Applications are now open for the ECDAN Knowledge Fellows Program to study Climate Change (US$3,000 financial support for fellows)!

AdminMay 31, 2024

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ECDAN Knowledge Fellows Program to study Climate Change (US$3,000 financial support for fellows)!

ECDAN is recruiting six Knowledge Fellows to study climate change in 2024!

The Early Childhood Development Action Network (ECDAN) is a global network that has a mission to catalyze collective action with and for young children and their caregivers by connecting and aligning partners, sharing knowledge and good practice, and advocating for better policies, more resources, and accountability for results.

In 2024, ECDAN began implementing its new, five-year strategy. During the consultation process to develop the strategy, ECDAN heard from partners about how beneficial they found their knowledge offerings to be. ECDAN also heard requests to increase ECDAN’s capacity-strengthening efforts and diversify the types of organizations and individuals that are featured in its activities. All this feedback led to the decision to continue and expand the Knowledge Fellows program in the coming strategy period. This program launched in 2021 and is now in its fourth year. To date, 18 Knowledge Fellows from 13 different countries have completed the program.

What is the ECDAN Knowledge Fellows program?

The Knowledge Fellows program annually recruits a cohort of early-career early childhood development (ECD) professionals from around the world and provides them with professional development, mentorship, and networking connections as they complete a project that advances ECDAN’s learning goals. Each Fellow is paired with a seasoned ECD professional from an ECDAN partner organization, who provides guidance for the Fellow’s project as well as career guidance in general.

ECDAN Secretariat staff also offer professional development and learning opportunities by facilitating a community of practice for the Fellows. The Knowledge Fellows program is based on the belief that supporting early-career ECD professionals from around the globe to develop their skills, knowledge, and professional connections will not only help them increase their interest in continuing in the ECD field but also enrich conversations in the global ECD sector by elevating their perspectives and voices.

The ECDAN Knowledge Fellows program creates opportunities for early-career ECD professionals around the globe to receive professional development, mentorship, and networking connections while working on a project that advances ECDAN’s learning goals.

ECDAN is Recruiting Six Knowledge Fellows to Study Climate Change in 2024

To be eligible for the Knowledge Fellows program, individuals must have received an advanced degree in the past three years and not currently be writing a PhD dissertation. Knowledge Fellows commit approximately ten hours a week for nine months to complete a project that they co-create with ECDAN. Knowledge Fellows are paired with a seasoned ECD professional with expertise on the selected topic. The mentor provides supervision and support throughout the fellowship along with ECDAN’s Secretariat. Knowledge Fellows work remotely from anywhere in the world and do not require a working visa for any specific country.

Interested in being a Knowledge Fellow or know someone who would benefit from this opportunity? Read more about the application process here and spread the word. Applications are now being accepted through June 7, 2024.

Knowledge Fellows program Benefits

ECDAN will provide each Knowledge Fellow with the following:

Financial support of US$3,000, paid in two installments.
A seasoned ECD professional, who has expertise in the Fellow’s specific topic area, to
serve as a mentor and provide guidance throughout the fellowship.
Continuous professional development and support from ECDAN’s Secretariat.

Peer support through the monthly cohort meetings with other Knowledge Fellows.
Networking and collaboration opportunities with other ECD professionals worldwide.
Invitation to attend events such as webinars, facilitated discussions, and other learning
exchanges hosted by ECDAN and its partners.

The opportunity to present the final product to global stakeholders in a dissemination
event.
Visibility for the Fellow on ECDAN’s website and promotion of the created product.