Fully Funded + $5,000 per Month Stipend: Echidna Global Scholars Program 2021 at Brookings Institution, Washington D.C USA

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is a visiting fellowship hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution. The program aims to build the research and analytical skills of NGO leaders and academics who have substantial experience and ties to developing countries. Echidna Scholars spend four to six months at Brookings pursuing research on global education issues, with a specific focus on improving learning opportunities and outcomes for girls in the developing world. Upon completion of their fellowship, CUE supports the scholars in implementing an action plan that applies their new skills and expertise in the developing country where they have demonstrated substantial ties.

During their residency at Brookings, Echidna Scholars work with CUE staff to develop a research project. They draw upon Brookings’ intellectual capital and convening power, as well as the extended public policy community in Washington through meetings and conferences, and through networking with the broader international development community. This program is made possible by the generous contribution of The Echidna Giving Fund.

Responsibilities

• Once selected by CUE to participate in the Program and while still in their home countries, Echidna Global Scholars will be expected to dedicate time to collecting and analyzing data for their research in preparation for their period of residency at Brookings in Washington, DC.
• During their residency from early June to mid-October 2020, Echidna Global Scholars will work with CUE staff to finalize their specific research product and a strategy for policy impact.
• They will also participate in professional development training and networking opportunities.
• Echidna Global Scholars will draw on the resources of other Brookings’ scholars, as well as the extended public policy community in Washington, D.C. by participating in additional meetings and conferences, and networking with the broader development community.
• The Program expects the Echidna Global Scholars to have the ability to interact with other Brookings scholars and the wider policy community; to conduct professional, in-depth research and deliver spoken presentations in English; and to work on an extensive, cutting-edge written research product during the Program, as well as a post-residency project proposal with the intent to implement their research in their home country upon completion of the program.

Qualifications

Education /Experience Requirements:

The Program selects professionals with substantial experience in and ties to developing countries, a demonstrated intent to return to a developing country after completing the period of residency at Brookings, and a passion and demonstrated commitment to girls’ education. Applicants should have a background in education, development, economics, or a related area, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in either research/academia; non-government and civil society; government; or business.  Master’s degree required; Ph.D. or research background strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Strong analytical and writing skills. Successful applicants will have an intimate understanding of education development issues and gender

Additional Information

Applicants who have not worked explicitly on girls’ education previously are welcome to apply but should include an explanation of how this focus on girls’ education can be integrated successfully into their current and future work.

Echidna Global Scholars’ research topics must be focused on education priorities for girls, as they are relevant in their specific contexts. This can include “second generation” priorities, like: 1) ensuring that girls can attend and complete primary and secondary school; 2) making schools safer and more secure; 3) improving the quality of learning for girls; 4) supporting girls’ transition to higher education and employment; and 5) cultivating local country leaders to champion this work at the grassroots level. Topics may also include the intergenerational effects of girls’ education, innovations in early childhood that are relevant for girls’ education, girls’ education in conflict settings, or quality education for indigenous and/or minority girls. Echidna Global Scholars are also encouraged to include areas of research focused on girls’ skills development. Other girls’ education issues lacking evidence are also welcome.

Benefits:

• Please note that this position is a short-term full-time resident fellowship at Brookings (it is not an employee position). Applicants selected for the fellowship will receive a living stipend of USD $5,000 a month while in D.C. (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting), paid single-occupancy housing for the four-and-a-half-month term, round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.

Program Requirements and Expectations:

• Echidna Global Scholars must be available for a full-time, on-site affiliation with the Brookings Institution for the entire duration of the residency and must be able to complete the pre-arrival data collection and analysis phase of research.
• Soon after selection, Echidna Global Scholars are required to conduct research on a topic approved by CUE.
• Scholars will present their research papers at a day-long symposium hosted by Brookings at the end of the residency.
• Each Scholar is expected to be an active participant in Brookings and CUE activities, including, but not limited to, regularly-scheduled organizational staff meetings, informal discussions, seminars, presentations, and other CUE and Brookings events.

Term of Program: 

The research project must take place within a 6-month timeframe of pre-residency and residency work. Data collection and analysis must be completed by the scholar at home prior to the start of the residency at Brookings in Washington, D.C. Writing must be completed during the residency.

• The residency is expected to begin on or around September 2021 and end in December 2021.
• Scholars must also participate in the leadership development component throughout the program, including pre-residency components. Scholars may be invited to apply for seed funding to implement their research findings in a pilot program after the residency.

Interview Process: Interviews will include an initial phone screen, program and panel interviews via phone and/or video-calls with CUE leadership.

How to Apply: 

1. Submit a cover letter that explains your goals and intent for the program, along with your curriculum vitae or resume which will include a list of your publications, and fellowships, honors, awards, funded research, or foundation support that you have received. Please attach curriculum vitae or resume and cover letter as one document when you apply, as instructed.
2. When prompted, attach answers to Questionnaire. Click here to access document
3. When prompted, attach Research Project Proposal. Click here to access document

Documents must be saved with a format of Last Name, First Name and document name (for example: Doe_Jane_CV). Note that letters of recommendation, writing samples, and transcripts are NOT required. Please upload Questionnaire and Research Project Proposal in the Writing Sample section.

4. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to submit additional materials. Incomplete applications, and any applications received after the deadline will not be considered. If you require visa sponsorship to participate in this fellowship program, your English proficiency will be verified via an objective assessment as required by the U.S. Department of State.

Timing and Application Deadlines:

• Application deadline: February 19, 2021
• Tentative Residency Term: September 2021- December 2021

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