PhD Research Intern, Visa Economic Empowerment Institute

Company Description

Visa is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating more than 215 billion payments transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories each year. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive.

When you join Visa, you join a culture of purpose and belonging – where your growth is priority, your identity is embraced, and the work you do matters. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere. Your work will have a direct impact on billions of people around the world – helping unlock financial access to enable the future of money movement.

Join Visa: A Network Working for Everyone.

Job Description

The Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI) is a policy research institute established by Visa to transform Visa’s knowledge, experience and business acumen into actionable policy insights to help inform and power policies that will help all people thrive.  We focus on three main topics: digital equity and inclusion, digital trade, and trends in digital payments. This position will be involved in all aspects of VEEI’s research.

We are looking for a part-time Research Assistant, Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI), who will report to the Senior Director, Global Policy, but will work day-to-day with the Executive Director and VEEI fellows in other locations, on various research topics. The Research Assistant will work no more than 20 hours per week.

The successful candidate will be a self-starter with strong organizational and superior writing skills, comfortable covering multiple assignments at once, and capable of quickly and efficiently producing high-quality deliverables. They should have a passion for research and a strong interest in digital payments and how these affect the world and are affected by different economic and societal trends.  Experience working on topics related to financial services or technology issues in the public, private, or not-for-profit sectors is a plus. Willingness to learn and adapt quickly is essential.

Specific responsibilities include:

Working with Fellows through every step of the research and writing process:

• Participate in content development sessions with VEEI fellows
• Liaise with appropriate stakeholders in Global Policy and business units to identify topics of relevance for VEEI research
• Develop a topic and research plan for a VEEI paper
• Partner with VEEI fellow(s) to author/co-author a publication on a mutually agreed topic
• Paper development and publication process, as needed (editing, copyediting, formatting, accessibility review)
• Help keep VEEI Fellows and other colleagues abreast of developments in specified specialized area
• Ad-hoc projects as assigned

This is a hybrid position. Hybrid employees can alternate time between both remote and office. Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work from the office two days a week, Tuesdays and Wednesdays with a general guidepost of being in the office 50% of the time based on business needs.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications: 

• Pursuing a PhD degree, educational focus on public policy, politics, business or economics
• Graduating Dec 2023 or later 
• Experience carrying out a research project including data analysis and writing
• Work Authorization: Permanent Authorization to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment for this position. Visa will not sponsor applicants for work visas in connection with this position. Future sponsorship will not be considered

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Experience working on policy and business issues in the private sector, academia, non-profit sector or in government a plus

• Outstanding written, oral, and interpersonal communications skills (writing test required)

• Ability to exercise good judgment regarding information, which may be confidential or material, non-public

• Proven ability to operate effectively and efficiently in a challenging, fast-paced environment

• Ability to multi-task and independently manage and prioritize work, while meeting key deadlines

• Strong attention to detail with a focus on high quality work and consistent performance over time is essential

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word) and SharePoint (all applicants subject to Microsoft skills testing)

• A great attitude and a passion for research!

Additional Information

Work Hours: Varies upon the nee