Junior Researcher

• Listing summary: The successful candidate should possess a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development, Early Childhood Education, Education, Developmental Psychology, Psychology, Public Health, Global Health, Sociology, or a closely related field.

Junior Researcher

Directorate: Research and Innovation Directorate
Duty Station: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-Time
Number of Positions: One
Duration: One year, with possibility of extension subject to performance, organizational need and availability of funds
Reports To: Research and Innovation Directorate
Salary: In accordance with the AfC-ECD salary scale and applicable employment conditions
Application Deadline:

About the African Center for Early Childhood Development

The African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD), established under Regulation No. 177/2024, is dedicated to advancing comprehensive, integrated and multisectoral Early Childhood Development (ECD) policies, systems and programs.

The Center works to strengthen government-led systems and promote equitable access to quality ECD services by generating and using evidence, supporting policy development, promoting innovation, strengthening the ECD workforce, and advancing standards and quality assurance.

AfC-ECD's major areas of work include:

• Integrated Knowledge Hub;

• Research and Innovation;

• Workforce Development; and

• Standards and Quality Assurance.

The Research and Innovation Directorate is responsible for conducting and supporting research and evidence generation on Early Childhood Development; undertaking studies and assessments; generating policy ideas and evidence-based recommendations; supporting research partnerships; and disseminating knowledge and research findings to relevant stakeholders at national, continental and global levels.

The Directorate also works with universities, research institutions, government institutions, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen the evidence base for ECD policies, programs and practices.

To support these activities, AfC-ECD invites applications from qualified, motivated and research-oriented professionals for the position of Junior Researcher.

Position Summary

The Junior Researcher will support the Research and Innovation Directorate in planning, implementing, analyzing, documenting and disseminating research and evidence-generation activities related to Early Childhood Development.

The successful candidate will contribute to ECD baseline surveys, assessments, desk reviews, stakeholder consultations, policy research, data analysis, research publications, knowledge products and dissemination activities.

The Junior Researcher will work under the guidance of the Research Coordinator and collaborate with other AfC-ECD staff, universities, research institutions, government stakeholders and development partners.

Key Responsibilities

The Junior Researcher will be responsible for, among others, the following:

Research and Data Collection

• Support the implementation of ECD baseline surveys, assessments and other research activities in selected regions and city administrations.

• Support ongoing and planned research and periodic surveys related to ECD initiatives.

• Conduct literature reviews and desk research on Early Childhood Development and related areas.

• Assist in developing research questions, questionnaires, interview guides and other data collection tools.

• Participate in data collection, key informant interviews, stakeholder consultations and field research activities.

• Support data cleaning, organization, documentation and analysis.

• Assist in interpreting research findings and identifying key findings, evidence gaps and policy implications.

• Support developmental milestone assessments and other ECD-related assessments as assigned.

Research Writing and Publications

• Contribute to the preparation of research reports, technical reports, research papers and manuscripts.

• Support the preparation and development of the AfC-ECD Journal and other Center publications.

• Assist in preparing manuscripts for submission to relevant academic and professional journals.

• Prepare literature reviews, research summaries and evidence syntheses.

• Assist in editing and proofreading research documents and publications.

Policy and Knowledge Products

• Support the preparation of policy briefs, research summaries, presentations and slide decks.

• Assist in translating research findings into practical policy and program recommendations.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the AfC-ECD research repository and knowledge hub.

• Support documentation and dissemination of ECD evidence, promising practices and lessons learned.

Stakeholder Engagement and Dissemination

• Support the organization and implementation of research consultations, workshops, forums and dissemination events.

• Participate in stakeholder consultation meetings and document key findings and recommendations.

• Assist in preparing reports from research dissemination events and forums.

• Support communication and coordination with universities, research institutions, government institutions and other partners.

• Assist the Research Coordinator in maintaining effective research partnerships.

Reporting and Coordination

• Prepare periodic updates and reports on assigned research activities.

