ABOUT DALBERG
Dalberg is a global group of change-makers working to build a more inclusive and sustainable world. Dalberg Advisors is a strategic advisory firm within that which combines the best of private sector strategy skills and rigorous analytical capabilities with deep knowledge and networks across emerging and frontier markets. We work collaboratively across the public, private and philanthropic sectors to fuel inclusive growth and help clients achieve their goals.
Our global perspectives are firmly rooted in local realities. We have 28 offices across the world and have served clients in more than 135 countries. By combining local knowledge and international experience, our strategies blend the best global ideas and innovations with the local practicalities and partnerships needed for effective implementation. We operate at the intersection of strategy, evidence, and design, addressing issues that matter most, from education and gender equity to climate, economic justice, and digital public infrastructure.
ABOUT THE RESEARCH & THOUGHT LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Dalberg is in the early stages of building a new research and thought leadership initiative dedicated to shaping the future of global development thinking. This initiative will act as a strategic engine to drive forward-looking, agenda-setting research focused on unlocking the next wave of impact at scale.
Designed as a bridge between field-based consulting and anticipatory research, the initiative will explore and elevate emerging themes such as:
- The future of outcomes-based funding and philanthropic flows
- Systems change and collective action measurement at scale
- Inclusive gender inquiry, including underexplored domains such as boys' education
- The promise and perils of AI in education and work in the Global South
Through research, convening, and publication, the initiative aims to equip Dalberg—and the wider development ecosystem—to ask better questions and shape more equitable and impactful futures.
THE OPPORTUNITY: RESEARCH FELLOW
We are looking for an entrepreneurial, curious, and impact-driven Research Fellow to support the Dalberg Observatory's early work. This 12-month fellowship is a launchpad role—to prototype original research products, shape intellectual agendas, and co-build the foundations of a future Dalberg Observatory.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong combination of technical rigor and conceptual agility, with the ability to work across sectors, geographies, and formats. For the right fit, the role can evolve into a long-term leadership position.
OBJECTIVES
- Lead or support original research and insight generation on key themes from Dalberg's thought leadership plan, including:
- Global funding flows for development (especially in climate, education, gender)
- Systems change metrics and collective impact evaluation
- Emerging equity challenges in boys' education
- Implications of AI for public service delivery and work futures
- Support development and launch of a quarterly online publication and other research formats.
- Translate internal knowledge and client-facing work into globally relevant research and foresight products.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct structured desk research, literature reviews, and comparative case mapping.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative analyses; support data visualization and synthesis.
- Draft memos, briefs, blog posts, and provocations for internal and external audiences.
- Engage Dalberg teams across regions to draw insights and elevate high-potential internal work (e.g., evidence mapping, MEL tools).
- Support stakeholder outreach, event design, and research partnerships (e.g., roundtables on boys' education or climate-aligned capital).
- Contribute to shaping the Institute's voice, operating model, and long-term strategy.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 4–8 years of experience in global development—in research, or public policy.
- Relevant Master's degree preferred. This could include public policy, international affairs, data journalism, sociology or public health.
- Strong writing, synthesis, and communication skills—able to translate technical ideas into accessible insight.
- Proficiency with at least one statistical analysis tool (e.g., R, Stata, SPSS, Python) and/or geospatial analysis (e.g., GIS mapping) is a plus; experience with qualitative tools (e.g., NVivo, ATLAS.ti, and MAXQDA) is a plus.
- Experience working in think tanks, research institutes, evidence-to-policy initiatives, multilaterals, or consulting/advisory contexts.
- Familiarity with at least one core area of Dalberg's thought leadership plan.
- Self-starter, motivated by big questions, comfortable navigating ambiguity and working independently to push the thinking.
- Willingness and ability to develop short research pieces quickly and pivot as needed.
WHAT THIS ROLE OFFERS
- A platform to publish, convene, and influence practice on global development's frontier themes.
- Mentorship, global exposure, and potential for a longer-term role within the Dalberg.
- An opportunity to shape the potential launch phase of a new research institution within one of the world's leading impact consultancies.
- A high-trust, idea-rich environment that rewards rigor, boldness, and creativity.
This position was originally posted by Dalberg and has been curated by PurposePhil Career. To apply, please visit the original listing on the "apply" link on the side. We are not affiliated with the employer organization of this job ad or consultancy, and provide this curated listing as a service to our users.
