Senior Policy Analyst Job in London: Apply to Join the Center for Global Development Europe @Unknown

The Center for Global Development Europe is inviting applications for the position of Senior Policy Analyst, Europe Programme, an exciting opportunity for an experienced policy professional with expertise in European development cooperation, international development policy, development finance, and policy research.

The successful candidate will join the Center for Global Development Europe in London and contribute to high-impact research and policy engagement focused on European development cooperation, European Union development policy, development finance, and the role of European institutions in addressing global development challenges.

The position offers an opportunity to work alongside leading researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and international development experts while producing research and policy analysis capable of influencing debates and decision-making at the European and global levels.

The deadline to apply is 18 August 2026 at 5:00 PM BST.

Senior Policy Analyst Job Opportunity in London

The Center for Global Development, Europe (CGDE) is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Policy Analyst to join its Europe Programme in London, United Kingdom.

The role is designed for a policy professional who possesses strong research, analytical, communication, and project management abilities, as well as substantial knowledge of European development cooperation and development finance.

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing research, generating policy recommendations, engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders, and helping shape discussions about the future of international development cooperation.

The position is particularly focused on European Union development policy and finance, as well as the wider role of European governments and institutions in supporting development in low- and middle-income countries.

About the Center for Global Development Europe

The Center for Global Development is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organisation with offices in Washington, DC, and London through CGD Europe.

Since its establishment in 2001, the organisation has developed a global reputation as a leading “think-and-do tank” working at the intersection of research, policy, and international development.

The organisation conducts rigorous empirical research and actively engages with policymakers, practitioners, international institutions, and other stakeholders to improve policies and institutions that affect people in low- and middle-income countries.

Its work focuses on understanding how governments, international organisations, private sector actors, and other institutions can develop and implement policies that deliver meaningful progress at scale.

Through the Europe Programme, the organisation contributes to major debates about the role of Europe in international development and the future of development finance.

About the Senior Policy Analyst, Europe Programme Role

The Senior Policy Analyst will contribute to research and policy engagement on the development cooperation policies and financial tools used by European governments and institutions.

The position will have a particular focus on the European Union’s development policy and development finance architecture.

The role combines several important areas of professional responsibility, including:

• High-quality policy research.
• Evidence-based policy analysis.
• Development finance research.
• Strategic policy engagement.
• Thought leadership.
• Stakeholder engagement.
• Project and partnership management.
• Research dissemination.
• Team development and mentoring.

The successful candidate will be expected to identify important policy questions, conduct research, produce influential analysis, communicate findings to policymakers and wider audiences, and contribute to practical policy solutions.

The position will report to Mikaela Gavas, Managing Director and Senior Fellow, and will work closely with fellows and colleagues across the organisation’s London and Washington, DC offices.

Key Research Areas

The Senior Policy Analyst will contribute to research addressing some of the most important questions facing European development cooperation and global development finance.

Potential areas of research include:

Maximising EU Concessional Finance

The role may examine how European Union concessional finance can be used more effectively to increase financial leverage, improve development outcomes, and support greater impact in low- and middle-income countries.

This may involve analysing how public financial resources can attract additional investment, support development priorities, and contribute to sustainable economic and social progress.

The European Union’s External Budget

Another area of focus is the EU’s external budget and how its resources are allocated and used to support international development, external partnerships, and global priorities.

Research may explore the effectiveness, efficiency, and strategic impact of European financial instruments and funding mechanisms.

Europe’s Global Role and Partnerships

The Senior Policy Analyst may also contribute to research on Europe’s role in the international system and its partnerships with countries and institutions around the world.

This may include examining how European governments and institutions engage with developing countries and how those partnerships can become more effective, strategic, and responsive to global challenges.

Climate Finance

The role may also focus on improving the impact of climate finance and understanding how financial resources can better support climate action and development objectives.

This could include examining how climate finance is mobilised, allocated, and delivered, as well as how it can contribute to sustainable development in vulnerable countries.

European Development Policies

The position may involve analysing the development policies of major European governments and evaluating their effectiveness.

This could include examining the priorities, financing mechanisms, institutional structures, and outcomes of European development cooperation policies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Conduct Policy Research and Analysis

The Senior Policy Analyst will be responsible for conducting high-quality, policy-relevant research on development cooperation, European Union development finance, and related international development issues.

The role will involve:

• Conducting desk-based research.
• Reviewing existing literature, policies, data, and evidence.
• Conducting interviews with policymakers, practitioners, academics, and other experts.
• Identifying emerging policy challenges.
• Developing innovative research agendas.
• Analysing international development policies and financial tools.
• Producing practical recommendations for policymakers.

The successful candidate must be able to move beyond academic analysis and produce research that is relevant to real-world policy decisions.

A key aspect of the role will be the ability to understand complex policy and financial issues and translate them into clear, practical, and actionable recommendations.

