Application Guide

How to Apply for General Interest

at GiveDirectly

🏢 About GiveDirectly

GiveDirectly is revolutionizing international aid by providing unconditional cash transfers directly to people in extreme poverty, using rigorous evidence to challenge traditional aid models. Their unique approach has delivered over $1B to 1.5 million people across 15 countries, creating a culture that's analytical, non-hierarchical, and impact-driven. Working here means joining a movement that's fundamentally reshaping how poverty alleviation works worldwide.

About This Role

This General Interest role at GiveDirectly involves contributing to their mission of establishing cash transfers as the benchmark for foreign aid, similar to how index funds transformed finance. You'll work within their candid, agile, global team to help scale their operations and research, directly impacting their ability to accelerate the end of extreme poverty through evidence-based interventions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves collaborating with global team members across time zones to advance cash transfer programs, analyzing data from field operations to inform decisions, and contributing to projects that directly impact GD's mission of scaling evidence-based poverty alleviation. You'll work in their agile environment where candid feedback and analytical thinking drive daily priorities and problem-solving.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who GiveDirectly Is Looking For

  • Has experience in international development, humanitarian work, or social impact sectors with a focus on evidence-based approaches
  • Demonstrates analytical thinking and comfort with data-driven decision making, given GD's emphasis on research and measurable impact
  • Thrives in non-hierarchical, agile environments and can work effectively within a diverse global team spanning 21 countries
  • Shows genuine passion for poverty alleviation and understands the cash transfer movement's role in reshaping aid effectiveness

📝 Tips for Applying to GiveDirectly

1

Explicitly connect your experience to GD's evidence-based approach - mention specific metrics or research you've worked with in past roles

2

Highlight any experience working in remote, cross-cultural teams, as GD operates globally with team members in 21 countries

3

Demonstrate understanding of the cash transfer debate in international development - show you know both the benefits and criticisms

4

Reference specific GD programs or research studies you've followed (like their experimental research mentioned in the job description)

5

Show how you embody their 'candid, analytical, agile' culture through concrete examples rather than just stating it

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific understanding of why cash transfers are transformative in international development', 'Examples of working in evidence-based or data-driven social impact environments', 'Experience collaborating in diverse, non-hierarchical team structures', "How your background aligns with GD's mission to make cash transfers the 'index fund' of foreign aid"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → GD's specific research partnerships and experimental studies mentioned in their materials
  • → Recent media coverage of GD in NY Times Magazine, This American Life, or The Economist
  • → The broader cash transfer movement and how GD fits within it
  • → GD's country operations and specific programs mentioned on their website

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Your perspective on the evidence for cash transfers versus traditional aid interventions
2 How you would contribute to GD's goal of establishing cash as the benchmark for foreign aid
3 Experience working in agile, non-hierarchical environments with remote teams
4 Specific examples of using data or research to drive social impact decisions
5 How you stay current with developments in poverty alleviation and international aid effectiveness
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic statements about wanting to 'help people' without connecting to GD's specific evidence-based model
  • Focusing only on traditional aid approaches without acknowledging GD's disruptive approach
  • Not demonstrating understanding of GD's unique position in the cash transfer movement
  • Failing to show how you'd thrive in their specific 'candid, analytical, agile' culture

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to GiveDirectly!

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