 401(k) plan.
How to apply
For employment consideration, please submit application to jobs@wellspringadvisors.com. Subject Line: “[Your name]—PPED Research Associate.” All applications must include:
a résumé;
a thoughtful cover letter, including how you became aware of this opportunity (i.e., job portal, referral, etc.);
salary requirements (must specify actual amount or range); and
one writing sample (no less than 3 and no more than 5 pages, attached in PDF format).
The application deadline is: Monday, September 7, 2015.