Research Analyst

Research Analyst - Commons Team

About GiveWell

GiveWell is a research organization dedicated to identifying and funding the most cost-effective giving opportunities in global health and well-being. We rely on the support of tens of thousands of donors who trust our rigorous research to guide their philanthropic decisions.

The Role

As a Research Analyst on GiveWell's Commons team, you will play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and impact of our work. You will collaborate with our research team to identify and evaluate cost-effective giving opportunities, ultimately contributing to decisions that allocate hundreds of millions of dollars to improve the lives of people in the world's poorest communities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct quality checks on publicly available pages and internal spreadsheets used in our decision-making process.
• Craft clear and concise public summaries explaining the rationale behind our grant recommendations.
• Answer specific research questions through desk research, gathering information on topics such as market access for farmers or healthcare commodity availability in rural areas.
• Summarize findings from monitoring and evaluation reports submitted by our grantees.
• Update cost-effectiveness analyses based on new information and research conducted by other team members.
• Explore innovative applications of AI tools to enhance the efficiency and quality of our research.
• Provide occasional project management support.

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and research skills with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information.
• Excellent written communication skills, with a focus on clarity and conciseness.
• Proficiency in data analysis and spreadsheet software.
• A passion for global health and a commitment to evidence-based philanthropy.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., economics, public health, international development, statistics).
• Strong analytical and research skills, with demonstrated experience in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly and concisely convey complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to GiveWell's mission and values.

Preferred:

• Experience with cost-effectiveness analysis or other quantitative research methods.
• Familiarity with global health and development issues.
• Experience with data visualization tools.
• Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python) or AI tools.
• Project management experience.

Research Support

• Conduct desk research to answer specific questions related to GiveWell's grantmaking priorities.
• Review and quality check publicly available information, including grant reports and internal spreadsheets, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Summarize key findings from grantee monitoring and evaluation reports.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of GiveWell's cost-effectiveness analyses.

Communication and Transparency

• Write clear and concise public summaries explaining the rationale behind GiveWell's grant decisions.
• Collaborate with the team to explore innovative ways to leverage AI tools for research and enhance transparency.

Project Management

• Provide occasional project management support, including task coordination and progress tracking.

GiveWell begins the hiring process by reviewing applications for the Research Analyst position. Candidates whose qualifications align with the role's requirements are invited to complete a series of online assessments designed to evaluate their analytical, research, and writing skills.

Successful candidates then participate in a phone interview with a member of the GiveWell team. This conversation delves deeper into the candidate's experience, motivations, and understanding of GiveWell's mission.

Finalists are invited for a virtual or in-person interview with a panel of GiveWell staff. This multi-stage interview process assesses the candidate's critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit within the organization.

Following the interviews, GiveWell conducts reference checks to gather further insights into the candidate's professional background and work ethic. A final decision is then made based on the candidate's overall performance throughout the selection process.

GiveWell is a research organization dedicated to finding the most effective ways to improve global health and well-being. Driven by a mission to save and improve lives, GiveWell meticulously identifies and funds high-impact giving opportunities. Their work is guided by rigorous research and a commitment to transparency, ensuring that every dollar donated makes a tangible difference.

Since its inception, GiveWell has grown from directing $1.5 million in 2010 to directing nearly $400 million in 2024, demonstrating the growing trust and reliance placed in their research by thousands of donors worldwide. GiveWell's impact is measured not only in the dollars directed but also in the lives transformed through their carefully chosen investments.