With the World Bank Group and the Geneva Finance Research Institute (University of Geneva)
About the project
The
Impact Performance Measurement Project is a research project of the Geneva Finance Research Institute (University of Geneva) in collaboration with World Bank Group senior staff. The academic and scientific stewardship will be led by
Prof Rajna Gibson Brandon, Professor of Finance, Geneva Finance Research Institute, University of Geneva,
Dr Camilo Mondragon-Velez, Manager of Outcomes Measurement, World Bank Group Department for Outcomes, and
Dr Melita Leousi , Adjointe Scientifique II, Geneva Finance Research Institute, University of Geneva.
The project's objective is to identify, compile, and analyze impact metrics utilized in academic and professional literature for specific sectors (e.g., agribusiness, health, education) and thematic areas (e.g., climate change, reduction of inequalities, gender, etc.). The ultimate goal of this long-term project is to establish a concise set of coherent impact performance metrics for each sector and theme. The student’s responsibilities are outlined in the next section.
What you’ll do
- Collect, produce and analyse impact metrics data for specific economic sector(s) and/or impactrelated theme(s).
- Evaluate impact metrics vis-à-vis pre-defined criteria for impact performance assessment.
- Contribute to the development of a database of collected metrics, documenting characteristics, sources, and evaluation.
- Prepare presentations and other dissemination materials.
Supervision and support
The placement will be co-supervised by Prof Gibson Brandon (UNIGE), Dr Mondragon-Velez (WBGP), and Dr Melita Leousi (UNIGE). Your first point of contact will be Dr Melita Leousi. As part of a team you will also collaborate with postdoctoral researchers Dr Maria Kamran and Dr Tobias Wekhof. You should expect no less than three remote meetings per week.
Intellectual Property and Confidentiality
The placement will create intellectual property that belongs to the three co-authors (Gibson Brandon, Mondragon-Velez, Leousi) and is not to be shared or used under any circumstance. The hosts have requested to review your placement report before you submit it to the GUDTP. This is only to ensure than no confidential data is shared but you are more than welcome to discuss its content with your placement supervisor if helpful to you.
Selection criteria
The succesful candidate will have:
- basic knowledge of development impact, impact investing, and sustainable finance
- possession of a Master’s degree in Economics or Finance, or current enrollment in doctoral programme in these disciplines
- proven quantitative and data management skills
- familiarity with advanced quantitative tools such as R, Mathlab, Python, STATA, is highly advantageous
- excellent writing skills and a track record of excellence in research projects, including the ability to convey scientific and technical issues in a clear manner
- proficiency in using collaborative work tools such as Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Docs, and Google Drive.
as well as the following personal attributes:
- demonstrated high level of self-motivation, positive attitude, drive, and the ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
- ability to handle multiple tasks, work flexibly, and perform well under pressure in response to changing needs or demands.
How to apply
STEP 1. Express your interest by e-mailing placements.gudtp@socsci.ox.ac.uk in the first instance!
STEP 2. Submit your CV and a short cover letter (up to 500 words) to the same email by the deadline. These documents should demonstrate how you meet the selection criteria and your motivation to undertake this placement.
Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed remotely by Dr Melita Leousi after the deadline. This will be an opportunity to see if you are a good fit for the team and agree the exact timeline.
