Migration Policy Institute Associate Policy Analyst 2026: Apply for a Global Migration Policy Career with Worldwide Remote Work Considered

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) is accepting applications for a full-time Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program, offering an opportunity for experienced researchers and policy professionals to contribute to international migration research, comparative policy analysis, policy advising, high-level convenings, and influential publications.

The position is based out of MPI’s Washington, D.C. office in the United States, but there is a particularly important provision for international applicants: remote work from anywhere in the world may be considered for the right candidate. For candidates based in the United States, the advertised starting salary is $62,000 to $67,000 per year, with final compensation depending on skills and experience. Arrangements for internationally based remote employees will be determined according to their location, experience, and applicable local employment regulations.

The role sits within MPI’s Global Program, which works across some of the most consequential migration-policy issues confronting governments and societies today. Its work includes demographic change, labor markets, refugee protection, climate-related migration, international cooperation, legal migration pathways, social cohesion, and migration governance.

Applications must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. MPI is reviewing applications on a rolling basis and specifically encourages interested candidates to apply as early as possible.

About the Migration Policy Institute

The Migration Policy Institute is an independent, nonpartisan, evidence-informed think tank focused on immigration, migration, and immigrant integration policy.

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., MPI conducts research and policy analysis intended to improve how governments and institutions respond to migration. Its work combines empirical research, policy development, data analysis, dialogue, and the creation of practical approaches to complex migration questions.

MPI works on migration issues at local, national, and international levels and examines both voluntary and forced migration. Its research spans subjects including immigration systems, refugee and asylum policy, labor markets, migration and development, integration, education, enforcement, borders, and international governance.

In addition to its Washington operations, MPI has a sister organization, Migration Policy Institute Europe, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. MPI Europe focuses particularly on migration, integration, and asylum policy within the European context.

About the Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program Position

The current vacancy is for a:

Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program

This is a full-time position designed for a professional who already has substantive research and policy experience and is ready to take an active intellectual role within MPI’s international work.

The successful candidate will support the Global Program through rigorous empirical research and comparative policy analysis. Rather than functioning only as a research assistant, the Associate Policy Analyst will have opportunities to contribute ideas, participate in team strategy, help shape research methods, write publications, work on policy projects, support high-level meetings, and gradually develop an independent public research profile.

MPI describes the Global Program as a highly collaborative team in which staff members are expected to contribute intellectually from the beginning. As analysts develop their expertise, there may be opportunities to co-author policy briefs, opinion pieces, and longer research publications, and eventually to single-author or lead-author some policy briefs.

What Does MPI’s Global Program Do?

MPI describes its Global Program as a policy laboratory that develops innovative, evidence-based, and politically feasible approaches to migration-policy challenges around the world.

The program combines several forms of work:

• Comparative international research
• Policy design
• Direct policy advice
• Government engagement
• International cooperation
• Research on migration trends
• Stakeholder dialogue
• Private policy convenings
• Development of practical recommendations

The Global Program also seeks to anticipate how major structural changes—including demographics, economic transformation, climate change, and technology—could influence migration and migration policy in the future.

Its work involves governments and institutions across numerous regions, including Europe, North America, Central and South America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region. It also works with institutions at the European Union and United Nations levels.

Geographic Scope of the Role

The Global Program already has established portfolios of work in:

• Latin America
• East Africa
• Europe

It is also developing or expanding work in:

• South Asia
• Southeast Asia
• Middle East
• North Africa
• Australia

This international scope is one reason MPI prefers candidates with knowledge of international migration policy and expertise concerning at least one country outside the United States. Experience relating particularly to Africa, Latin America, or Europe is highlighted as desirable.

Major Migration Issues the Successful Candidate Could Work On

The position is deliberately broad rather than being restricted to a single migration-policy specialty.

Examples provided by MPI include research concerning:

Demographic Change and Labor Markets

Population aging, demographic transitions, skills shortages, workforce mobility, and labor-market change are increasingly connected with migration policies.

