The Echidna Global Scholars Program welcomes applications from leaders in gender equality in and through education from across the geographic Global South. Applicants working in the following areas will be given special consideration for the Program in 2026:

Geographic priorities: West Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Southwest Asia and North Africa.  

Context priorities: Countries and regions marked by conflict and crisis, as well as those with high levels of gender-based violence, child marriage, early childbearing, and low levels of sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Targeted actors and communities of interest: Socio-economically, culturally, and/or politically marginalized girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people; children or young people experiencing homelessness; indigenous, migrant, displaced, or nomadic populations; out-of-school children and youth; and LGBTQ+ youth.

contexts and research priorities: Echidna Global Scholars’ research topics must be focused on education priorities for girls, young women, and/or gender non-conforming people, as they are relevant in their specific contexts and build off a gender transformative framework, seeking to actively challenge discriminatory social norms and/or strengthen the agency of girls, young women, and/or gender non-conforming people. 

ELIGIBILITY:

Education/Experience Requirements:

The Program selects professionals with substantial experience in and ties to the Global South, a clear intent to return to the Global South after completing the period of residency at Brookings, and a passion and demonstrated commitment to improving learning opportunities and life outcomes for girls, young women, and gender non-conforming people in and through education. 

Applicants should have a background in education, gender and/or women’s studies, international or global development, public policy, economics, or a related social science or humanities area, with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in research/academia, non-governmental, community or civil society organizations, or government. Candidates with experience in both academic or government settings and community organizations are especially encouraged to apply. 

A Master’s degree is required.

Knowledge/Skills Requirements:

Successful applicants will have an in-depth understanding of education, development, and gender issues; strong analytical and writing skills; the ability to care for and collaborate with others; openness to give and receive feedback; and the capacity and desire to learn with speed and flexibility. 

All Echidna Global Scholars must demonstrate proficiency in English.

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.

Echidna Global Scholars must be able to participate fully in the pre-residency activities (15-20 hours/week), including the completion of pre-arrival data collection, and be available for a full-time, on-site affiliation with the Brookings Institution for the entire duration of the residency.

BENEFIT:

Please note that this position is a short-term fellowship at Brookings (it is not an employee position). Applicants selected for the Fellowship will receive a stipend totaling $26,500 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 4-month residency period, round-trip travel expenses, and a limited health insurance plan.