The Center for Global Development (CGD) is inviting applications for a Research Assistant – Sustainable Development Finance position based in London, United Kingdom. The full-time, entry-level role offers an opportunity for an early-career professional to contribute to research and policy analysis focused on sustainable development finance, multilateral development banks, development finance institutions, and private capital mobilisation.
The position is part of CGD Europe’s Sustainable Development Finance (SDF) programme, which conducts research on the policies, institutions, and financial mechanisms that can support inclusive and sustainable development, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
The successful candidate will work primarily under the supervision of Senior Fellow Samantha Attridge, while also providing remote research support to Nancy Lee, SDF Programme Director and Senior Fellow, and other experts based in Washington, DC.
Position Details
Job title: Research Assistant – Sustainable Development Finance
Location: London, United Kingdom
Employment type: Full-time
Career level: Entry Level
Salary: £32,550 per annum
Posting date: 26 August 2026
Application deadline: 9 September 2026 at 5:00 PM BST
The role is designed particularly for recent graduates seeking to build experience in research, public policy, programme operations, and project management before pursuing postgraduate studies.
Candidates with master’s degrees may also apply, although the organisation notes that the position remains an entry-level role and includes administrative responsibilities. CGD provides Research Assistants with an opportunity to progress to an associate position after two years.
Role in Sustainable Development Finance
The Research Assistant will provide both qualitative and quantitative research support to CGD’s work on multilateral development banks (MDBs), development finance institutions (DFIs), and private capital mobilisation.
Research priorities are expected to include local capital market development, mobilisation of domestic pools of capital, tax incentives for private investment, MDB and DFI risk appetite and business models, impact management and measurement, and the effective use of blended concessional finance.
The successful candidate will contribute to research publications, policy analysis, data projects, monitoring of developments in development finance, and programme activities.
Approximately 75% of the Research Assistant’s time will be dedicated to supporting Samantha Attridge, while around 25% will involve supporting Nancy Lee and other SDF experts working from Washington, DC.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will undertake a diverse range of research, analytical, communications, and programme-support responsibilities.
Research and writing duties include:
- Conducting desk-based primary research under the guidance of senior researchers.
- Reviewing and synthesising academic and policy literature.
- Drafting blogs, presentations, policy briefs, research papers, and other publications.
- Preparing summaries and notes from interviews, meetings, and conferences.
- Reviewing research materials and conducting detailed fact-checking.
Data analysis responsibilities include:
- Finding, cleaning, merging, and analysing complex datasets.
- Working with tools such as Excel, R, Stata, or Python.
- Preparing and presenting data through appropriate visualisation tools.
- Conducting statistical analysis and supporting quantitative research projects.
Programme and Administrative Support
In addition to research responsibilities, the Research Assistant will contribute to the operational side of the SDF programme.
Responsibilities may include organising physical and virtual events, preparing agendas and briefing materials, participating in meetings and conferences, monitoring research projects, and entering information accurately into CGD’s Salesforce system.
The role will also involve maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders, coordinating communications, arranging travel, documenting expenses, and undertaking other administrative tasks required to support senior researchers and programme activities.
Qualifications and Skills
Applicants are expected to hold a degree in a relevant discipline such as Economics, Finance, Accounting, International Development, or a related field.
Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of sustainable development finance and experience in political, economic, or public policy research related to international development.
Strong analytical capabilities are essential, including experience with data manipulation and statistical analysis using Excel and at least one of R, Stata, or Python.
The organisation is also seeking candidates with excellent English writing and editing skills, strong communication abilities, good organisational skills, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to global development issues.
Knowledge or experience relating to private investment, private capital mobilisation, MDBs, or DFIs would be an advantage. Fluency in another European language is also considered beneficial.
Ideal Candidate Profile
CGD is seeking an individual who can work effectively both independently and as part of small, collaborative teams. The successful candidate should be comfortable working with limited supervision, managing multiple priorities, taking initiative, and addressing complex and unstructured research problems.
A proactive attitude, willingness to undertake both research and administrative responsibilities, and ability to work effectively with senior researchers will be important to success in the position.
Application Requirements
The position is based in London, and applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Interested candidates are required to submit:
- A current CV
- A cover letter explaining how they meet the requirements of the position
- A writing sample, preferably an original piece of research
The successful candidate will be expected to work from the London office for a minimum of three days per week. One office day is currently set by the Senior Fellow, with Tuesday being the designated day at present. A monthly in-person all-office team lunch is also normally held on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 9 September 2026 at 5:00 PM BST.
This opportunity is particularly suited to recent graduates and early-career professionals seeking to develop practical experience in international development policy, economic research, sustainable finance, and development finance institutions while working alongside experienced researchers and policy professionals.