An Associate Policy Analyst may contribute to research examining how migration can interact with these demographic and economic developments.

Refugee Protection

The role can involve questions concerning the future of refugee and humanitarian-protection systems.

MPI’s Global Program is examining how protection mechanisms can respond to increasing displacement while remaining politically and institutionally sustainable.

Climate-Related Migration

Climate change is increasingly influencing patterns of mobility and displacement.

The Global Program examines connections between migration, resilience, development investments, and climate pressures, making climate-related mobility one of the areas relevant to the position.

Legal Migration Pathways

Migration systems must increasingly respond to technological change, demographic pressures, and evolving skills requirements.

MPI’s Global Program has identified the design of legal pathways in this changing environment as one of its major areas of work.

Public Trust and Social Cohesion

The Global Program also examines how migration systems interact with public confidence, political debate, social cohesion, and rapidly changing societies.

International Migration Governance

Another major area involves international cooperation and the governance of migration.

MPI examines how governments can coordinate migration policies, respond to crises, and create workable mechanisms for international collaboration.

Five Major Pillars of MPI’s Global Program

MPI identifies five principal pillars for the Global Program:

1. Rethinking humanitarian protection systems
2. Designing legal migration pathways in response to technological and demographic change
3. Strengthening public trust and social cohesion around migration
4. Using development investments to harness migration’s potential and strengthen climate resilience
5. Rethinking international cooperation and improving migration governance

These areas indicate the range of research questions that an Associate Policy Analyst may encounter while working within the program.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to perform substantial analytical and research responsibilities rather than routine administrative work.

Conduct In-Depth Policy Analysis

The Associate Policy Analyst will conduct detailed research and interpret evidence in ways that produce clear policy findings and practical recommendations.

The role also includes helping to develop methodologies for new research projects.

Draft Research Publications

Writing forms a major component of the position.

The successful candidate will draft and edit materials such as:

• Background notes
• Analytical reports
• Policy briefs
• Research materials
• Short-form analysis
• Longer research publications

Candidates must therefore be capable of producing precise and accessible policy writing under tight deadlines and with relatively limited supervision.

Contribute to MPI Publications

The Associate Policy Analyst will contribute to and co-author MPI publications.

As the successful candidate develops expertise and experience within the organization, there may also be opportunities to lead or independently author policy briefs.

For researchers hoping to build a stronger publication record in international migration policy, this is a significant professional-development component of the role.

Fundraising and Grant Management

The successful applicant will also support senior staff members with fundraising and grant-management activities.

Responsibilities can include:

• Contributing to grant proposals
• Assisting with grant reporting
• Researching potential funding opportunities
• Supporting broader project-development activities

This means the role requires more than academic research ability. Candidates should also be comfortable working within the operational and funding structures of a nonprofit research organization.

Supporting High-Level Policy Roundtables and Meetings

MPI regularly brings together policymakers, researchers, government officials, and other stakeholders.

The Associate Policy Analyst will help organize high-level roundtables and private meetings.

Tasks may include:

• Developing meeting agendas
• Preparing concept notes
• Communicating with participants
• Briefing speakers
• Supporting substantive preparation for policy discussions

This gives the successful candidate exposure to the practical side of policy engagement in addition to desk-based research.

Potential Media Engagement

MPI also states that, over time and with appropriate support, the successful candidate may engage with the news media.

This could provide an opportunity to develop experience communicating research findings beyond specialist academic and policy audiences.

Opportunity to Develop Your Own Research Ideas

One notable feature of the position is that the new analyst is not expected merely to execute work designed entirely by senior staff.

MPI states that team members are able to participate in strategy discussions and develop their own research ideas.

As expertise develops, candidates may move from supporting research toward co-authoring and potentially leading policy publications.

For researchers seeking to build an independent policy profile, this intellectual participation may be particularly valuable.

Required Academic Qualification

MPI lists the following principal qualification:

A master’s degree combined with three to five years of direct relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This wording is important.

