Senior Livelihoods Researcher

About GiveWell

GiveWell researches the most cost-effective ways to save and improve lives, directing donations to high-impact programs globally. The organization has grown from directing $1.5 million in 2010 to over $400 million in 2025, with grantmaking expected to approach or exceed $1 billion in the current year.

Role Overview

We seek a Senior Livelihoods Researcher to identify and fund cost-effective interventions that improve living standards among the global poor. You will have significant influence on GiveWell's funding decisions and contribute to improving lives at scale.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and lead ambitious research agendas across livelihoods portfolios including cash transfers, social protection programs, education, and small/medium business support in low-income countries
• Answer complex research questions that directly inform GiveWell's grantmaking decisions
• Combine rigorous evidence review, cost-effectiveness modeling, and thoughtful judgment to shape research priorities
• Conduct empirical evidence synthesis and critical analysis on questions such as long-run effects of cash transfers, ultra-poor graduation programs, and infrastructure impact on consumption
• Develop cost-effectiveness models and conduct discussions with subject matter experts
• Communicate research findings externally and advise other team members
• Prioritize research agendas by identifying which questions matter most to GiveWell's work

About the Livelihoods Team

Our livelihoods team operates across thematic verticals focused on cash transfers, broader social protection, education programs, and support for small and medium enterprises in low-income countries. We measure social return on investment as increased relative consumption per dollar, prioritizing gains among poorer populations, with most work concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa.

What We Value

We are open to diverse professional development pathways based on your preferences and organizational needs. You will join a small, ambitious grantmaking team committed to rigorous, evidence-based decision-making.

Salary Disclosure: The employer did not publish compensation. This listing includes an editorial market estimate of $80,000–$130,000 USD annually based on role seniority and sector benchmarks. Actual compensation may vary significantly by candidate experience, qualifications, location, and organizational factors. This is not an employer-provided figure.