Echidna Global Scholar

The Echidna Global Scholars Program’s Visiting Fellowship is hosted by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., USA. The Echidna Global Scholars Program aims to accelerate systemic change for gender equality in and through education by strengthening leadership and ecosystems to drive lasting impact at local, regional and global levels. As the first stage of the program, the Visiting Fellowship brings selected Scholars to Brookings, where they conduct individual research, develop their leadership and evidence-based policy skills, build substantive knowledge on gender and global education issues, and expand their pathways for impact.

The Fellowship consists of four phases:

In addition, upon completion of the residency, scholars transition into the Echidna Global Scholars Alumni Network (EGSAN), a growing network of educators, researchers, community leaders and policy influencers grounded in diverse lived experiences and united by a shared commitment to gender equality in and through education. The network is a dynamic space that drives collaborative research, shared learning, regional and global convenings, and collective action to advance systemic transformation globally, regionally and locally. Since its inception in 2012, the Echidna Global Scholars Program has hosted fifteen cohorts of fellows and supports an alumni network of over 50 scholars working in more than 25 different countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

The Center for Universal Education (CUE) aims to transform education systems, so they are adaptable and responsive, ensuring that every young person, regardless of their background, develops the skills they need to thrive. For over two decades, CUE has worked in partnership with educators, policymakers, communities, young people, and others across the globe to advance research, develop practical tools, and create spaces and mechanisms for sustained dialogue, transformative learning, and cohesive action in support of inclusive, equitable, high-quality, and contextually relevant learning. 

The Echidna Global Scholars Program is part of CUE’s broader efforts to catalyze and sustain collaborative action to achieve relevant, inclusive, and equitable learning for all, seeking to build the evidence base on policies and practices supporting gender equality in and through education in countries throughout the Global South. Given the Echidna Global Scholars’ understanding of the complex dynamics within their own communities, they are often best suited to craft strategies and solutions that address context-specific barriers and engage local decision-makers to transform systems for long-term change. To that end, the research and impact projects of the Echidna Global Scholars contribute to an important process of evidence-informed systems transformation and policy development. The transformative learning and professional development they experience during the Fellowship helps to strengthen leadership for gender equality in and through education around the world

Once selected to participate in the Fellowship, Echidna Global Scholars will participate in a Kickoff and Research Design in-person retreat before they spend approximately two months in pre-residency, working remotely from their home countries, followed by four months in residency at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. During this time, Scholars will work with the team to complete a uniquely developed research project and strategy for policy impact designed to increase the evidence base on gender equality in and through education and strengthen ecosystem to drive lasting impact at local, regional, and global levels. sin their countries.

Following their time in residence in Washington, D.C., Scholars will be supported in the implementation of activities in their local context that build on the findings of their research. Scholars will also have the opportunity to participate in ongoing collaborative and research activities as part of the Alumni Network. 

The Fellowship is a full-time, exclusive commitment during the residency period (roughly 40 hours/week) and a substantial part-time commitment during the pre-residency period (roughly 15-20 hours/week). The Program expects Echidna Global Scholars to:

• →Conduct professional, in-depth research, write an evidence-based policy paper, and present their research and policy recommendations at Brookings organized events.
• →Participate in individual and collective capacity strengthening and sharing activities, including the leadership development program, as well as individual and group workshops and reflections.
• →Develop a post-residency project proposal with the intent of expanding the impact of their research upon returning to their home country.
• →Interact professionally with other Brookings scholars and community members and be active participants in Brookings events (organizational meetings, informal discussions, seminars, presentations, private and public events).
• →Engage with key actors from the extended research, practice, and policy community within their home countries, in and around Washington, D.C., and globally, by participating in additional meetings and conferences, and networking with the broader education, gender, and global development community. 

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 advancing gender equality 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 sciences 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.

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.

All applications must be submitted through the iCIMS application system. Initial application materials must include BOTH attachments: 

• Application deadline: Sunday, December 6, 2026 at 11:59pm EST 

• Phone screen interviews: December 7-18, 2026 

• Program and final panel: January and February 2027 

• Selection and invitations sent: February 16, 2027 

• Acceptance date: February 23, 2027 

• Kickoff and research design retreat: April 2027 (TBD) 

• Fellowship - pre-residency start date: June 15, 2027 

• Fellowship - residency in Washington, D.C.: August-December 2027 

There will be an information session for all prospective applicants on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 8-9 am ET. Please register for the session through the following link: [https://brookings.zoom.us/j/81876641658?pwd=yQG7RJqg85GkiaXLK8uaCoLw9zyOQe.1]