It means the advertised profile is not necessarily limited exclusively to candidates who follow one rigid educational route. MPI explicitly allows an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Applicants without the precise master’s-plus-experience combination would therefore need to demonstrate that their alternative background provides equivalent professional preparation.

Professional Experience Required

Candidates should generally have approximately:

3–5 years of direct relevant experience

when applying with a master’s degree.

Relevant experience could reasonably include work involving migration policy, international development, policy research, refugee policy, labor migration, demographic research, comparative public policy, policy analysis, or related fields, provided the experience demonstrates the capabilities requested by MPI.

Applicants should avoid assuming that unrelated professional experience will automatically satisfy the requirement.

Strong Research and Analytical Skills

A major requirement is the ability to conduct sophisticated research and analyze substantial volumes of information.

Candidates should be capable of collecting, organizing, interpreting, and synthesizing information from sources including:

• Primary sources
• Secondary sources
• Surveys
• Fieldwork
• Large bodies of research evidence

MPI is looking for candidates who can move from collecting information to producing meaningful analytical conclusions.

Quantitative Analysis Is an Advantage

Experience conducting original quantitative analysis using statistical programming software is listed as an advantage.

However, MPI explicitly states that this capability is not required.

Applicants with skills in statistical analysis, quantitative research, programming, or data visualization should therefore highlight those capabilities, but candidates should not automatically disqualify themselves simply because their experience is predominantly qualitative.

Migration Policy Expertise

Candidates should understand international migration trends and policies.

MPI particularly prefers candidates with substantive knowledge relating to one or more countries outside the United States, with expertise concerning Africa, Latin America, or Europe highlighted as especially relevant.

This requirement aligns directly with the Global Program’s comparative international mandate.

A candidate with strong migration-policy expertise concerning South or Southeast Asia, MENA, Australia, or another relevant region could also be relevant given the program’s expanding geographic portfolio, though the official vacancy specifically emphasizes Africa, Latin America, and Europe among preferred areas of expertise.

Writing and Communication Skills

Strong written and oral communication ability is essential.

Candidates must be capable of taking complex empirical findings and communicating them clearly to policy and professional audiences.

MPI also describes the following capabilities as advantages:

• Public-speaking confidence
• Data visualization
• Presenting evidence effectively
• Explaining data clearly to different audiences

Because the position involves research publications, policy meetings, potential media engagement, and interaction with stakeholders, communication ability is central rather than secondary to the role.

Ability to Manage Multiple Projects

The successful candidate must be highly motivated, proactive, and capable of managing multiple assignments simultaneously.

MPI’s Global Program works across numerous countries, projects, funding arrangements, and policy themes. The candidate must therefore be able to:

• Prioritize competing assignments
• Maintain attention to detail
• Meet deadlines
• Switch between different kinds of work
• Operate in a fast-paced environment
• Adapt as projects evolve

Intellectual Curiosity

MPI also places explicit emphasis on curiosity.

Candidates should be willing to read widely and incorporate ideas, approaches, and methodologies from other policy fields into migration research.

The position therefore favors people who can move beyond a narrow specialty and connect migration with broader demographic, economic, political, environmental, technological, and social developments.

Salary for U.S.-Based Candidates

For an Associate Policy Analyst based in the United States, MPI advertises a starting salary range of:

$62,000–$67,000 per year

Final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s skills and experience.

It is important to state this precisely: the advertised $62,000–$67,000 range is specifically identified for a candidate based in the United States.

International remote applicants should not assume that this exact salary range automatically applies to them.

Benefits

MPI states that it provides a benefits package for full-time U.S.-based employees.

The vacancy page does not provide a detailed itemized list of those benefits.

For international remote appointments, compensation, benefits, and employment arrangements will instead be reviewed according to:

• Candidate location
• Experience
• Applicable local employment laws and regulations

Is This a Remote Job?

Potentially, yes.