2. Produce Research and Policy Publications

The Senior Policy Analyst will lead and contribute to a range of written outputs.

These may include:

• Research papers.
• Policy reports.
• Policy briefs.
• Blogs.
• Briefing documents.
• Analytical papers.
• Other publications targeted at policymakers and the wider development community.

The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills and be able to communicate complex issues in a clear, accessible, and persuasive manner.

The ability to produce high-quality written work for different audiences will be an important part of the role.

3. Engage with Policymakers and Stakeholders

The role will involve significant engagement with policymakers, researchers, practitioners, academics, international organisations, funders, and other stakeholders.

The Senior Policy Analyst will be expected to:

• Convene policy discussions.
• Facilitate meetings and expert discussions.
• Participate in policy forums.
• Represent CGD at conferences and high-level meetings.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
• Engage with European policymakers and institutions.
• Build relationships with international organisations and development experts.

The role therefore requires strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders.

4. Lead Research Projects

The Senior Policy Analyst will be expected to lead research projects independently from the initial concept through to publication and dissemination.

This means the successful candidate may be involved in:

1. Identifying a research question or policy challenge.
2. Developing the research concept.
3. Designing the research methodology.
4. Conducting research and analysis.
5. Coordinating research contributors and partners.
6. Drafting and reviewing research outputs.
7. Managing timelines and deliverables.
8. Preparing research for publication.
9. Disseminating findings to policymakers and stakeholders.
10. Supporting policy engagement after publication.

The ability to manage an entire research project independently will be particularly important.

5. Manage Research Partnerships and Collaborations

The position will also involve managing research partnerships and collaborations.

The successful candidate may work with:

• Research institutions.
• International organisations.
• Policymakers.
• Academic experts.
• Development practitioners.
• Funders.
• Other strategic partners.

The role requires the ability to ensure that partnerships remain focused, productive, and aligned with the objectives of the research project.

6. Organise Policy Events and Roundtables

The Senior Policy Analyst will be expected to organise and contribute to events that bring together policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.

These activities may include:

• Working groups.
• Workshops.
• Policy roundtables.
• Expert meetings.
• Conferences.
• High-level policy discussions.

Responsibilities may include:

• Setting agendas.
• Identifying and inviting participants.
• Preparing briefing materials.
• Coordinating speakers.
• Facilitating discussions.
• Summarising key conclusions.
• Supporting follow-up engagement.

7. Develop Strategic Partnerships

The role will contribute to the development of strategic partnerships that increase the impact and reach of CGD Europe’s research.

The successful candidate will be expected to understand how collaboration with external stakeholders can strengthen research, expand policy influence, and contribute to more effective international development outcomes.

8. Support the Development of Junior Researchers

As a senior member of the team, the successful candidate will also contribute to the professional development of junior research staff.

This may include:

• Providing guidance on research projects.
• Reviewing written work.
• Sharing research and analytical expertise.
• Supporting professional development.
• Providing mentorship.
• Contributing to a collaborative working environment.

The ability to work collaboratively and support colleagues will therefore be important.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants are expected to demonstrate substantial professional and academic experience relevant to the role.

Postgraduate Degree

Applicants must have a postgraduate degree, such as a:

• Master’s degree.
• PhD.
• Equivalent postgraduate qualification.

The degree should be in a relevant field such as:

• Economics.
• Political Science.
• International Development.
• International Relations.
• Development Studies.
• Public Policy.
• Development Finance.
• A related discipline.

A strong academic foundation in policy, economics, international development, or a related subject is important for the position.

At Least Six Years of Relevant Experience

Candidates should have at least six years of experience conducting policy-relevant research and analysis, particularly in areas connected to:

• Development policy.
• International development.
• Development cooperation.
• Development finance.
• European development policy.
• International financial institutions.
• Public policy.

The experience should demonstrate the ability to conduct meaningful analysis and produce work relevant to policy decision-making.

Expertise in European Development Policy or EU Development Finance

A major requirement for the position is demonstrated expertise in European development policy and/or European Union development finance.

Applicants should have a strong understanding of relevant issues relating to:

• European development cooperation.
• EU development institutions.
• European financial instruments.
• Development finance.
• EU external action.
• European international partnerships.
• European development policy priorities.

This is one of the most specialised aspects of the position.

Experience Leading Research Projects

Applicants should have experience independently leading research projects from the initial idea through to publication and dissemination.

This means candidates should be able to demonstrate experience with:

• Developing research concepts.
• Designing research projects.
• Conducting research.
• Managing research processes.
• Working with research partners.
• Producing publications.
• Presenting findings.
• Engaging with policymakers and other stakeholders.

Excellent Writing and Communication Skills

The ideal candidate must be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively.

This includes the ability to:

• Write high-quality research papers.
• Produce policy analysis.
• Develop policy recommendations.
• Write for policymakers.
• Communicate with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Present research findings.
• Participate in high-level discussions.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.