• Contribute to daily, monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual reports of the Research and Innovation Directorate.

• Maintain appropriate records and documentation of research activities.

• Work collaboratively with other AfC-ECD directorates and staff.

• Perform other research-related duties assigned by the supervisor.

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Education

A Master's degree in one of the following fields or a closely related discipline:

• Early Childhood Development

• Early Childhood Education

• Education

• Developmental Psychology

• Psychology

• Public Health

• Global Health

• Sociology

• Social Anthropology

• Development Studies

• Social Sciences

• Public Policy

• Economics

• Statistics

• Epidemiology, or

• Other relevant fields related to Early Childhood Development and research.

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and exceptionally strong relevant research experience may be considered in accordance with AfC-ECD's applicable recruitment policies.

Required Experience

• At least two (2) years of relevant research or professional experience.

• Demonstrated experience in research, surveys, assessments, data collection, literature reviews, policy research or related activities.

• Experience working with universities, research institutions, government institutions, NGOs, development organizations or similar institutions is desirable.

• Previous experience in Early Childhood Development, education, child development, public health, social protection or related areas is highly desirable.

• Experience contributing to research publications, reports, policy briefs or academic papers is an advantage.

Required Knowledge and Technical Skills

The successful candidate should have:

• Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.

• Good knowledge of research design and data collection processes.

• Ability to conduct systematic literature and desk reviews.

• Ability to develop and use research questionnaires and interview guides.

• Basic to intermediate data management and analysis skills.

• Familiarity with research and data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, NVivo, ATLAS.ti or equivalent is an advantage.

• Excellent research writing, editing and documentation skills.

• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to synthesize and communicate research findings clearly.

• Ability to prepare research reports, policy briefs and presentations.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Ability to use online research databases and digital communication platforms.

• Understanding of research ethics, confidentiality and responsible management of research data.

Language Requirements

• Excellent written and spoken English is required.

• Knowledge of other Ethiopian languages is an advantage, particularly for field-based research.

Personal and Professional Competencies

The candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in Early Childhood Development and evidence-based policy and programming;

• High professional integrity and ethical conduct;

• Strong research and analytical orientation;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;

• Attention to detail and commitment to quality;

• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;

• Strong organizational and time-management skills;

• Willingness to learn and develop professionally;

• Flexibility and adaptability;

• Ability and willingness to travel to regions and other locations when required; and

• Positive, collaborative and solution-oriented attitude.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

The following will be considered an advantage:

• Experience specifically in Early Childhood Development research;

• Experience conducting baseline surveys or periodic surveys;

• Experience in developmental assessment or child development measurement;

• Experience conducting mixed-methods research;

• Experience with systematic or scoping reviews;

• Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication;

• Experience in policy analysis and evidence synthesis;

• Experience working with children, parents, caregivers or communities;

• Experience working with universities or international research institutions; and

• Knowledge of national and international ECD policies, frameworks and programs.

Research Ethics and Child Safeguarding

Because AfC-ECD's work may involve research concerning children, families and communities, candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to:

• Research ethics;

• Confidentiality and responsible data management;

• Protection of research participants;

• Informed consent and, where applicable, child assent;

• Child safeguarding principles; and

• The best interests, dignity and safety of children participating in research.

What We Offer

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to national ECD research and evidence generation;

• Work with universities, research institutions and government stakeholders;

• Contribute to policy-oriented research and knowledge products;

• Participate in national and regional research activities;

• Contribute to publications and dissemination of ECD evidence; and

• Work within a multidisciplinary team committed to strengthening Early Childhood Development in Ethiopia.

How To Apply

Application Requirements

Interested and qualified candidates should submit:

An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV);

A cover letter clearly indicating the position applied for;

Copies of relevant academic credentials and certificates;

Names and contact details of two professional referees;

Samples of relevant research reports, publications, policy briefs or other research outputs, where available; and

Any other supporting documents requested by AfC-ECD.