The primary position is based out of Washington, D.C., but MPI explicitly states:

Remote work worldwide will be considered for the right candidate.

This makes the vacancy particularly relevant to qualified migration-policy professionals outside the United States.

However, “considered” should not be interpreted as a guarantee that MPI can employ a candidate in every jurisdiction. The organization states that remote employment conditions will be determined according to local employment regulations and the candidate’s location.

Can Applicants Outside the United States Apply?

The vacancy does not impose a U.S.-only application restriction, and MPI explicitly says that worldwide remote work may be considered.

Accordingly, suitably qualified candidates outside the United States can consider applying.

This could potentially include applicants based in:

• Africa
• Asia
• Europe
• North America
• South America
• Australia/Oceania
• Middle East

The decisive issues will be whether the applicant meets the professional requirements and whether a workable employment arrangement can be established under the laws applicable to their location.

Applicants should not interpret the worldwide-remote language as an unconditional promise of employment from every country.

Application Documents Required

Applicants must submit three main documents:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Short writing sample

Each file should be labeled using the applicant’s last name.

Special 1,000-Word Writing Sample Requirement

The writing sample is a particularly important part of the application.

Applicants must prepare approximately:

1,000 words on an immigration policy of their choice.

This provides candidates with an opportunity to demonstrate their analytical approach, command of evidence, understanding of migration policy, and ability to communicate complex policy questions concisely.

A strong writing sample should ordinarily demonstrate:

• A clearly defined policy issue
• Accurate use of evidence
• Analytical reasoning
• Understanding of policy trade-offs
• Clear structure
• Concise professional writing
• Appropriate recommendations or implications where relevant

These are practical application suggestions, rather than an additional official scoring rubric published by MPI.

MPI Allows AI Tools — But Disclosure Is Required

One unusual and important detail in the vacancy announcement concerns artificial intelligence.

MPI explicitly states that applicants may use AI tools when preparing the writing sample, but they must disclose how those tools were used.

Candidates who use AI should therefore provide transparent disclosure rather than submitting AI-assisted material without explanation.

Since the purpose of the writing sample is to demonstrate the applicant’s analytical and writing capability, candidates should also ensure that the final submission accurately reflects their own knowledge, reasoning, and professional judgment.

Email Subject Line

Applicants should use the following position title in the email subject line:

Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program

They must also include a line explaining how they heard about the position.

Where to Send the Application

Applications are submitted by email.

The official careers page displays the recruitment email through protected website formatting. Independent reproductions of the same vacancy identify the recruitment address as:

hr@migrationpolicy.org.

Applicants should nevertheless verify the address directly on MPI’s official careers page immediately before submitting their materials.

Application Deadline

The final application deadline is:

Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

MPI states that applications will be assessed on a rolling basis, meaning review can begin before the final deadline.

Candidates are therefore encouraged to apply early rather than assuming that submitting immediately before the deadline provides the same practical advantage as an earlier application.

What Happens After Applying?

MPI states that because it expects a large volume of applications, only candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

The organization also asks candidates not to make phone calls or send separate inquiries to MPI staff regarding the application.

A separate listing reproducing the vacancy indicates that interviews are expected during October 2026 and that the start date is flexible but intended to occur before the end of 2026. Because these dates come from an external vacancy listing rather than the main MPI careers page, applicants should treat MPI’s own communications as controlling.

Application Strategy for Potential Candidates

Candidates should tailor their applications carefully to the actual responsibilities of the role.

A competitive cover letter should clearly demonstrate the connection between the applicant’s experience and MPI’s Global Program.

Relevant themes to highlight may include:

• International migration policy
• Refugee and asylum policy
• Labor migration
• Migration and development
• Climate-related mobility
• Demographic change
• Comparative public policy
• International cooperation
• Social cohesion
• Migration governance
• Research design
• Policy writing
• Quantitative or qualitative research
• Stakeholder engagement
• Grant-funded projects

Candidates should provide concrete evidence rather than simply claiming to possess these skills.

