Boston University · 1 day ago
DATA ANALYST, Global Development Policy Center
Boston University is seeking a Data Analyst for the Global Development Policy Center's Global China Initiative. The role involves leading a team of data analysts, overseeing data quality and management, and conducting policy research related to China's overseas economic activities.
Non Profit
Responsibilities
Supervise a team of data analysts/research assistants to ensure consistent application of data collection methodologies, processes, standards, and timelines across all projects
Oversee quality assurance for all databases and data products, conducting regular reviews to maintain rigorous data standards and accuracy
Develop, implement, and maintain tools, workflows, and best practices for data management, including metadata standards, version control, and documentation
Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and partner organizations for the development and maintenance of data collection tools and public-facing data interactives
Administer access to internally produced and licensed data products, ensuring appropriate permissions, security, and compliance with licensing terms
Establish, update, and enforce data governance policies covering public and internal data products (e.g., privacy, licensing, retention, and provenance)
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and professional development for research assistants and data analysts; design and maintain a training program to ensure team capacity and methodological consistency
Design and lead empirical analyses of Chinese overseas lending and development finance, foreign direct investment, and energy finance at global and regional levels
Produce high-quality written outputs—policy briefs, reports, and op-eds—that are evidence-based, clearly written, and targeted to diverse audiences (policymakers, researchers, media)
Direct and mentor research teams through the full lifecycle of writing projects, ensuring methodological rigor, clarity of argument, and timely delivery
Generate research questions and policy-relevant project ideas focused on China’s overseas economic activity
Coordinate with communications teams to promote research findings to maximize impact
Represent the team at conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings; present findings and cultivate partnerships
Monitor advances in data science, geolocation techniques, and relevant datasets to continuously improve the team’s methods and tools
Qualification
Required
Master's degree in International Relations, International Development, Public Policy, Data Science, Statistics, or related fields
3 to 5 years of experience as a data analyst or similar role, with at least one year of supervisory experience
Strong understanding of global financial institutions and China's role, including overseas lending, foreign direct investment, international trade, and the Belt and Road initiative
Demonstrated proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets for data manipulation and statistical methods
Rich experience with Python/R and other advanced programming software
Strong leadership and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
Passion for data-driven policy research and a desire to make a positive impact
Preferred
Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese and/or other foreign languages such as Indonesian, Arabic, Vietnamese, Farsi and Burmese preferred but not required
Company
Boston University
Boston University is one of the leading private research and teaching institutions in the world today, with three primary campuses in the heart of Boston and programs around the world.
H1B Sponsorship
Boston University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2024 (1)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$0.5MKey Investors
Lumina Foundation
2022-02-15Grant· $0.5M
Leadership Team
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