Fellow / Senior Fellow (Climate and Education), Center for Universal Education (Job ID: 2023-3158)

Join one of the most influential, most quoted and most trusted think tanks!  

The Brookings Institution is a nonprofit public policy organization based in Washington, DC. Our mission is to conduct in-depth research that leads to new ideas for solving problems facing society at the local, national and global level.  

We bring together leading experts in government and academia from all over the world, rooted in open-minded inquiry and representing diverse points of view, who provide the highest quality research, policy recommendations, and analysis. Research topics cover a full range of public policy issues in economics, foreign policy, development, governance and metropolitan policy. 

With fair and transparent business practices, clear communication, mutual respect, and a collaborative atmosphere that offers both professional and personal development opportunities, Brookings offers an inclusive and welcoming workplace that values the efforts of all contributors. 

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress.   The program’s research agenda is related to policies and trends affecting developing countries including global poverty, universal education, the global middle class, fragile states, globalization, inequality, foreign assistance and development effectiveness. 

Position Location: This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, DC office with the option of at least two days of remote work each week.  

Vaccine Policy: Brookings requires all staff  to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to be in Brookings buildings.   

Individuals that (i) have a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination, or (ii) who object to being vaccinated based on a sincerely held religious belief, may request a reasonable accommodation.  Brookings policies on masks and other pandemic mitigation measures will continue to be informed by DC and CDC guidelines.    

Ready to contribute to Brookings success? 

The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings is accepting applications for a Fellow/Senior Fellow position within its Center for Universal Education. The Global Economy and Development program at Brookings aims to shape the policy debate on how to improve global economic cooperation and fight global poverty and sources of social stress. Founded in 2002, the Center for Universal Education (CUE) is a leading policy center focused on universal quality education and skills development around the world. The center plays a critical role in accelerating education change so that all learners can thrive in a rapidly changing world. CUE helps inform the development of policy related to global education and promotes actionable strategies for governments, civil society, and private enterprise. This position will be a two-year termed position with extension contingent on funding.

This new Fellow/Senior Fellow will focus on Climate and Education. The Fellow will report directly to the Vice President and Director of the Global program and is expected to lead initiatives, conduct research, and work on policy-relevant papers and/or books. While the specific program of work will depend to some extent on the candidate’s interests and background, the position will require the scholar to spend time on three main activities: research and writing, external representation, and internal management. She/he will lead issue-focused meetings, conferences and other events, and interact with other Brookings scholars, donors, foundations, and the wider policy community. The scholar will engage with a wide range of partners on his or her research (e.g. consultations with peers, in-country visits, meetings with policymakers, high-level meetings, conferences, etc.).

This fellow/senior fellow position will lead the execution of a research project aimed at supporting education system transformation that includes effective education strategies focused on supporting students, schools, and systems ability to adapt to the impacts of climate change and contribute to the mitigation of climate change.

The Fellow/Senior Fellow will oversee data collection and undertake qualitative and quantitative data analysis, capture key learnings and insights, develop and manage new partnerships, engage with policymakers and other partners, and represent the project and its work in external venues. The Fellow/Senior Fellow will also be expected to produce regular knowledge products on timely policy issues related to advancing concepts such as sustainable citizenship and climate change education which may include policy-relevant papers, developing indices, blogs, policy briefs, reports and journal articles. The Fellow/Senior Fellow shall competently lead issue-focused meetings, high-level conferences, and other events, and interact with other Brookings scholars, current and potential funders, the wider policy community, and the media. The Fellow/Senior Fellow will be responsible for securing new funding and managing existing donor relationships.

Ready to make an impact? In this role, you will support Brookings values of collegiality, respect, inclusion, diversity and community, and bring the following qualifications: 

Education/Experience Requirements:

This is not an early-career position. The position will be filled at either the Fellow or Senior Fellow level, as determined by the expertise and accomplishments of the candidate and the needs of the Global Economy and Development program. A bachelor’s degree is required; a PhD in a related field such as education, public policy, international development, environmental policy, or a related social science field is strongly preferred. A minimum of six years of relevant research or policy-related experience, ideally in a fast-paced work environment, to be considered for this role. Candidates considered at the senior level will be a recognized and respected leader in their area of expertise, and must have at least three of the following: A PhD or other terminal degree in relevant field Proven record of publishing that demonstrates in-depth research, rigorous analysis, recognized excellence in the field, and policy relevance. Publications can be from professional or academic journals, edited volumes, single-authored books, and/or policy-oriented publications. Significant professional experience from the public, private, academic, or non-profit sectors. For scholars whose work is practitioner-based, candidates must be able to demonstrate an exceptional professional track record with significant leadership, strategy, and policy experience. Track record of academic or policy impact, such as framing issues, setting agendas, or affecting evidence-based changes in policy and practice.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Candidates should have a particular interest in climate change education, education system transformation, and the intersections between citizenship education and climate change and education. Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as expertise in primary and secondary research, policy guidance and advising. She/he must have a proven record of publishing in professional or academic journals, edited volumes, and/or policy-oriented publications and a track record of forging successful partnerships/collaborations within and across institutions, including governments, to communicate complex ideas and achieve impact. Demonstrated ability to fundraise and contribute to the program’s financial sustainability is an advantage. The position requires domestic and international travel. The successful candidate will be capable of providing breakthrough thinking in relevant policy areas and of influencing the intellectual discourse and will be recognized as an authority within a particular area of climate and education scholarship or policymaking. 

Additional Information: 

What can we offer you? Brookings provides a generous benefit package that is comprehensive and includes both traditional benefits and unique offerings. 

Brookings requires that all applicants submit a cover letter and resume. Please attach your cover letter and resume as one document when you apply. Please note: if you have applied to more than one Brookings job opening you should add a position-specific cover letter as a separate attachment. 

Successful completion of a background investigation is required for employment at Brookings. 

Brookings welcomes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.  We welcome applications that reflect a variety of backgrounds based on ideology, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, first generation college goers, and other factors protected by law. Brookings is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace.