(Senior) Research Analyst
Location: London (hybrid working, with the option to work two days from home)
Reporting to: Director, Coller Pensions Institute
Position: Permanent
Background
The Jeremy Coller Foundation is the philanthropic vehicle of Jeremy Coller, Chair and Chief Investment Officer of Coller Capital, a leading private equity secondaries business. You can learn more at www.jeremycollerfoundation.org.
The Coller Pensions Institute (CPI) is a pioneering non-profit Action Tank focused on transforming the global pension landscape. Our mission is to develop and implement innovative policies to expand pension coverage, promote sustainable economic growth and reduce old-age poverty. For the next five years, our focus is on building resilient pension systems in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies. We produce policy proposals grounded in evidence-based research and aim to bring these concepts to life in direct collaboration with various stakeholders from government, industry and academia.
CPI is part of the Jeremy Coller Foundation (JCF), a private foundation based in London and operating globally. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping the Foundation’s workstream on pensions.
About this role
We are seeking a highly motivated (Senior) Research Analyst with strong quantitative skills and a passion for applied, policy-oriented research in demography, pension systems, financial markets and development economics. Candidates should have a strong desire to leverage their quantitative skills to affect positive change.
The role is ideal for someone looking to make a tangible impact on economic development through quantitative research. This is an opportunity to join a new initiative as one of the first hires for the pensions workstream, within the broader JCF ecosystem.
As one of the first team members, you will closely collaborate with the Institute’s Director and future team members to deliver CPI’s research agenda. You will also, over time, have opportunities to represent CPI at events and engage with different stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have strong quantitative skills and hands-on experience in data cleaning, data collections and statistical analysis using various programmes (Python, R, Stata, Excel…). Strong analytical and organisational skills will be required, as well as the ability to deliver outputs independently and with accuracy. Supervision will be provided, but the successful candidate will be required to deliver outputs independently and with accuracy.
Working in a small team, ideas and initiatives will be highly valued, with the opportunity to shape the instruction’s research programme. Excellent analytical writing ability is required, with past work on pensions, household saving, financial markets a plus. Ideally in the context of low- and middle-income countries.
At the Coller Pensions Institute, you will:
· Be part of a groundbreaking initiative addressing one of the most pressing global challenges.
· Work closely with thought leaders and innovators in the pension and financial sectors.
· Have the opportunity to shape an organization from its inception and make a tangible impact.
· Enjoy a flexible and collaborative work environment with a commitment to professional growth.
· Develop your data analysis skills in a very quantitative role.
Core responsibilities
As a founding team member, you will play a critical role in building and delivering the research agenda of the Coller Pensions Institute. Your responsibilities will include:
· Collect, clean, compile and analyse data from different databases using statistical software.
· Create charts, visuals, and briefing materials for publications, policy engagements and presentations.
· Assist in drafting evidence-based policy-oriented publications.
· Contribute to pitch decks and external communications materials that translate research into actionable insights.
· Contribute to the preparation and delivery of presentations and stakeholder engagement. Represent the Institute as required.
· Collaborate with CPI internal and external researchers on studies relating to pension policy, ageing populations, financial inclusion, and development economics.
· Perform other tasks as required.
Requirements
Essential Requirements
· At least a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in economics, financial economics, development economics or related field.
· At least 3 years of experience in quantitative research with strong data analysis and analytical skills; such as in a think-tank, university (research assistant), central bank or international organisation.
· Demonstrated ability to work with data from different sources and ensure consistency.
· Strong interest in pensions and social security topics, and desire to create positive change through research.
· Strong affinity to work with data and high attention to detail.
· Experience in translating research into policy-focused publications.
· Proficiency and experience in quantitative analysis using Python, R or Stata and Excel.
· Excellent written and spoken English. Demonstrated analytical drafting skills.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively on fast-paced projects.
· High degree of proactiveness and desire to work in a small team.
Desirable Requirements
· Experience working on research and policy topics related to international development.
· Experience working on pensions or social security, particularly in low-and middle income countries.
Application Process
To apply, please submit:
· Your CV
· A cover letter (1 page) explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience
· An academic writing sample (e.g., a research paper or master thesis).
· Optional: an additional policy writing sample.
· Please note we will seek evidence of your qualifications/transcripts as part of our referencing process
· University Transcripts
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Please forward your additional documents as specified above to recruitment_cpi@jeremycollerfoundation.org