The CV should clearly indicate the candidate's educational qualifications, employment history, research experience, publications and relevant technical skills.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted via email to (Info@afcecd.org and fetiyatemam.coe@gmail) with the subject line “Expression of Interest –Junior Researcher– AfC-ECD” within 7 days from the date of posting.

N.B :

All Candidates should fill out the application by accessing the following link and thoroughly responding to all questions provided.

    Link:- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9Hk1Pny7CM4cFFmxpyDN1MlUY0NfF4hNSztnIOhBmBNCHGg/viewform?usp=header

Please be aware that unless you fill out and submit the form in the above link, your application will not be taken into consideration.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

Required Qualifications Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

Education

A Master's degree in one of the following fields or a closely related discipline:

• Early Childhood Development
• Early Childhood Education
• Education
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychology
• Public Health
• Global Health
• Sociology
• Social Anthropology
• Development Studies
• Social Sciences
• Public Policy
• Economics
• Statistics
• Epidemiology, or
• Other relevant fields related to Early Childhood Development and research.

Candidates with a Bachelor's degree and exceptionally strong relevant research experience may be considered in accordance with AfC-ECD's applicable recruitment policies.

Required Experience

• At least two (2) years of relevant research or professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in research, surveys, assessments, data collection, literature reviews, policy research or related activities.
• Experience working with universities, research institutions, government institutions, NGOs, development organizations or similar institutions is desirable.
• Previous experience in Early Childhood Development, education, child development, public health, social protection or related areas is highly desirable.
• Experience contributing to research publications, reports, policy briefs or academic papers is an advantage.

Required Knowledge and Technical Skills The successful candidate should have:

• Good understanding of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.
• Good knowledge of research design and data collection processes.
• Ability to conduct systematic literature and desk reviews.
• Ability to develop and use research questionnaires and interview guides.
• Basic to intermediate data management and analysis skills.
• Familiarity with research and data analysis software such as SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, NVivo, ATLAS.ti or equivalent is an advantage.
• Excellent research writing, editing and documentation skills.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to synthesize and communicate research findings clearly.
• Ability to prepare research reports, policy briefs and presentations.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to use online research databases and digital communication platforms.
• Understanding of research ethics, confidentiality and responsible management of research data.

Language Requirements

• Excellent written and spoken English is required.
• Knowledge of other Ethiopian languages is an advantage, particularly for field-based research.

Personal and Professional Competencies The candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in Early Childhood Development and evidence-based policy and programming;
• High professional integrity and ethical conduct;
• Strong research and analytical orientation;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team;
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills;
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Ability and willingness to travel to regions and other locations when required; and
• Positive, collaborative and solution-oriented attitude.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience The following will be considered an advantage:

• Experience specifically in Early Childhood Development research;
• Experience conducting baseline surveys or periodic surveys;
• Experience in developmental assessment or child development measurement;
• Experience conducting mixed-methods research;
• Experience with systematic or scoping reviews;
• Experience preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication;
• Experience in policy analysis and evidence synthesis;
• Experience working with children, parents, caregivers or communities;
• Experience working with universities or international research institutions; and
• Knowledge of national and international ECD policies, frameworks and programs.

Research Ethics and Child Safeguarding Because AfC-ECD's work may involve research concerning children, families and communities, candidates are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to:

• Research ethics;
• Confidentiality and responsible data management;
• Protection of research participants;
• Informed consent and, where applicable, child assent;
• Child safeguarding principles; and
• The best interests, dignity and safety of children participating in research.

What We Offer The successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Contribute to national ECD research and evidence generation;
• Work with universities, research institutions and government stakeholders;
• Contribute to policy-oriented research and knowledge products;
• Participate in national and regional research activities;
• Contribute to publications and dissemination of ECD evidence; and
• Work within a multidisciplinary team committed to strengthening Early Childhood Development in Ethiopia.