Strong Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills

The role requires both quantitative and qualitative research abilities.

Applicants should be comfortable with research methods that may include:

• Data analysis.
• Statistical analysis.
• Policy analysis.
• Literature reviews.
• Interviews.
• Expert consultations.
• Comparative analysis.
• Qualitative research.
• Evidence synthesis.

Candidates must be able to use appropriate research methods to answer important policy questions.

Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities

The Senior Policy Analyst will work in a fast-paced policy environment and may be required to manage several projects and responsibilities at the same time.

The successful candidate must be able to:

• Prioritise competing demands.
• Meet deadlines.
• Manage multiple research projects.
• Coordinate with different stakeholders.
• Maintain high-quality work under pressure.
• Work independently while contributing to a wider team.

Desirable Experience

While not essential, the following experience would be considered an advantage:

• Professional experience within a European official development agency.
• Experience working in a European government ministry.
• Experience working for a European Union institution.
• Experience working with an international organisation.
• Direct experience engaging policymakers.
• Experience influencing policy processes.
• Experience in international development finance.
• Experience working on European development cooperation.

Candidates with direct experience in European institutions and development agencies may be particularly well positioned for the role.

What the Successful Candidate Will Do

The successful candidate will contribute to the future of international development policy by connecting research, evidence, and policy engagement.

The position offers the opportunity to:

• Influence European development policy.
• Contribute to global development debates.
• Conduct research with real-world policy relevance.
• Work with leading researchers.
• Engage directly with policymakers.
• Build relationships with international development stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of policy recommendations.
• Participate in high-level discussions.
• Produce research that can influence decision-making.

This makes the role particularly suitable for professionals who want to combine research with practical policy influence.

Salary and Benefits

The Senior Policy Analyst position offers a salary of:

£56,175 to £62,212 per year, plus excellent benefits.

The final salary may be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Location and Working Arrangement

The position is based in:

London, United Kingdom.

The role is full-time, and the successful candidate is expected to spend a minimum of three days per week in the office.

Applicants should therefore consider the practical requirements of working in London and the employer’s in-office expectations before applying.

Application Requirements

Interested applicants are expected to submit the following:

• A CV.
• A list of publications.
• A cover letter.
• A sample piece of writing.

The writing sample should preferably be a piece of original research.

Applicants should ensure that their materials clearly demonstrate their:

• Research experience.
• Policy expertise.
• Knowledge of development cooperation.
• Understanding of European development policy or EU development finance.
• Ability to lead research projects.
• Writing skills.
• Quantitative and qualitative analytical abilities.
• Experience engaging with policymakers and stakeholders.

The application materials should be tailored specifically to the Senior Policy Analyst position and should demonstrate how the applicant meets the requirements of the role.

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Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is designed for experienced professionals in the international development and public policy sectors.

Potentially suitable applicants may include:

• Senior policy analysts.
• Development policy researchers.
• International development specialists.
• Development finance experts.
• European development cooperation specialists.
• Public policy researchers.
• Economists working in development finance.
• Political scientists with extensive policy research experience.
• International relations professionals with development expertise.
• Researchers working with governments or international organisations.
• Professionals with experience in EU development policy.
• Policy professionals with experience in European development institutions.

However, applicants should carefully assess their qualifications and experience before applying because the position is a senior-level role with specific requirements related to postgraduate education, research experience, and European development policy or finance expertise.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The Center for Global Development Europe states that it is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive working environment.

Applications are considered regardless of factors including:

• Race.
• Colour.
• Creed.
• National origin.
• Ancestry.
• Gender.
• Gender identity or expression.
• Parental status.
• Veteran status.
• Marital status.
• Disability.
• Religious affiliation.
• Political affiliation.
• Age.
• Sexual orientation.

The organisation’s equal opportunity approach reflects its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where individuals from diverse backgrounds can contribute to its work.

Important Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the Senior Policy Analyst, Europe Programme position is:

18 August 2026 at 5:00 PM BST.

Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and ensure that all required application materials are included.

Conclusion

The Senior Policy Analyst, Europe Programme position at the Center for Global Development Europe presents an important opportunity for an experienced international development and policy professional to contribute to influential research and policy debates.

The role combines policy research, development finance analysis, stakeholder engagement, project management, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on important questions concerning European development cooperation, EU development finance, climate finance, Europe’s global role, and the effectiveness of development policies.

Because the position is senior-level, applicants should have a relevant postgraduate qualification, at least six years of policy-relevant research and analytical experience, and demonstrated expertise in European development policy and/or EU development finance.

For qualified candidates with the required experience, the role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of research and policy and contribute to debates that influence international development decisions in Europe and beyond.

Interested applicants should prepare a strong CV, publication list, cover letter, and original research writing sample and submit their application before the deadline of 18 August 2026 at 5:00 PM BST.