For example, rather than stating “I have strong research skills,” an applicant could explain that they designed a comparative research project, analyzed survey or administrative data, produced a policy report, and presented findings to government or international stakeholders.

How to Strengthen the Cover Letter

Because the position is relatively specialized, a generic cover letter is unlikely to communicate the candidate’s fit effectively.

Applicants can consider structuring their letter around:

Your Policy Expertise

Briefly identify the migration-policy subjects and geographical regions in which you have developed expertise.

Your Research Experience

Demonstrate experience collecting and interpreting evidence, designing research, conducting fieldwork, undertaking quantitative or qualitative analysis, or preparing policy publications.

Your Writing Record

Highlight policy briefs, reports, academic publications, commentaries, or other relevant research outputs.

Your International Perspective

Because the Global Program works comparatively across countries, describe experience working across jurisdictions, cultures, or international policy environments where relevant.

Your Stakeholder Experience

Mention experience with government agencies, international organizations, nonprofits, universities, donors, civil-society organizations, or other policy actors if applicable.

Why MPI

Explain specifically why MPI’s Global Program and its research agenda fit your professional background and future goals.

Preparing the Writing Sample

Applicants have freedom to choose an immigration policy topic.

Possible areas could include:

• Labor migration systems
• Refugee resettlement
• Climate-related migration
• Skilled migration
• Irregular migration
• International student mobility
• Integration policy
• Humanitarian protection
• Migration-development linkages
• Demographic aging and immigration
• Border-management policy
• Migration agreements
• Talent attraction
• Social cohesion

These are illustrative possibilities, not topics prescribed by MPI.

Because the writing sample is limited to 1,000 words, candidates should focus on depth and clarity rather than attempting to cover an excessively broad policy area.

Who Would This Position Be Most Relevant For?

The position is particularly relevant to mid-early-career professionals who already have substantive policy or research experience.

Potential applicant profiles may include:

• Migration policy researchers
• Policy analysts
• International-development researchers
• Refugee-policy specialists
• Migration and labor-market researchers
• Public-policy professionals
• Think-tank researchers
• International affairs specialists
• Social-science researchers
• Government policy professionals
• NGO or international-organization researchers
• Academics transitioning into applied policy research

Eligibility should ultimately be judged against MPI’s actual requirement of a master’s degree plus three to five years of direct experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

MPI states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The organization says it does not discriminate on the basis of:

• Race
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Sexual or gender orientation
• Religion
• Physical ability

MPI says it values a diverse working environment and welcomes applications from candidates who meet the requirements for the position.

This means the vacancy does not specify a particular race or ethnicity as an eligibility condition.

Key Details at a Glance

The core employment, salary, qualification, application, and deadline information is confirmed by MPI’s current careers page.

Conclusion

The Migration Policy Institute Associate Policy Analyst – Global Program position for 2026 offers a significant opportunity for experienced policy researchers who want to work at the intersection of migration research, international public policy, government engagement, and applied policy analysis.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to conduct empirical research, help develop research methodologies, contribute to influential MPI publications, support fundraising and grants, organize high-level policy discussions, and potentially engage with the media as their expertise develops.

The international scope of the Global Program is particularly notable. Its work spans established projects in Latin America, East Africa, and Europe while expanding across South and Southeast Asia, MENA, and Australia. Its research addresses issues ranging from demographic shifts and labor markets to refugee protection, climate mobility, legal pathways, social cohesion, and international migration governance.

Another major feature is the possibility of worldwide remote work for the right candidate. While the position is based out of Washington, D.C., qualified professionals outside the United States may be considered, with their employment terms determined according to their location, experience, and local regulations.

Candidates should prepare a tailored cover letter, updated resume, and a strong 1,000-word immigration-policy writing sample. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026, but because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, early submission is strongly encouraged by MPI.

Official Migration Policy Institute Careers Page

For more global opportunities, click HERE.