Careers

Founded in 2017, the Boston University Global Development Policy Center’s mission is to advance policy-oriented research for financial stability, human well-being and environmental sustainability.

To fulfill our mission, we conduct rigorous policy research; provide a convening place for scholars and stakeholders; engage in policy dialogue with policymakers, civil society and media; and offer experiential learning for Boston University students. The GDP Center strives to not only be a think tank, but also a do tank. Come work with us.

Current Openings:

ACADEMIC RESEARCHER/SENIOR ACADEMIC RESEARCHER, CHINA AND THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL ARCHITECTURE, Global China Initiative

The Boston University Global Development Policy Center seeks an Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher with a strong background in China and international financial institutions to lead our China and the International Financial Architecture work stream at the Global China Initiative.

The Global China Initiative (GCI) was founded to advance policy-oriented research on China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with international institutions in order to enable financial stability, human well-being, and environmental sustainability. Within GCI, research is conducted across four programs: Energy and Climate, Forestry, Agriculture and Indigenous Rights in the Belt and Road Initiative (FAIR-BRI), China and the International Financial Architecture, and Data Analysis for Transparency and Accountability (D.A.T.A.). 

GCI is seeking an Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher with a background in China and the International Financial Architecture to lead policy oriented research on:

China and the Global Financial Safety Net;
China and Global Development Finance;
China and the sovereign debt restructuring architecture.

The primary responsibilities of the Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher for China and the International Financial Architecture group will be to conduct rigorous and policy-oriented research on topics related to China’s engagement both inside the legacy Bretton Woods institutions and outside through a network of newer bilateral and multilateral institutions that China has joined or co-founded in this century. The Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher will also be the team leader for GCI’s China and the international financial architecture group, synthesizing and managing research across the group and representing the group at internal and external meetings.

In addition to competitive compensation, the Academic Researcher/Senior Academic Researcher will receive funding for data collection, fieldwork, travel to conferences, as well as potentially be eligible for reimbursement for relocation expenses. This is an in-person position at GDP Center’s offices at Boston University.

Qualifications

Advanced degree in international economics, international political economy, economics, political science, or related fields; PhD preferred.
Working proficiency in Chinese.
Track record of high-impact publications on topics related to China and the international financial architecture.
Interest in global development policy and China’s role in the international financial architecture.
Strong writing skills, including technical writing as well as the ability to summarize technical research with a wider audience of media and policymakers.
Demonstrated project and program management experience.

Please send a cover letter and CV to Lin Zhu at lindz@bu.edu with the subject line <<First Name Last Name – GCI Academic Researcher>>

ACADEMIC RESEARCHER, Global Economic Governance Initiative

The Boston University Global Development Policy Center seeks an Academic Researcher with a strong background in global development policy for our Global Economic Governance Initiative (GEGI).

GEGI advances policy-oriented research to align global economic governance with development and climate ambitions and deliver green and inclusive prosperity. Within GEGI, research is conducted across three thematic programs: climate and development finance, financial stability, and trade and investment rules. GEGI also focuses on emerging and cross-cutting challenges such as just transitions, the sovereign debt crisis and climate change. The initiative hosts a flagship program on the Task Force on Climate, Development, and the International Monetary Fund and co-leads the Debt Relief for a Green and Inclusive Recovery (DRGR) Project.

GEGI is seeking an Academic Researcher with backgrounds in development economics or studies, international economics, environment/climate economics, and international political economy related to:

Development finance and development banks;
The political economy of development finance institutions; and
The economic and social dimensions of the green transition and climate resilience.

The Academic Researcher is expected to lead and oversee ongoing research efforts, guide, plan and execute future research projects and pursue independent research in one or more of the priority areas of GEGI. In addition to leading these research efforts, the Academic Researcher will routinely engage with policymakers and civil society organizations to advance GEGI’s policy-oriented research findings.

In addition to competitive compensation, the Academic Researcher will receive funding for data collection, fieldwork, and travel to conferences and potentially be eligible for reimbursement for relocation expenses. Academic Researchers is an in-person position at the GDP Center’s Boston office.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in a related field strongly preferred. The GDP Center will accept applications from all disciplines but is seeking a candidate with strong development background and associated expertise in economics, political economy, or international organizations.

