The Echidna Global Scholars Programme at the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at Brookings seeks to catalyze and amplify the impact of local leaders working to advance gender equality in and through education across the Global South.
During a six-month fellowship, Echidna Global Scholars conduct individual research focused on improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people, develop their leadership and evidence-based policy skills, build substantive knowledge on gender and global education issues, and expand their pathways for impact. Upon completion of the fellowship, scholars transition to the Echidna Alumni Network, a growing community of practice aimed at promoting their significant, sustained, and collective influence on gender-transformative education globally and locally.
Since its inception in 2012, the Echidna Global Scholars Programme has hosted ten cohorts of fellows and currently supports an alumni network of 33 scholars from 20 different countries.
The Echidna Global Scholars fellowship consists of three distinct phases:
- Pre-residency (in home country): With the support from the Center for Universal Education (CUE), scholars begin an intensive period of in-country data collection and analysis, accompanied by a series of virtual workshops, group working meetings, and individual advisory sessions. Scholars are introduced to the leadership concepts and tools that will be the focus of the leadership development program throughout the fellowship and begin developing their impact strategy—identifying and engaging with local stakeholders from their home country.
- Residency (Washington, D.C.): Scholars focus on expanding reach and impact through publication and dissemination of their research on Brookings’s multimedia platforms, strategic impact capacity building, leadership development, and networking. The residency phase is designed to help scholars strengthen their impact by teaching best practices for analyzing, communicating, and leveraging research for policy and key audiences, as well as expanding scholars’ networks and promoting visibility through Brookings convenings and strategic collaborations—culminating in the girls’ education research and policy symposium.
- Post-residency (in home country): During the two-year post-residency period, the CUE team provides targeted support to alumni as they implement impact plans that build off their research. Through strategic advisement, group working meetings, and leadership development support, scholars leverage the knowledge, skills, and connections built throughout the fellowship to catalyze change in their local contexts.
About Brookings Institution
The Brookings Institution, often referred to simply as Brookings, is an American research group founded in 1916 on Think Tank Row in Washington, D.C.It conducts research and education in the social sciences, primarily in economics (and tax policy), metropolitan policy, governance, foreign policy, global economy, and economic development.Its stated mission is to "provide innovative and practical recommendations that advance three broad goals: strengthen American democracy; foster the economic and social welfare, sec... continue reading
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Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship
Aim and Benefits of Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship
- Applicants selected for the Fellowship will receive a stipend totaling $22,500 USD to support living costs during the pre-residency and residency periods (subject to U.S. tax withholding and reporting).
- In addition, CUE will cover the costs associated with the visa process, single-occupancy housing for the three-and-a-half-month residency period, round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.
Requirements for Echidna Global Scholars Visiting Fellowship Qualification
- Open to mid-career leaders with experience in and a demonstrated commitment to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in and through education in the Global South.
- Have substantial experience in, ties to, and a clear intent to return to a country in the Global South.
- Background in education, development, public policy, economics, or a related area; a Master’s degree (or higher) is required.
- 10+ years of professional experience in research/academia, nongovernmental, community, or civil society organizations, or government.
- An intimate understanding of education development issues and gender.
- Ability to collaborate with others, openness to give and receive feedback, and capacity and desire to learn with speed and flexibility.
- All Echidna Global Scholars must demonstrate proficiency in English.
Application Deadline
December 1, 2022
How to Apply
Interested and qualified? Go to
Brookings Institution on careers-brookings.icims.com to apply
In addition to a cover letter and CV, all applicants answer a questionnaire and submit a 3-5 page proposal for a uniquely developed research project designed to increase the evidence base and improve learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in their countries.
For more details,visit Brookings Institution website
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