The Center for Universal Education at The Brookings Institution seeks to help build expertise on girls’ education policies and programs in developing countries. This program is designed to offer guest scholars from developing countries the opportunity to pursue their own independent research on global education issues with a specific focus on girls’ education. Echidna scholars will also be supported to develop and implement a plan to share their expertise with their home institution to further build research capacity and expertise.
About the Center for Universal Education
As part of the Global Economy and Development program at The Brookings Institution, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) develops and disseminates effective solutions to the challenges of achieving universal quality education worldwide. It offers a forum for research, high-level dialogue, and public debate on a range of issues relevant to education in the developing world. In an effort to translate our report, A Global Compact on Learning, from commitment into action, we are committed to helping build the knowledge base of what is needed to improve learning opportunities and outcomes for girls and boys in developing countries, especially those most marginalized and hardest to reach.
Echidna Global Scholars Program
The Echidna Global Scholars Program fits within the broader Global Compact on Learning work stream by aligning the research plans of the Echidna scholars with a collaborative research agenda. During their four-and-a-half month residency from August 1, 2015, to mid-December 2015, at TheBrookings Institution, Echidna scholars will work with the Center staff on developing their specific research project and may then work with the Brookings communications team to develop a strategy for policy impact. Echidna scholars will also participate in training and networking opportunities. Echidna scholars will draw on the resources of 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.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants should have a background in education, development, economics, or a related area, with at least 15 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. Strong analytical and writing skills required.
Successful applicants will have an intimate understanding of education development issues and/or issues related to development and gender. Applicants who have not worked explicitly on girls’ education previously are welcome but should include an explanation of how this focus on girls’ education can be integrated successfully into their current and future work. Echidna scholars will be expected to work on extensive, cutting-edge research, as well as a project proposal with the intent to implement their research in their home country upon completion of the program.
Applicants are also encouraged to include areas of research focused on Second Generation education priorities for girls. The five Second Generation priorities include: 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. The research proposals should focus heavily on issues affecting girls’ educational opportunities and learning outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, South West Asia, and the Middle East.
Additional expectations of Echidna scholars include interacting with other Brookings scholars and the wider policy community, a demonstrated ability to conduct professional, in-depth research and deliver spoken presentations in English. Applicants selected for the fellowship will receive a living stipend of USD $5,000 a month (subject to U.S. tax withholding), paid housing for the four-and-a-half month term, and round-trip travel expenses.
Program Requirements
Echidna scholars must be available for a full-time, on-site affiliation with The Brookings Institution for the entire four-and-a-half month residency of the program. This affiliation is not an employment relationship but part of a fellowship program. Echidna scholars are required to conduct research on an approved topic. Echidna scholars may have the opportunity to present their papers at a Brookings seminar or event at the end of the four-and-a-half month program. Each Echidna scholar is expected to be an active participant in Brookings and CUE activities, including, but not limited to, regularly-organized organizational staff meetings, informal discussions, seminars, presentations, and other CUE and Brookings events.
To Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Application questionnaire and project proposal
- A curriculum vitae or resume
- Two writing samples with citations
- Two letters of recommendation from professional references (emailed directly from references to[email protected])
Application Deadlines:
- Applications accepted as of November 7, 2014
- Application deadline: December 19, 2014, by 5pm EDT
- Selected for interviews: January, 2015
- Results Announced: April, 2015
- Term: August 1, 2015 to mid-December 2015
Submitting Your Application
Applications should be signed and dated by applicant, submitted via email to[email protected] and received no later than December 12, 2014, by 5pm EDT. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Candidates selected for interviews may be asked to submit additional materials. Please click here to access the application. To access the Word formatted application, please click here.
Please Note: Incomplete applications and those received after the deadline will not be considered.
All questions or inquiries from applicants or organizations should be sent via email to[email protected].
