About the Work


The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. The center brings researchers and practitioners together to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.

Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD), at the Center for International Development, is a dynamic research initiative that brings analytical insights, typically from economics, to the design and implementation of public policies and programs around the world. EPoD directly engages with governments and local organizations to identify key questions, design innovative new policies or interventions, and test these using the tools of economics and data analysis, including large field-based experiments.

The Finance and Sponsored Research Administrator is an integral part of the EPoD and CID team, reporting to EPoD’s Director of Finance and Operations. You will support the growing work of the CID programs, staff, and faculty, managing and handling a range of financial responsibilities to ensure smooth operations. You will serve as point of contact for managing financial analysis and internal reporting, research administration and grants management, and contracts, working closely with the HKS Research Administration Office (RAO), Office of Financial Services (OFS), and the Harvard Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) to resolve matters related to grants, contracts, financial accounts and processes, and financial compliance with university policies and procedures.


Position Description

Sponsored Research Administration

  • Manage the preparation and submission of proposals, including developing pre- and post-award budgets, interpreting grant parameters to ensure compliance with sponsor and University policies, and advising on allowable costs.
  • Manage monthly monitoring and analyses of awards for principal investigators to ensure expenses are paid according to contract and government regulations within budget limit and timelines. Monitor funding shortfalls and develop plans for contingencies.
  • Monitor expenditures, account balances, and receivables and perform financial projections.
  • Lead the preparation of grant reports and analysis for use in planning and decision-making.
  • Serve as a resource to faculty, students, and staff on the university’s sponsored fiscal policies and procedures and provide training to lab managers.
  • Clearly communicate and interpret sponsored and/or University guidelines and polices to faculty, staff, and students.
  • Collaborate with RAO and OSP to coordinate internal review of sponsored proposal submissions. Set up new sponsored accounts, maintain accurate financial records, verify payroll allocations, prepare financial reports, participate in audit process (as needed), and close out projects and grant agreements

Financial Management

  • Support the analysis of critical and complex financial management questions.
  • Create and run reports from a variety of systems and data sources to provide financial analysis, metrics, and data to support decision-making across the Center.
  • Monitor and reconcile monthly general ledger reports; identify accounting discrepancies and prepare journal adjustments; maintain system of backup documentation.
  • Contribute to the annual budget and year-end closing processes.
  • Process and/or approve financial and payroll transactions, including foreign currency transactions, wires, and journals
  • Manage vendors and process or assist with processing payments of invoices and individual reimbursements; track all contracts and renewals Center-wide.
  • Work closely with the other senior finance staff to analyze and evaluate financial results, conducting analyses to respond to ad-hoc queries and strategic requests to inform decision making at CID.

Additional duties

  • Support and develop the core systems and processes needed for efficient research administration and financial operations across CID.
  • Develop and lead trainings for administrative staff and other stakeholders on financial management and research administration systems, processes, and policies.
  • Manage assigned projects to completion, including developing and vetting project plans, tracking action items, performing project tasks, and preparing analyses and reports.
  • Other responsibilities as required.

Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of progressive research administration, grants management, and/or finance experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills
If you have some but not all of the following, we encourage you to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn:

  • Advanced knowledge of sponsored research regulations. US Federal grant experience a plus.
  • Experience as a research or grant administrator.
  • Strong and demonstrated ability to manage financial resources, conduct complex financial analyses, and monitor and balance budgets for projects and grants.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills: the ability to interact well with faculty, staff, students, and international research partners.
  • Proficiency with Excel, ability to navigate enterprise Oracle applications, adaptability with web-based tools, and data research skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to deliver work results of high quality while managing multiple projects under time pressure; ability to function well in a fast-paced, high-energy and changing work environment with minimum supervision.
  • Strong customer service orientation with enthusiasm for delivering excellent work.
  • Ability to understand big-picture goals while maintaining a strong attention to detail.
  • Expertise in data extraction, analysis, and report presentation.

Additional Information


This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire with strong possibility of renewal.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide Visa Sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.

This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA.  As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of two days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager.

The University requires all Harvard community members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccine boosters, as detailed in Harvard’s Vaccine & Booster Requirements. Individuals may claim exemption from the vaccine requirement for medical or religious reasons. More information regarding the University’s COVID vaccination requirement, exemptions, and verification of vaccination status may be found at the University’s “COVID-19 Vaccine Information” webpage: http://www.harvard.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-information/. 


Salary Range: $64,300 - $105,100
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity. 


Harvard offers a generous benefits package including:

  • Time Off: 3- 4 weeks paid vacation, paid holiday break, 12 paid sick days, 12.5 paid holidays, and 3 paid personal days per year.
  • Medical/Dental/Vision: We offer a variety of excellent medical plans, dental & vision plans, all coverage begins as of your start date.
  • Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with full vesting after 3 years of service.
  • Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive tuition assistance program, $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and discounted options through participating Harvard grad schools. 
  • Transportation: Harvard offers a 50% discounted MBTA pass as well as additional options to assist employees in their daily commute.
  • Wellness Options: Harvard offers programs and classes at little or no cost, including stress management, massages, nutrition, meditation and complimentary health services.
  • Harvard access to athletic facilities, libraries, campus events and many discounts throughout metro Boston.

Job Function: Finance
Location: USA - MA - Cambridge
Job Code: 405007 Financial Professional (N)
Sub-Unit: ------------
Department: Center for International Development
Time Status: Full-time
Salary Grade: 056
Union: 55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers
Pre-Employment Screening: Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism

At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies.

Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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