Fellow / Senior Fellow (Early Childhood Education), Center for Universal Education (Job ID: 2023-3225)

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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, schools, communities, and families, and private enterprise. This new Fellow/Senior Fellow will focus on Early Childhood 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.).

In line with CUE’s focus on collaborative, locally-driven research to inform systems transformation for inclusive and holistic education globally, this fellow/senior fellow position will lead the execution of a research project aimed at building evidence from local communities around the world on how quality early childhood education interventions can promote more equitable student learning and providing data and technical support that helps leaders in and outside of the education sector take ECE interventions to scale.  

The Fellow/Senior Fellow will lead two key elements of this work 1) develop a network of early learning advisors at the cutting edge locally and globally to build the evidence based and develop practical guidance for system transformation, and 2) conduct a global mapping study of ECE interventions, with particular focus on country-level ECE/pre-primary coverage, models for delivery, and quality standards.

The Fellow/Senior Fellow will 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 around early childhood 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, public health, 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, is required to be considered for this role. Candidates considered at the senior level will be recognized and respected leaders 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. The successful candidate will be capable of providing breakthrough thinking in early childhood education and of influencing the intellectual discourse and will be recognized as an authority within a particular area of early childhood education scholarship or policymaking. 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.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

Candidates should have a particular interest in early childhood education, with a particular focus on the effectiveness of ECE interventions and policy approaches. Candidates should have strong oral and written communication skills, as well as expertise in primary and secondary research, policy guidance and advising, building partnerships with external organizations and government policymakers, and working collaboratively across disciplines and with multiple stakeholders. Demonstrated ability to fundraise and contribute to the program’s financial sustainability is an advantage. The position requires domestic and international travel.

Additional Information: 

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

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