Context

Founded in 2021 and based in Geneva, Switzerland, the Simon Institute for Longterm Governance (SI) works to support the governance of emerging technologies and existential risks, building on Herbert Simon's vision of future-proof policymaking processes. Operating at the interface of science and policy, SI synthesizes research and connects thought leaders to decision-makers. 

SI’s work is focused on the multilateral system as a key catalyst for global cooperation, which is necessary for humanity to flourish sustainably. Being embedded in international Geneva and the wider Swiss foreign policy community, SI supports Switzerland in its role as the global hub driving a scientific multilateralism focused on furthering universal values.

The Director of Analysis will lead our knowledge synthesis and information product development. This role is a mix of applied research, on-demand policy brief writing, development of online resources, and strategic analysis to help policymakers understand global priorities and support researchers in their understanding of policymaking. Together with the founders and the incoming team, you will produce educational content, knowledge repositories and further organizational strategy.

The Director of Analysis is a full-time, in-person position. It is one of 3-4 roles that we expect to hire for until the end of 2022. As such, it will play a key role in defining the organization’s culture and processes as we grow.

What this role will do 

You will lead the development of SI’s capacity to provide knowledge to our partners, for example on artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, policymaking, the multilateral system, global catastrophic risks and how to govern with concern for future generations.

Policy

• Develop policy recommendations in collaboration with actors in SI’s ecosystem
• Author briefs and reports on global priorities tailored to specific actors in the UN system
• Provide on-demand advice to decision-makers

Research

• Coauthor academic publications to advance the field of long-term governance
• Develop knowledge repositories and educational content
• Foster further policy-relevant research through interaction with SI’s academic partners

Strategy

• Red teaming and documenting organizational strategy and operations
• Developing a quantitative model of SI’s theory of change to assist with monitoring, evaluation and learning
• Writing grant applications and corresponding with funders

What we expect

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a technical subject and is eager to learn and develop themselves. You will have to be willing to move to Geneva, as we do not yet have the capacity for continuous remote work. We expect you to be motivated to stay at the organization for at least 3 years while it grows into a mature organization. As SI is young, you will have to show a lot of initiative and be willing to lean into stress to resolve conflicts. 

Below is an overview of knowledge & skills we expect the ideal candidate to have. These aren’t necessary conditions. As this is our first hiring round, we are not highly confident in our ability to predict the profile of the perfect candidate. We encourage anyone who can handle the responsibilities outlined above to apply.

• Fluent English - written & oral
• Advanced data analysis and visualization skills

• Experience synthesizing knowledge from academic literature and expert interviews for a policy audience
• Experience working in a rapidly evolving environment with a small team (bonus: leadership experience)
• Experience in science communication (please, share writing samples)
• Advanced knowledge of the literature on existential risk & future generations
• Basic understanding of the multilateral system and international affairs

What we offer

• A dynamic environment with an ambitious co-founder team of 7 years
• An opportunity for varied personal development in an impact-focused organization
• An inclusive and feedback-rich culture with plenty of intellectual stimulation
• A network from civil society, to academia, the private sector and governments
• Visa sponsorship for exceptional non-EU candidates