Organization
Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.
Position summary
The Senior Data Analyst, Research and Advocacy is a position that integrates rigorous quantitative analysis with substantive policy expertise to advance the Institute’s international research programs. The position works collaboratively with program scientists, policy colleagues, and external partners to advance AIU and related international research, while playing a central and substantive role in connecting analytical outputs to policy-relevant questions, country-level programs, and a broad network of research and advocacy partners. The position reports to, and operates under the scientific direction of, a Senior or Principal Research Scientist.
The Senior Data Analyst, Research and Advocacy operates with a substantial degree of independence, contributing original analysis and policy insight to global and country research programs. The position is expected to serve as a credible and authoritative relationship builder and manager with partner organizations, governments, and donors, and to lead the development of research products that address the informational needs of policy audiences at the country, regional, and global levels.
Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
- Lead and oversee the annual update cycle of the AIU data collaborating with the AWW team and thinking of how to expand reach.
- Lead and oversee data analysis activities within the AIU program and assigned international research projects, including management of large-scale population survey data (DHS, MICS, PMA) and development of analytic code and documentation in Stata and/or R.
- Lead the design and interpretation of research through application of deep policy knowledge and analytical expertise, ensuring that quantitative outputs are framed and communicated in ways that are relevant to policy audiences.
- Contribute to the development of new SRH indicators, measurement frameworks, and methodological innovations, remaining current with emerging research, data sources, and global standards.
Serve as first or contributing author on peer-reviewed publications, policy reports, and technical documents; provide substantive review of analytical and written outputs produced by junior research staff.
Policy Engagement and Evidence Translation
- Contribute as a thought leader for the Institute’s international research programs, bringing demonstrated policy expertise to bear on research design and priorities, including translation of analytical findings into accessible, credible, and actionable evidence for policy audiences.
- Co-lead the development and review of public-facing outputs including policy briefs, advocacy materials, donor-facing evidence syntheses, and country-specific analyses.
- Engage substantively with regional and country-level policy frameworks, data systems, financing mechanisms and advocacy movements to ensure that research design and outputs are policy-relevant and contextually grounded.
Contribute policy and evidence perspectives to strategic communications and program development activities, in coordination with research leadership.
Team Leadership and Program Support
- Provide mentorship, supervision, and technical guidance to junior research staff, supporting professional development and quality of analytical work.
- Oversee training on data processing, analytic workflows, and documentation standards; establish and maintain systems for code reproducibility and institutional knowledge retention.
- Support the AIU Program Manager and Program Leadership in workplan development, timeline management, staffing planning, and project monitoring.
- Represent Guttmacher at external meetings, conferences, and high-level regional and global forums.
- Work collaboratively with research scientists, policy and communications colleagues, and cross-divisional teams to advance integrated program goals and ensure coherence between analytical work and the Institute’s broader advocacy and communications strategy.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and skills
- At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in international SRHR or global health research, with a demonstrated track record of producing high-quality analytical outputs.
- Substantive knowledge of SRHR policy and financing frameworks at the country, regional, and/or global level, including familiarity with international normative frameworks, data systems, and policy advocacy environments.
- Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis using Stata and/or R; experience working with large-scale population survey data (DHS, MICS, PMA or comparable) required.
- Demonstrated experience bridging quantitative research and policy engagement, including development of policy-relevant outputs for non-technical audiences.
- Experience working with or managing partnerships with country- or regional-level organizations, civil society, governments, or multilateral bodies.
- Strong writing and oral communication skills, with the ability to develop compelling research products across a range of formats and audiences.
- Demonstrated capacity to work independently and to lead multi-stakeholder projects in complex, cross-cultural contexts.
- Experience engaging with external partners, civil society organizations, or multilateral bodies in a research capacity is desirable.
- Master's degree in a relevant field (public health, demography, epidemiology, political science, international development, or related discipline) and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible related work experience; a doctoral degree may substitute for some experience.
Salary and benefits
The salary range for this position is between $116,000 to $124,650 and will be commensurate with experience,within the Senior Research Associate band. The base pay may vary depending on a wide range of factors. New hires are typically brought into the organization between the minimum to midpoint of the salary range posted depending on knowledge, skills and experience, and qualifications. Internal equity considerations will be reviewed before making a final offer.
We offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; vacation, personal, and sick time; paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and a 401(k) plan with employer match.
Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support for staff needed to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.