VACANCIES
We currently have two vacancies:
Political Economy Specialist - Practical Politics Platform
Contract: Full-time and fixed term for 2 years, with possible extension subject to further funding.
Deadline: 23 June 2025, 12 noon BST
Apply now: University of Oxford Job Details page - Political Economy Specialist
About the Role
The ‘Practical Politics Platform’ [PPP] is a new initiative at the Centre for the Study of African Economies [CSAE] hosted at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and working with the Economic Policy Network (EPN).
Led by the Academic Director, Professor Stephen Dercon, the PPP will deliver plain language, open access, action-oriented political economy products that can be used by anyone to understand and tackle political constraints in growth and development.
You will be a core member of the team developing and implementing the PPP strategy; taking lead responsibility for some PPP country engagement and products; and more generally support the Executive Director, Academic Director, and PPP’s network of experts in delivering wider PPP processes, products and impact.
The PPP is a sister programme to the Economic Policy Network (EPN) at the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), and the PES will work closely with the core team responsible for these networks, taking an active role in planning and execution of PPP’s analysis, policy advice, and products, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring.
This post is full-time and fixed term for 2 years, with possible extension subject to further funding.
About You
You hold a Master’s degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Economics, International Development, or a related field, with substantial professional experience in research, policy, or practice.
With a strong track record in delivering policy-relevant Political Economy research and communicating findings clearly to diverse audiences, you will be skilled in managing your own research and contributing to publications and presentations, you will also bring ideas for new projects and income generation.
Possessing excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, you are confident working independently or leading multidisciplinary teams and will be experienced in engaging with policymakers, donors, and research institutions.
Application Process
Please upload a supporting statement that outlines how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is at 12 noon (UK Time) on 23 June 2025
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 14 July and will be online
Programme Manager - Practical Politics Platform
Deadline: 23 June 2025, 12 noon BST
Apply now: University of Oxford Job Details page - Programme Manager
About the Role
The ‘Practical Politics Platform’ [PPP] is a new initiative at the Centre for the Study of African Economies [CSAE] hosted at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford, and working with the Economic Policy Network (EPN).
As the PM you will deliver plain language, open access, action-oriented political economy products that can be used by anyone to understand and tackle political constraints in growth and development. Our target audience is mainstream decision makers: we aim to ‘get politics out of the shadows and into the mainstream’.
You will also be responsible for the overall coordination, implementation, and management of the new PPP. The PPP is a sister programme to the Economic Policy Network (EPN) at the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE) and the PM will work closely with the core team responsible for these networks.
The role involves ensuring smooth planning and execution of PPP’s analysis, policy advice, and products, stakeholder engagement, monitoring, and administrative oversight. As the successful candidate you would play a key role in translating analysis into actionable policy recommendations and fostering collaboration between academia, policymakers, and practitioners.
About You
You will have significant experience in project or programme management within research or policy settings, with the ability to work independently and lead multidisciplinary teams. As a creative problem-solver, you demonstrate initiative and strong analytical, writing, and communication skills, backed by a solid background in policy research and analysis.
You are confident engaging with senior stakeholders—including policymakers, donors, and research institutions—with professionalism and ease. Skilled in grant management, budgeting, and reporting, you understand research and philanthropic funding landscapes and can contribute to fundraising and research development.
Above all, you are passionate about international development and committed to improving lives through impactful public policy.
Application Process
Please upload a supporting statement that outlines how you meet the selection criteria in your own words, along with your CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application.
The closing date for applications is at 12 noon (UK Time) on 23 June 2025
Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 14 July 2025 and will be online.
GENERAL VACANCIES
The CSAE advertise a variety of opportunities throughout the year for potential applicants for Associate Professorships and Research Fellowships at the Department of Economics, Blavatnik School of Government, and Oxford Department of International Development, and also for our CSAE Visiting Fellowship positions. All vacancies will be featured on our website and advertised via the CSAE BlueSky account, CSAE LinkedIn account, and to our mailing lists.
