The Global Education Analytics Institute (GEAI), in collaboration with PEP, is inviting applications for young African researchers who are motivated to improve education and could benefit from additional support to submit an expression of interest in AFEP. This program aims to address this local capacity gap and improve education decision-making across Sub-Saharan Africa. AFEP will support a network of local policy fellows with enhanced skills in evaluating existing educational research, developing and using performance data to make better decisions, and introducing rigorous evidence into the decision-making process. Having a network of highly competent researchers across the region reinforces the value of using systematic evidence in decision-making and supports broad policy improvement.
In sum, the objective of the AFEP is to build a group of Africa-based leaders capable of developing evidence and shaping educational policies relevant to their countries. These leaders would be part of a global network of such people and could help build local networks of strong advocates for improving schools.
Roles/Responsibilities
- By the end of the first year, having consulted with relevant policymakers and stakeholders, prepare a concept research proposal focusing on a specific education problem in their home country or any other Sub-Saharan African country. Motivate the selected (educational) research issues and objectives, outline the data sources and proposed methodology, and present a clear plan for completing the project by June 2027.
- Attend all short-term training courses arranged by GEAI in collaboration with PEP.
- Over the two years, work closely with local and international scientific mentors to develop and complete the research project.
- Present the project’s work-in-progress and final reports at local and international conferences organized by GEAI and its partners.
- Complete the project within two years and present the final report at the conference organised by GEAI-PEP in June 2027. The final report must be sufficiently rigorous to meet current research and evaluation standards.
- Write a policy brief based on the final technical research report.
- Write a policy blog.
- Organize in-country policy outreach workshops to disseminate the research findings.
Eligibility
- Be a national of a Sub-Saharan African country;
- Have an MA or PhD degree, preferably in Economics, education policy, social/public policy, development studies or international development, with a strong focus on education. While a PhD is not mandatory, GEAI and PEP encourage fresh PhD graduates who can benefit from mentorship and additional training to become solid researchers;
- Be proficient in quantitative data analysis, with a strong knowledge of data analysis software such as R and Stata;
- Not be older than 35 years old;
- Demonstrate interest in education policy research and analysis;
- Work for the government or have an affiliation at either a research or higher education institution in a Sub-Saharan African country and intend to do so for the foreseeable future;
- Qualified females are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application details
- A two-page statement of interest;
- A two-page essay. The essay must be prepared in English. In this essay, the applicant must
- either think and write about a specific education problem in their home country and how it could be scientifically evaluated using quantitative methods.
- or write an essay responding to any of the questions under the five thematic areas of our partner institution, Teaching at the Right Level (TaRL) Africa (see attached thematic areas). Similarly, candidates must explain how such questions could be scientifically evaluated using quantitative or mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods.
- A detailed and updated CV with at least two (2) referees the selection committee can contact.
