Overview & Description
If you are a policy researcher, immigration analyst, or non-profit communications practitioner looking to shape evidence-based migration and refugee policies, finding openings at leading non-partisan think tanks can be challenging. Securing roles that combine rigorous empirical research, comparative policy analysis, and international stakeholder engagement requires a specialized platform. The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) bridges that exact gap—actively recruiting researchers, policy analysts, communications professionals, and intern cohorts across its Global, U.S., and European programs.
Quick Summary: The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is officially recruiting for open vacancies, including a full-time Associate Policy Analyst (Global Program) and the Demetrios G. Papademetriou Young Scholars Internship Program. MPI provides non-partisan analysis, development, and evaluation of migration and refugee policies at local, national, and international levels, offering competitive salaries, health benefits, and flexible hybrid/remote work structures.
| 📅 Application Deadline | Wednesday, 30 September 2026 (Associate Policy Analyst) | 15 October 2026 (Internships) |
| 📍 Location / Host | Washington, D.C., USA / Remote Options (Migration Policy Institute) |
| 💰 Value / Perks | $62,000 – $67,000 / year (~K1.48M – K1.60M ZMW) + Health Benefits + $1,472 Biweekly Intern Stipend (~K35,300 ZMW) |
| 🏢 Category | Jobs / Fellowships & Internships |
Overview / What This Opportunity Entails
The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit think tank dedicated to analyzing the movement of people worldwide.
MPI’s workforce operates across key thematic areas, including labor migration, public trust, refugee protection, climate-related displacement, and demographic trends. Staff collaborate directly with government decision-makers, non-governmental organizations, news media, and international institutions to inform public debate and shape migration policy design.
Core Details & Key Responsibilities / Benefits
Selected policy, research, and intern candidates receive competitive institutional support:
- Policy Analysis & Research: Conduct empirical research and comparative policy analysis on global labor markets, asylum systems, and irregular migration.
- Publications & Co-Authorship: Draft policy briefs, research reports, and op-eds with opportunities to lead-author publications as expertise develops.
- High-Level Convenings: Organize private roundtables, international webinars, and expert briefings with key stakeholders.
- Compensation & Benefits:
- Associate Policy Analyst: Starting salary of $62,000 to $67,000 USD / year (~K1,488,000 to K1,608,000 ZMW / year) plus comprehensive healthcare and retirement contributions.
- Young Scholars Internships: Biweekly stipend of $1,472 USD (~K35,300 ZMW) for full-time interns.
Self-Qualification: Do You Match the Profile?
Review these official qualification standards across active MPI career tracks:
- Associate Policy Analyst Track:
- Master’s degree with 3–5 years of direct experience (or equivalent combination of education and professional experience).
- Strong qualitative/quantitative research, data collection, and analytical skills.
- Expertise in international migration trends with a focus on Africa, Latin America, or Europe.
- Young Scholars Internship Track:
- Open to college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, graduate students, or early-career professionals.
- Strong writing ability, research interest in migration issues, or communications/media experience.
AI Application Prompts (Use ChatGPT / Claude)
Copy and paste these custom AI prompts to tailor your application materials:
- Prompt 1: Tailor My Research CV for MPI“Act as a policy recruiter. I am applying for the Associate Policy Analyst role at the Migration Policy Institute (MPI). Tailor my CV below to emphasize qualitative policy analysis, empirical research methodology, co-authoring policy briefs, and stakeholder engagement in Africa/developing regions:\n\n[PASTE YOUR CV & RESEARCH HISTORY HERE]”
- Prompt 2: Structure My Mandatory 1,000-Word Writing Sample Outline“Act as an immigration policy advisor. MPI requires a 1,000-word writing sample on a chosen immigration policy issue. Help me outline an authoritative policy commentary detailing problem context, empirical evidence, and actionable policy recommendations:\n\n[PASTE YOUR CHOSEN POLICY TOPIC HERE]”
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Follow these sequential submission steps for MPI positions:
- Prepare Required Materials: Assemble your CV/resume, a tailored cover letter, and a 1,000-word writing sample on an immigration policy topic of your choice. (Disclose AI tool usage if applied).
- Submit via Email: Send your application files to
hr@migrationpolicy.org. - Email Formatting: Include “Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program” in the email subject line and label all attached files with your last name.
- Deadlines: Submit prior to 30 September 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern for analyst roles, or 15 October 2026 for Spring 2027 internship cohorts.
How to Submit Your Application
Access the official recruitment portal to review all open roles and submit your candidate credentials directly before the closing deadline.