Chris Heitzig is an economist with over eight years of experience, including applied research with leading organizations such as the Brookings Institution and the World Bank. His research lies at the intersection of labor, international economics, and private sector development. He also explores how computational methods—such as machine learning and high-performance computing—can be used to address questions in these fields. 

He completed his doctoral coursework at the University of Oxford between 2016 and 2018 and will soon hold a PhD in Economics (defending in September 2025) from the Institute of Development Studies (IDS), one of the world’s top-ranked departments for international development. 

Chris’s research has been featured by the Financial Times, Sky News, and CNBC Africa, and was recognized as the runner-up for the IFC’s KNOWbel Award. His publication record includes a peer-reviewed article in World Development, a book with Rowman & Littlefield, and working papers with both the World Bank and IDS. 

He brings significant leadership experience to large, multi-stakeholder projects. He served as the day-to-day lead for a $15 million World Bank initiative in South Sudan, and previously managed a $1.5 million grant at the Brookings Institution focused on youth employment and structural transformation in Africa.