The candidate must have strong methodological skills. Quantitative skills and expertise in Excel, R, Stata, or Python would be an asset. Research experience involving mixed methods is particularly welcome.

Well-versed with ongoing policy discussions and debates on global economic governance and preferably a growing track record of thought leadership and policy engagement.

Track record of engaging with collaborators based in the global south and experience with research management.

A strong research interest and proven track record in the GEGI focus areas, including a firm grasp of policy discussions and debates.

Please send a cover letter and CV to Hope Marshall at hmarsh@bu.edu with the subject line <<First Name Last Name – GEGI Academic Researcher>>

PROJECT COORDINATOR, Global China Initiative

The Boston University Global Development Policy (GDP) Center seeks a highly organized, proactive, and versatile Project Coordinator for the Global China Initiative (GCI) to support the programmatic, finance, and administrative functions of the Global China Initiative (GCI). The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and background in China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with global institutions. In this role, the Project Coordinator will ensure that all GCI research deliverables and outreach activities are executed effectively and efficiently while maintaining high-quality standards. If you have experience in project coordination, strong organizational skills, and an interest in global development issues, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Provide day-to-day administrative and project support to the GCI Program Manager, facilitating the effective and timely execution of all GCI research activities while ensuring strict adherence to predefined standards and requirements.
Monitor project timelines, financial allocations, and deliverables, employing formal project management techniques and tools to ensure comprehensive oversight of both scheduling and budgetary compliance.
Assist the GCI Program Manager by preparing agendas, organizing meeting logistics, providing support during GCI planning meetings, and actively participating in facilitating smooth and effective meetings, workshops, and research events.
Facilitate communication and coordination between the Communications and Research Teams to schedule research outreach activities and report production efficiently, operating under the guidance of the GCI Program Manager.
Support the GCI Program Manager and Associate Director for Finance & Administration in managing the recruitment and onboarding processes for GCI fellows, research assistants, and other GCI staff members, ensuring a smooth integration into the team.
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, support both the Program Manager and the GCI Team Leads in facilitating collaborations with internal and external research and policy partners, including but not limited to scheduling meetings.
With guidance from the Program Manager, take charge of planning, organizing, and coordinating all logistical aspects of research-related events and meetings from inception to conclusion. This includes managing travel and accommodation arrangements for the GCI team and guests, securing catering services, sourcing event suppliers, coordinating with venue staff, arranging audiovisual equipment, and overseeing the setup and takedown of events.
Assist in managing project finances and budgets and maintaining expense records under the supervision of the GCI Program Manager and Associate Director, Finance & Administration.
Coordinate with the Finance & Admin Team on contracting activities and payments to research partners and vendors.
With supervision from the GCI Program Manager, draft interim and final grant reports with accuracy and completion and support the preparation of project proposals.

Qualifications

Exceptional Organizational Skills: Able to handle multiple tasks and prioritize to keep projects on track.
Effective Communication: Strong verbal and written skills for project updates, task delegation, and addressing concerns.
Attention to Detail: Must have a keen eye for tracking documentation and identifying risks.
Leadership and Teamwork: Ability to facilitate teamwork and resolve conflicts while maintaining performance.
Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Quick, efficient issue resolution and the ability to adapt to changing project needs.

Requirements

Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in international development, sustainable development, or a related field; a master’s degree is preferred.
Language: Fluent in Mandarin.
Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years in project coordination in academia, at think tanks, or research/policy institutions.
Knowledge: Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools plus a professional or educational background in China’s overseas economic activity and engagement with global institutions.
Tech Proficiency: MS Office, especially Excel; Monday Project Collaboration; Canva; Adobe
Other: Must be available to travel locally and internationally. Must be willing to work occasionally beyond regular working hours to staff events or online meetings with partners in different time zones.

How to apply: Please submit your cover letter and resume here.

Boston University employees and their families have access to a range of exceptional benefit programs, including comprehensive health and dental plans, long-term disability coverage fully paid by the University, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, life insurance, accident insurance for work-related travel, valuable tuition remission, and a generous paid time off plan.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military service, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, or because of marital, parental, or veteran status. We are a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Page last updated: June 11, 2024.