Giving What We Can (GWWC) is on the lookout for a dedicated Research Associate to become a part of its expanding global team. This full-time remote position presents a chance to engage in impactful research that channels millions of dollars towards addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
The organization has set an ambitious target of reaching 1 million pledgers, who will collectively donate $3 billion each year to highly effective charities.
About Giving What We Can
Founded in 2009, Giving What We Can is a worldwide community devoted to effective philanthropy. Renowned for its 10% Pledge, the organization has inspired over 10,500 individuals to commit to donating at least 10% of their lifetime income to meaningful causes.
Currently, the GWWC community contributes around $80 million annually, aiding initiatives that focus on:
- Extreme poverty alleviation
- Animal welfare and addressing factory farming practices
- Mitigating global catastrophic and existential risks
Role Overview
The Research Associate will join a small yet powerful research team tasked with ensuring that GWWC’s recommendations are grounded in robust evidence and rigorous evaluation. This pivotal role will involve enhancing research processes, evaluating charitable programs, and upholding the integrity of content aimed at the public.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Evaluation and Recommendations (≈55%)
The Research Associate will be responsible for assessing and recommending programs for inclusion on GWWC’s donation platform. This includes conducting independent investigations into charity evaluators, reviewing research done by team members, and synthesizing evidence from various evaluators.
Content Quality and Integrity (≈25%)
This role also includes reviewing public communications such as social media posts, reports, and videos to ensure alignment with research findings. The associate will maintain and update research content and tools to guarantee clarity and accuracy.
Monitoring and Evaluation (≈20%)
The Research Associate will conduct analyses that support internal impact assessments and contribute to public impact evaluation reports, providing insights that inform strategic decisions.
Candidate Profile
GWWC encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds, placing a premium on potential and capability over merely perfect credentials.
Essential Skills and Traits
- Ability to integrate evidence and make judgments in uncertain circumstances
- Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning skills
- Capacity for critical conceptual thinking and evaluation of frameworks
- Strategic prioritization of high-impact work
- Clear and concise communication of complex ideas
- Alignment with GWWC’s mission and values
Beneficial Experience
Ideal candidates will have backgrounds in research, policy analysis, or impact evaluation, with familiarity in effective giving concepts like cost-effectiveness. Experience in data analysis using tools such as SQL, R, or Python, alongside editorial expertise to ensure clarity in written content, is also advantageous.
Work Environment and Benefits
GWWC offers a flexible and supportive remote working environment, which includes:
- Competitive salary (up to $75,000 USD, depending on location and experience)
- Health insurance and wellbeing support
- Professional development funding
- Flexible working arrangements
- Parental leave and pension contributions
This role involves collaboration across various time zones with teams located in Europe, the United States, and Australia, enhancing the global impact of its initiatives.
Role Details
The role is set to begin on June 22, 2026, or as soon after as possible. It is a remote position that entails a 12-month contract with the possibility of transitioning to a permanent role. The working hours are full-time (approximately 40 hours per week), and the associate will report to the lead researcher, Aidan Whitfield.
Application Process
GWWC’s hiring process involves several stages, including:
- Application submission
- Initial interview
- Paid work test
- Paid work trial
- Final interview and reference checks
Candidates will be compensated for the time spent on work tests and trials.
Career Impact
This role offers a remarkable opportunity to influence the distribution of tens of millions of dollars in charitable contributions. The successful candidate will work at the nexus of research, ethics, and global impact, significantly contributing to the betterment of millions of lives, whether human or animal. This position will also foster expertise in effective altruism and high-impact philanthropy.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not involved in the recruitment for this position. For inquiries, please contact Giving What We Can directly. Do not submit your applications and CVs to GSO, as we cannot process them. Due to the volume of inquiries, we may not respond to all messages. Thank you for your understanding.
Related Opportunities
Exciting Research Opportunity with Giving What We Can
Are you passionate about impactful research and effective philanthropy? Giving What We Can (GWWC) is on the lookout for a dedicated Research Associate to bolster its global team. This full-time remote position allows you to contribute to influential research that directs millions of dollars toward addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues.
The Mission of Giving What We Can
Founded in 2009, Giving What We Can is a prominent international community committed to promoting effective charitable giving. Central to its mission is the 10% Pledge, which encourages individuals to commit at least 10% of their lifetime income to high-impact causes, fostering a culture of generosity and accountability. Currently, GWWC’s members collectively contribute about $80 million each year to initiatives that combat extreme poverty, enhance animal welfare, and mitigate global catastrophic risks.
Position Overview
The Research Associate will work within a small, yet influential team dedicated to ensuring that GWWC’s recommendations are grounded in rigorous evidence and impactful outcomes. As part of this critical team, the successful candidate will enhance research processes, evaluate charitable programs, and maintain the integrity of publicly accessible content, thereby influencing significant funding allocation across diverse high-impact sectors.
Key Responsibilities
In this dynamic role, your contributions will span various vital areas:
- Program Evaluation (55%): Assess and recommend charities suitable for inclusion on GWWC’s donation platform. Conduct independent reviews of charity evaluations and synthesize insights from multiple sources to ensure comprehensive coverage of relevant criteria.
- Content Quality Assurance (25%): Review public-facing materials, ensuring that GWWC’s communications align with research findings and uphold high epistemic standards. This includes maintaining and updating essential research tools.
- Monitoring and Evaluation (20%): Support internal impact assessments with data analyses and contribute to public evaluation reports, providing critical insights for strategic planning.
Candidate Profile and Skills
GWWC cherishes diverse perspectives and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. The ideal Research Associate will possess a unique blend of skills and traits, including:
- Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning abilities.
- Capability to integrate and evaluate evidence amidst uncertainty.
- Excellent communication skills for distilling complex ideas into understandable formats.
- Alignment with the mission and values of effective altruism.
Work Environment and Benefits
This remote position offers flexibility and a supportive work culture, including:
- Competitive compensation up to $75,000 USD, based on experience and location.
- Health insurance and wellness programs.
- Funding for professional development.
- Flexible working hours.
- Pension contributions and parental leave.
Application Process and Career Impact
If you’re eager to make a significant impact in the world of effective giving, this role presents a unique opportunity. The hiring process includes multiple stages, ensuring a thorough evaluation of candidates. Those interested in influencing the distribution of substantial charitable funds, improving global well-being, and delving into the principles of high-impact philanthropy are encouraged to apply.
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