Job description
About GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly (GD) aims to reshape international giving – and millions of lives – by providing cash grants directly to the world’s poorest. The Brookings Institution estimates that $70B of cash transfers would be required to eliminate the poverty gap; the aid sector currently spends $135B each year, much of it on evidence-free interventions. GiveDirectly wants to change that, establishing cash transfers as a benchmark for foreign aid – as the index fund is a benchmark for the financial industry – and in the process accelerating the end of extreme poverty.
GD has raised over $1B since launching in 2011, delivered cash to more than 1.5 million people in 15 different countries. We’ve also supported large-scale, experimental research that indicates strong recipient impact of our programs. As a result, GD has been celebrated as one of the most innovative non-profit companies by Fast Company, while the growing cash transfer movement (and GD’s leading role within it) have been featured in the New York Times Magazine, This American Life, Foreign Affairs, and The Economist.
Our culture is candid, analytical, agile, and non-hierarchical. Our global team of ~150, and country operations teams of ~650, together come from 21 different countries speaking 69 different languages. Team members bring experiences from the private sector, NGOs and government. From software engineers to seasoned humanitarian workers, former management consultants to public servants, researchers to field operations – it’s an incredible group of people.
Our values are central and deliberately opinionated. We genuinely center the people we serve in our decision making, and strive to build an ambitious, fast moving and high performing environment. We strongly encourage you to read through our values carefully, if they reflect how you like to work and energize you, this could be a great fit.
We work hard to create an environment in which all our team members can thrive, succeed and grow. We support flexibility, take care of each other, have fun, and create professional growth opportunities.
Location: Blantyre preferred, but remote possible.
- If remote, intern must be based in the US, Kenya, Liberia, Rwanda, Morocco, DRC, Uganda, Malawi, or Mozambique - we cannot make exceptions on location
Priority Application Deadline: June 1, 2025 or until we receive a critical mass of applications
Duration: 3 months, with possibility of extension
About this role
This role is evaluating GiveDirectly’s most ambitious program to date. The evaluation is a multi-year research initiative in Malawi that spans an entire district and evaluates the impacts of large, one-time cash transfers to individuals in extreme poverty. The evaluation is centered on the largest randomized controlled trial (RCT) ever conducted on unconditional cash transfers, and is complemented by ongoing monitoring and evaluation (M&E), qualitative research, and rapid pulse data collection.
Reports to: Senior Research Manager, Malawi
Level: Intern
Travel Requirement: Must be able to either be based in Malawi for the duration of the internship or make at least one 2-3 week trip to Blantyre
What you’ll do:
1. Quantitative Data Analysis & Interpretation
Conduct statistical analyses and translate findings into actionable insights.
- Perform regular statistical analyses on M&E data (Midline & Endline results) to check data quality and identify any field data collection problems
- Prepare visualizations and summary decks to support internal and external communication
- Provide analytical support on enrollment data (tracking progress, forecasting delays)
- Regularly check incoming surveys and monitor survey quality
- Identify, flag, and diagnose data-quality problems
- Collaborate with Tech and Data teams to maintain and improve data pipelines
2. Qualitative Data Analysis & Interpretation
Analyze qualitative data to inform program design and evaluation.
- Conduct qualitative analyses (interview coding, thematic synthesis)
- Develop reports summarizing insights from qualitative research (Phase 2 and Phase 3 pilot evaluations)
- Translate qualitative insights clearly for internal program adjustments and donor reporting and share with the programs team
3. Research Instrument Design
Create robust tools for data collection aligned with research objectives.
- Develop indicators for quantitative surveys (Pulse, Midline, Endline) and ensure that they are programmed and tested with tech
- Implement survey revisions and updates in collaboration with the Tech team
- Design qualitative research instruments and interview guides for pilot evaluations
4. Research Data Collection Oversight
Manage logistics to ensure smooth execution of field research. Lead operational management and methodological rigor of survey execution.
- Generate and manage monthly field rosters for quantitative data collection - specifically pulse surveys and M&E Khongoni endline
- Monitor and adjust sampling approaches for pilots, M&E, and pulse surveys
- Support logistical management with the field team (transport, compensation, CommCare platform)
5. Team & Stakeholder Coordination
Ensure alignment and efficient collaboration across research, program, and technical teams.
- Manage and resolve staffing and operational challenges across research projects
- Coordinate closely with Program, Tech, and Data teams on enrollment schedules and field operations
- Advise and support on pilot study design, implementation, and evaluations (Phase 2 and Phase 3)
- Facilitate clear, regular cross-team communication to align research goals and operational realities
What you’ll bring:
- Exceptional alignment with GiveDirectly Values and active demonstration of our core competencies: emotional intelligence, problem solving, project management, follow-through, and fostering inclusivity. We welcome and strongly encourage applications from candidates who have personal or professional experience in the low-income and/or historically marginalized communities that we serve.
- Language Requirement: English
- Language Preferences: Chichewa preferred but not required
- 2-3+ years of experience in research, impact evaluation, or a related analytical role.
- Strong ability to translate complex research data into compelling narratives for external audiences, particularly donors.
- Familiarity with impact evaluation methods and the ability to interpret and summarize research findings.
- Familiarity with data collection tools (SurveyCTO, Commcare) data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Stata, R, Python) and data visualization tools (e.g. Adobe, Canva, Flourish)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - particularly critical is strong writing free of jargon, but the strongest candidates will be able to communicate using a variety of media, including presentations, charts, etc.
- Strong project management skills and the ability to juggle multiple workstreams.
- Experience with both quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
Compensation
Intern pay will be hourly, and rate of pay will depend on level of education and experience. The salary for this internship is as follows for U.S.-based interns.
If not U.S.-based, there will be an adjustment to the hourly amount based on cost of living and local market rates of the country in which candidates are based:
- Undergraduate student: $19.00/hour
- Recent graduate: $22.00/hour
- Master’s degree student: $29.00/hour
#LI-REMOTE
Working at GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to the person’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Flagging for US applicants: We invite you to “Know Your Rights” as an applicant.
Commitment to Safeguarding
As a global organization serving some of the world’s most vulnerable communities, GiveDirectly takes the safeguarding of its recipients, staff, and partners seriously. To that end, GiveDirectly is a member of the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, and will systematically check with previous employers about any sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment issues relating to potential new hires. We may also employ other robust pre-hire screens, including in-depth reference checks, criminal background checks, and sanctions screens.
GD is committed to observing all local, national and international laws that protect children, vulnerable adults, and basic human rights of all. GD is committed to a policy of “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH)” and expects anyone who works for GD to uphold the protection and safeguarding of our recipients as a priority.
These efforts help us continue to build and maintain trust with the communities we serve, and prevent harm to our recipients.
Want to put your best foot forward on your GiveDirectly application? Take a look at our Candidate Application Prep Guide!
