Echidna Global Scholar Program 2019

Applications are open for the Echidna Global Scholar Program 2018. 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, analytical, and leadership skills of NGO leaders and academics who have substantial experience with and ties to developing countries, whose work has a specific focus on improving learning opportunities and outcomes for girls in the developing world.

Echidna Global Scholars spend four to six months at Brookings Institution in Washington D.C. The structure of the program is divided into two main components to assist the scholars in having impact when returning to their home countries: research on global education issues, and leadership training.

The research component of the program will include a data-collection phase at home and a writing and analysis phase during a residency at Brookings. It aims to equip global girls’ education leaders with the skills and support necessary to create a written policy research product to affect change for girls in their home countries.
The leadership component of this program is built on the understanding that emotionally intelligent leadership is a core competency in girls’ education leadership and is thus integrated throughout the scholars’ residency at Brookings. Scholars will be exposed to new frameworks of leadership and be required to continually think reflexively on their own leadership style and philosophy.

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. This position would be ideal for a candidate with 10-15 years of professional experience in a related field.

Contents

Responsibilities

Once selected by CUE to participate in the program, Echidna Global Scholars will be expected to dedicate time to collecting data for their research in their home country, in preparation for their period of residency at Brookings in Washington DC.
During their residency from early June 2019 to mid-October 2019 at the Brookings Institution, Echidna Global Scholars will work with the center staff on developing their specific research project 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 work on an extensive, cutting-edge written research product during their residency, as well as a post-residency project proposal with the intent to implement their research in their home country upon completion of the program.

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 (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting), paid single-occupancy housing for the four-and-a-half-month term, and round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.

Echidna Global Scholar Program Eligibility

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

Areas

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 on 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.

Echidna Global Scholar Program Requirements

Echidna Global Scholars must be available for a full-time, on-site affiliation with the Brookings Institution for the entire duration of the residency of the program as well as a pre-arrival data collection phase of research prior to their arrival.
Soon after selection, Echidna Global Scholars are required to conduct research on a topic approved by Christina Kwauk, Fellow and lead of the Girl’s Education team at CUE.
Scholars will present their research papers at a Brookings hosted day-long conference 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.

Echidna Global Scholar Program Application

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.
When prompted, attach answers to Questionnaire, in the Writing Sample section. Click here to access document
When prompted, attach Research Project Proposal, in the Writing Sample section. 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 letter of recommendations, writing samples and transcripts are NOT required. Please upload Questionnaire and Research Project Proposal in the Writing Sample section.

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: