International Research Fellow, International Programs Division

TITLE: International Research Fellow, International Programs Division 

MENTOR: Country Director/ International Programs Division  

LOCATION: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia  

FELLOWSHIP LENGTH: Two-year fellowship term  

SUMMARY: The International Programs (IP) Division provides leadership and support to the Council's International Offices and Affiliated Organizations across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. As part of the Division’s efforts to maximize the Council’s international presence, the International Programs Divisions’ Fellowship Program aims to enhance the effectiveness and impact of Council-led research within and across countries by developing and increasing the capacity and diversity of research professionals through tailored opportunities. Fellows are placed in selected Country/Affiliate offices where they will learn and contribute to key research, programmatic and policy review efforts while developing the technical and professional skills needed to make meaningful contributions to our mission impact and growing the next generation of Council researchers.  

The International Research Fellow based in the Council’s Ethiopia office will contribute to, inform, and advance the Council’s portfolio of work in Ethiopia in its four priority focus areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights and choices, adolescents and young people, gender equality and equity, and climate and environmental changes. The Council has been working in Ethiopia since 1993 in partnership with government, ministries, and community-based organizations to improve the lives of adolescent girls and young women, and the men and boys in their lives. The Council conducts population-based surveys and qualitative studies to generate reliable data about the lives of young people in Ethiopia. These data have been instrumental in shaping national and international policies and programs for young people in Ethiopia and globally. The fellow will contribute to continuing to advance the Council’s research in these areas, as well as to expanding the scope of the Council’s mission into new areas of work, including migration, climate change and in humanitarian settings among others in Ethiopia and the East Africa region.  

By engaging with national and global colleagues across Council Divisions, the Research Fellow will have the opportunity to:  

1. Gain first-hand experience in designing and conducting technical and operational research activities on topics in the Council’s four priority areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights and choices, adolescents and young people, gender equality and equity, and climate and environmental changes with a particular focus on expansion areas including migration, climate change and research in humanitarian settings with a geographic focus on Ethiopia and the Eastern Africa region.  
2. Build skills in collecting, compiling, analyzing and synthesizing data for relevant projects to help advance the Council’s social and behavioral science (SBS) research agenda in Ethiopia and the Eastern Africa region and the overall organizational mission.  
3. Support the implementation of research utilization and impact activities and grow leadership skills by cultivating partnerships with civil society organizations and government stakeholders in Ethiopia and the Eastern Africa region.  

The International Programs Fellowship is specifically geared to expanding the capacity and diversity of individuals leading and supporting research activities in Ethiopia and the Eastern Africa region. It is limited to citizens of Ethiopia or individuals not requiring sponsorship to work in Ethiopia.  

RESPONSIBILITIES: The following responsibilities will be refined as learning objectives in collaboration with the Fellow through the development of an Individual Learning and Training Plan and Annual Work Plan.  

1. Strengthen evidence generation and analysis capacities and support the interpretation of research findings to inform policy and programming in the Council’s current portfolio of work in Ethiopia, focusing on adolescent and youth. 
2. Support the identification and pursuit of opportunities to expand the offices portfolio on the Council’s four priority areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights and choices, adolescents and young people, gender equality and equity, and climate and environmental changes in the context of Ethiopia and the Eastern Africa Region.  
3. Collaborate with local staff, country consultants and global experts to synthesize and disseminate new and existing evidence generated by the Council and its partners in the past two decades, including the writing and development reports, blog series, fact sheets and manuscripts for publication in international peer review journals and local outlets.  
4. Participate in and contribute to the development of new business opportunities for the Ethiopia Office, including the writing and development of proposals, concept notes and other materials for resource mobilization.  
5. Contribute to strengthen and expand Council-led initiatives implemented in partnership with the various government agencies and institutions, UN agencies, civil society organizations and national strategic partners in Ethiopia.  
6. Coordinate existing partnerships and build new connections with individuals, civil society organizations, academic institutions, regional networks and community-based groups that align to the Council’s social and behavioral science (SBS) research agenda and the overall organizational mission.  
7. Monitor and analyze the policy environment on the Council’s priority focus areas in Ethiopia when relevant, and participate in county/national meetings, consultations, and working groups that help build the Council’s presence and influence in policy design and implementation.  
8. Participate in and contribute to research forums such as conferences, workshops and meetings that provide opportunities to promote the Council’s work, increase visibility, network and establish collaborations.  

In addition to the above, the Fellow will participate in professional continuing education, skills training, and professional meetings to enhance their leadership, management, and technical skills.  

QUALIFICATIONS:  

We understand that there are many paths to acquiring expertise and experience and strong candidates may not have every qualification listed here. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse and/or nontraditional backgrounds who bring passion, skills, and experience in many or most of these areas.? 

• Master’s or PhD degree in social science, international development, public policy or a related field. PhD is strongly preferred.  
• Knowledge, experience, and/or strong interest in the Council’s four priority areas: sexual and reproductive health and rights and choices, adolescents and young people, gender equality and equity, and climate and environmental changes, preferably at the intersection of two or more areas  
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in research and/or policy in one or more of the Council’s priority focus areas or the equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Proficient in English with strong oral and written communications skills and the proven ability to read, analyze, and interpret research findings, with a keen attention to grammatical detail and presentation.  
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to effectively engage with a broad range of colleagues and partners at multiple levels. Proven ability to work well across multiple stakeholders.  
• Proven track record of responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple concurrent activities/tasks and consistently take responsibility for high-quality deliverables.  
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and statistical software for quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R, Nvivo, Deedose).  

This fellowship is limited to citizens of Ethiopia or individuals not requiring sponsorship to work in Ethiopia. 

TERMS:  

The position includes a competitive monthly stipend and benefits, work equipment (computer) and office space at the Council’s office in Addis Ababa. 

TO APPLY: 

Qualified candidates should send their resume and cover letter through our career portal. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 31, 2023 

The Population Council is an international, nonprofit, nongovernmental institution that seeks to improve the well-being and reproductive health of current and future generations around the world and to help achieve a humane, equitable, and sustainable balance between people and resources. The Council conducts biomedical, social science, and public health research and helps build research capacities in developing countries. Established in 1952, the Council is governed by an international board of trustees. Its New York headquarters supports a global network of country offices. We are seeking an individual to fill the position described. If you know of a qualified candidate or are interested in this position, please apply at: http://www.popcouncil.org/employment/index.asp

The Population Council provides equal opportunity; it does not discriminate against any person with regard to age, color, creed, national origin, disability, political belief, veteran status, religion, marital status, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Decisions on employment are based on an individual’s qualifications as related to the position for which they are being considered. The Council especially encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups including but not limited to Black people and people of African descent, Indigenous people, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, including people who identify as transgender, non-binary, or gender expansive, people with disabilities, first-generation college graduates, and those from communities with the most to gain from expanded access to sexual and reproductive health services and information. The Population Council is international in the composition of its board of trustees and its staff, as well as in the nature and deployment of its activities.