Application Guide

How to Apply for Assistant Researcher

at PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

🏢 About PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) Ethiopia is a premier research organization focused on evidence-based policy analysis, particularly in governance and federalism. What makes PSI unique is its direct impact on Ethiopian policy-making through research centers like the Good Governance Research Center, where this role sits. Working here offers the chance to contribute to tangible policy improvements in Ethiopia while engaging with international governance frameworks like BRICS.

About This Role

This Assistant Researcher role involves conducting in-depth research on BRICS governance structures, with a focus on comparative analysis across member countries and translating findings into Amharic policy documents. The position is impactful because it directly supports PSI's mission to inform Ethiopian governance policies through rigorous research and evidence synthesis, bridging international best practices with local policy needs.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve analyzing governance documents from BRICS countries, synthesizing findings into comparative frameworks, and collaborating with team members to develop Amharic policy briefs. You'd likely spend time reviewing institutional reports, drafting analytical sections of research papers, and preparing materials for validation workshops with Ethiopian stakeholders.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience conducting systematic document reviews of international policies, laws, and institutional reports, preferably related to governance or BRICS countries
  • Demonstrates strong qualitative research skills, including developing data collection tools and training manuals for field researchers
  • Possesses excellent analytical writing ability for drafting reports and policy briefs, with specific experience or willingness to produce materials in Amharic
  • Shows familiarity with comparative policy analysis methodologies and can synthesize complex information into actionable findings for Ethiopian policy contexts

📝 Tips for Applying to PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

1

Highlight specific experience with BRICS countries or international governance research in your resume, not just general research skills

2

Include examples of Amharic writing samples or translation work if available, as this role requires co-developing policy documents in Amharic

3

Demonstrate your understanding of PSI's focus areas by referencing their work on federalism, diversity management, or rule of law in your application

4

Prepare a writing sample that shows both analytical depth and policy relevance, ideally related to governance or comparative analysis

5

Emphasize any experience with validation workshops or incorporating stakeholder feedback into research analysis, as mentioned in the job description

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with comparative policy analysis, particularly involving BRICS countries or similar international governance frameworks', 'Examples of successful qualitative research projects where you developed data collection tools and synthesized complex findings', 'Your ability to produce policy-relevant documents in Amharic and experience working with Ethiopian policy contexts or institutions', "How your research skills align with PSI's mission of informing Ethiopian governance through evidence-based analysis"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review PSI's publications from the Good Governance Research Center, particularly those related to federalism and rule of law
  • → Study Ethiopia's current engagement with BRICS and existing research on BRICS-Ethiopia relations
  • → Familiarize yourself with PSI's organizational structure and key researchers in the Federalism, Diversity Management and Rule of Law Study Department
  • → Research recent Ethiopian policy developments in governance areas that might intersect with BRICS institutional frameworks

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your approach to conducting a comparative analysis of governance structures across BRICS countries
2 How would you develop qualitative data collection tools for studying institutionalization in an Ethiopian context?
3 Describe your experience with policy document preparation and translation into local languages for stakeholder engagement
4 How do you ensure research findings are both academically rigorous and practically useful for policy-makers?
5 What challenges do you anticipate in researching BRICS governance architecture from an Ethiopian perspective, and how would you address them?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic research experience without specific examples related to policy analysis, governance, or BRICS countries
  • Failing to address the Amharic language requirement or assuming English-only work suffices for this policy-focused role
  • Presenting research skills in isolation without demonstrating how they translate to practical policy recommendations for Ethiopian contexts

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute!

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