International Research Fellow, International Programs Division At Population Council

TITLE: International Research Fellow, International Programs Division

MENTOR: Country Representative/ International Programs Division

LOCATION: Guatemala City, Guatemala

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 professionals leading/supporting evidence generation and utilization through tailored opportunities. Fellows are placed in selected Country/Affiliate offices where they may learn and contribute to research, programmatic and policy review efforts and/or provide technical expertise to defined programs/initiative while developing core research and/or professional skills needed to make meaningful contributions to our mission impact.

The International Research Fellow will contribute to, inform, and advance the Council’s portfolio of work on gender, migration and gender-based violence (GBV) research in Guatemala and Mesoamerica. By engaging with local 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 that include gender, migration and gender-based violence with a geographic focus on Guatemala and Mesoamerica— a region that covers southern Mexico and the northern countries of Central America.

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 Guatemala and Mesoamerica and the overall organizational mission.

3. Support the implementation of research impact activities and grow leadership skills by cultivating partnerships with civil society organizations and government stakeholders in Guatemala and Mesoamerica.

The Research Policy Fellowship is specifically geared to expanding the capacity and diversity of individuals leading and supporting research activities in Guatemala and Mesoamerica. It is limited to citizens of Guatemala.

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

1. Collaborate with local staff, country consultants and global experts to synthesize and disseminate new and existing evidence generated by the Council 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.

2. Strengthen data analysis capacities and support the interpretation of research findings to inform policy and programming on gender, migration and GBV by continuously examining different sources of national and regional information.

3. Document and synthesize the Council’s footprint in the gender and adolescent space in Guatemala and Mesoamerica, with special attention to the capacity building approaches that have led to successful partnerships with indigenous and women-led organizations.

4. Participate in and contribute to the development of new business opportunities for the Guatemala Office, including the writing and development of concept notes and other materials for resource mobilization.

5. Contribute to strengthen and expand Council-led initiatives implemented in partnership with the Office of the Vice President, the National Office for the Defense of Indigenous Women, UN Agencies, and other strategic partners in Guatemala.

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 gender, migration and GBV in Guatemala and Mesoamerica 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.

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.

1. Master’s degree and/or PhD in social science, international development, public policy or a related field with a minimum of 3+ years of relevant experience in gender, migration or GBV research, policy or advocacy; or the equivalent combination of education and experience

2. Knowledge, experience, and/or strong interest in cross-cutting issues of gender equity, indigenous peoples, social justice, human rights, access for underserved populations, and /or improving systems strengthening of social protection.

3. Proficient in Spanish and English, with strong proven oral and written communications skills and the ability to read, analyze, and interpret research findings in both languages, with a keen attention to grammatical detail and presentation.

4. 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.

5. Proven track record of responsiveness, flexibility, and ability to manage multiple concurrent activities/tasks and consistently take responsibility for high-quality deliverables.

6. Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and statistical software for quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis (e.g., Stata, SPSS, R, Deedose).

This fellowship is limited to citizens of Guatemala.

TERMS:

The Fellowship includes a competitive monthly stipend and benefits, work equipment (computer) and office space at the Council’s office in Guatemala City.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 15, 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.