About the Migration Policy Institute
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an independent, nonpartisan think tank focused on the movement of people worldwide.
The Institute seeks to improve immigration and integration policies through authoritative research and analysis, opportunities for learning and dialogue, and the development of new ideas to address complex policy questions.
MPI is committed to recruiting, hiring, developing, and retaining staff at all levels who reflect a breadth of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives in the countries where it works.
The Institute promotes diversity of thought and an inclusive, equitable environment.
About the Global Program
MPI’s Global Program acts as a policy laboratory for innovative, evidence-based, and politically feasible solutions to migration policy challenges.
Its work covers direct policy advice and comparative research on migration policy design and effectiveness, demographic, economic and technological changes, crisis response, and emerging migration challenges.
The program has an established portfolio of projects in Latin America, East Africa, and Europe, with emerging work in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and Australia.
About the Associate Policy Analyst Role
The Global Program is seeking a full-time Associate Policy Analyst to support rigorous empirical research and comparative analysis on a range of migration policy topics.
These include the impact of demographic change on labor markets, the future of refugee protection, and managing climate-related migration.
The position provides opportunities to contribute to MPI publications, develop research ideas, support new projects, participate in policy advising and convenings, and contribute to high-level policy discussions.
Job Summary
- Employer: Migration Policy Institute
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Research
- Salary: The starting pay range for an Associate Policy Analyst based in the United States is $62,000 to $67,000 , with pay commensurate with skills and experience. For remote appointments, employment arrangements, benefits, and compensation will be reviewed and agreed based on the candidate’s location, experience, and local employment regulations.
- Closing Date: 2026-09-30
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver in-depth policy analysis with clear interpretations and actionable recommendations, and help shape the methodology behind new research projects.
- Draft and edit background notes, analytical reports, policy briefs, and other research materials with minimal supervision and under tight deadlines.
- Contribute to and co-author MPI publications and short-form work, with opportunities to single- or lead-author policy briefs as experience grows.
- Assist senior staff with fundraising and grant management, including contributing to grant proposals and reports and researching prospective funding opportunities.
- Support the organization of high-level roundtables and private meetings, including developing agendas and concept notes, liaising with participants, and briefing speakers.
- In time and with support, engage with the news media.
Requirements
- A master’s degree with 3-5 years of direct experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to collect and make sense of large volumes of data from primary and secondary sources, surveys, and/or fieldwork.
- Experience conducting original quantitative analysis using statistical programming software is a plus, though not required.
- Knowledge of international migration trends and policies, with specific expertise in one or more countries outside the United States preferred, particularly in Africa, Latin America, or Europe.
- Sharp writing and oral communication skills.
- Comfort with public speaking and/or the ability to visualize, present, and explain data effectively is a plus.
- High motivation and initiative, with the ability to juggle multiple assignments, prioritize, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
- Curiosity and willingness to read widely and bring new thinking or methods from other policy areas.
Salary
The starting pay range for an Associate Policy Analyst based in the United States is $62,000 to $67,000 , with pay commensurate with skills and experience. For remote appointments, employment arrangements, benefits, and compensation will be reviewed and agreed based on the candidate’s location, experience, and local employment regulations.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: migrationpolicy.org
About the Company
The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is an American non-partisan think tank established in 2001 by Kathleen Newland and Demetrios G. Papademetriou.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and education are typically required for an Associate Policy Analyst role in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Economics, Political Science, or International Relations, with a Master's degree preferred for research-focused positions. Strong analytical writing skills and proficiency in data analysis tools like Excel or Stata are highly valued. International exposure through internships or exchange programs significantly strengthens your application.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities of a policy analyst in Zimbabwe's research sector?
Daily tasks include conducting literature reviews, analyzing migration and development data, drafting policy briefs, and supporting senior researchers on commissioned projects. You will likely coordinate with government ministries, NGOs, and international organizations to gather field insights. Report writing and presentation preparation for stakeholders consume substantial time each week.
How does workplace culture in Zimbabwean research institutions typically operate?
Hierarchical respect for senior researchers is expected, though collaborative teamwork is increasingly encouraged in policy think tanks. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around deadlines is common when fieldwork delays arise. Building personal relationships with colleagues through respectful engagement often facilitates smoother project execution.
What career progression paths exist for policy analysts in Zimbabwe?
With 3-5 years of experience, analysts typically advance to Senior Policy Analyst or Research Manager roles overseeing thematic portfolios. Some transition into government advisory positions, UN agency roles, or academic lecturing at universities like UZ or MSU. Developing specialized expertise in migration or governance issues accelerates promotion prospects.
What benefits are typically offered for research positions in Zimbabwe?
Standard benefits usually include medical aid coverage, pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes, and annual leave of 21-30 days depending on employer type. International NGOs and multilateral organizations generally offer more comprehensive packages than local think tanks. Professional development allowances for conferences or further study are increasingly common.
How should I apply for policy analyst positions in Zimbabwe, and what do employers prioritize?
Submit tailored applications through organization websites, LinkedIn, or Zimbabwean job portals like Classifieds.co.zw, emphasizing quantitative skills and published writing samples. Employers prioritize demonstrated research experience, policy-relevant networks, and clear understanding of Zimbabwe's migration and development challenges. Strong references from academic supervisors or previous research supervisors carry significant weight.
