African Center for Early Childhood Development Jobs 2026 – Junior Researcher
African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD)
Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa, ET
Role description
African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD) is inviting qualified candidates to apply for the position of Junior Researcher in Addis Ababa.
Travel Guides & Travelogues
The Junior Researcher will support research, data collection, analysis, evidence generation, research publications, policy-oriented knowledge products, and dissemination activities related to Early Childhood Development (ECD) .
Job Details
Position: Junior Researcher Organization: African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD) Directorate: Research and Innovation Directorate Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Number of Positions: 1 Employment Type: Full-time Contract Duration: One year, with possibility of extension subject to performance, organizational need, and availability of funds Experience: At least 2 years of relevant research or professional experience Deadline: October 31, 2026
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 position 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 AfC-ECD staff, universities, research institutions, government stakeholders, and development partners.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Data Collection
Support ECD baseline surveys, assessments, and other research activities. 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 evidence gaps and policy implications. Support developmental milestone assessments and other ECD-related assessments as assigned.
Research Writing and Publications
Contribute to research reports, technical reports, research papers, and manuscripts. Support preparation and development of the AfC-ECD Journal and other Center publications. Assist in preparing manuscripts for 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 preparation of policy briefs, research summaries, presentations, and slide decks. Assist in translating research findings into practical policy and program recommendations. Contribute to the AfC-ECD research repository and knowledge hub. Support documentation and dissemination of ECD evidence, promising practices, and lessons learned.
Stakeholder Engagement
Support 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 activities. Support communication and coordination with universities, research institutions, government institutions, and other partners. Assist the Research Coordinator in maintaining 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.
Required Qualifications
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 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 applicable recruitment policies.
Required Experience
At least 2 years of relevant research or professional experience . 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. 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.
Technical Skills
Knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. 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 SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or equivalent tools is an advantage. Strong 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 research data management.
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
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. Positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.
Desirable Experience
The following will be considered an advantage:
Experience specifically in Early Childhood Development research. Experience conducting baseline 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. Knowledge of national and international ECD policies, frameworks, and programs.
Research Ethics and Child Safeguarding
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. The best interests, dignity, and safety of children participating in research.
Travel Guides & Travelogues
The Junior Researcher will support research, data collection, analysis, evidence generation, research publications, policy-oriented knowledge products, and dissemination activities related to Early Childhood Development (ECD) .
Job Details
Position: Junior Researcher Organization: African Center for Early Childhood Development (AfC-ECD) Directorate: Research and Innovation Directorate Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Number of Positions: 1 Employment Type: Full-time Contract Duration: One year, with possibility of extension subject to performance, organizational need, and availability of funds Experience: At least 2 years of relevant research or professional experience Deadline: October 31, 2026
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 position 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 AfC-ECD staff, universities, research institutions, government stakeholders, and development partners.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Data Collection
Support ECD baseline surveys, assessments, and other research activities. 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 evidence gaps and policy implications. Support developmental milestone assessments and other ECD-related assessments as assigned.
Research Writing and Publications
Contribute to research reports, technical reports, research papers, and manuscripts. Support preparation and development of the AfC-ECD Journal and other Center publications. Assist in preparing manuscripts for 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 preparation of policy briefs, research summaries, presentations, and slide decks. Assist in translating research findings into practical policy and program recommendations. Contribute to the AfC-ECD research repository and knowledge hub. Support documentation and dissemination of ECD evidence, promising practices, and lessons learned.
Stakeholder Engagement
Support 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 activities. Support communication and coordination with universities, research institutions, government institutions, and other partners. Assist the Research Coordinator in maintaining 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.
Required Qualifications
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 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 applicable recruitment policies.
Required Experience
At least 2 years of relevant research or professional experience . 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. 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.
Technical Skills
Knowledge of quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. 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 SPSS, STATA, R, Excel, NVivo, ATLAS.ti, or equivalent tools is an advantage. Strong 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 research data management.
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
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. Positive, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach.
Desirable Experience
The following will be considered an advantage:
Experience specifically in Early Childhood Development research. Experience conducting baseline 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. Knowledge of national and international ECD policies, frameworks, and programs.
Research Ethics and Child Safeguarding
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. The best interests, dignity, and safety of children participating in research.