The Global Development Network (GDN) is inviting applications for a full-time, fixed-term Junior Economist position to support its flagship research programme on the Economics of Open Transaction Networks (OTN). Based in either New Delhi, India or Clermont-Ferrand, France, this role offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of applied microeconomics, digital markets, and policy-oriented development research, with a contract of up to 24 months.
About the Global Development Network (GDN)
Founded in 1999, GDN is a public international organisation committed to strengthening policy-relevant social science research across Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). Headquartered in New Delhi, with offices in France and the USA, GDN leads large-scale multi-country research programmes that directly inform development policy and improve lives across the Global South.
The OTN programme—supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation—explores the economic mechanisms and development impact of open, interoperable transaction networks, a field gaining rapid global significance.
Position Summary
The Junior Economist will be an integral part of the OTN research team, working closely with:
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GDN economists
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Invited senior economists
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Programme Manager
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Country research teams across multiple regions
This role is designed for emerging economists with strong analytical training and a deep interest in the economics of digital platforms, networks, and market design.
Importantly, candidates do not need prior experience in OTN-specific literature, as the programme applies widely used tools from:
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Network economics
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Platform and competition economics
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Matching and market design
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Applied microeconomics
The aim is to help convert theoretical tools into testable predictions and implementable empirical strategies for research teams around the world.
Key Responsibilities
A. Theory and Economic Framing
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Contribute to the economic framing of OTN, drawing on network effects, interoperability, platform competition, two-sided markets, pricing, and matching frictions.
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Prepare short model summaries, diagrams, and explanatory notes that translate mechanisms into empirical predictions.
B. Literature and Research Synthesis
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Build a curated reading base connecting OTN questions to existing theory and empirical literature.
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Produce clear synthesis notes that highlight assumptions, results, and policy implications.
C. Empirical Preparation and Analysis
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Assist with administrative or platform datasets once access is available.
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Conduct dataset documentation, exploratory analysis, and descriptive outputs around major changes in rules, incentives, or participation.
D. Country Project Engagement
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Ensure that research approaches across multiple country teams align with programme theory and empirical feasibility.
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Support preparation of materials for technical workshops and methodology convenings.
Desired Profile
Education & Experience
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Enrollment in or recent completion of a PhD in Economics.
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Training in applied microeconomics, industrial organization, development economics, or similar fields.
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Strong interest in digital markets, platform economics, and economic networks.
Preferred Skills
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Strong quantitative and data-handling skills.
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Ability to write clear economics-oriented notes and produce effective tables and figures.
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Experience with R is preferred; Stata or Python are also valuable.
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Ability to collaborate within diverse, multi-country teams.
Reporting & Management
The Junior Economist reports to GDN economists and coordinates with the Senior Programme Manager. The President of GDN oversees scientific and management leadership for the programme.
Application Process
Candidates must apply through GDN’s Application Portal, submitting:
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Updated CV
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Cover letter (max 1 page) addressing motivation and relevant experience
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Contact information for three professional references
Applicants should also specify:
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Earliest joining date
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Preferred work location
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Salary expectations
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting 2 January 2026, until the position is filled.
GDN is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
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