Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern (Technology Assessment)
at Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
🏢 About Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
Evidence Action is a data-driven global health organization that scales proven interventions to combat poverty, having reached 530 million people and saved over 16,000 children's lives. Their unique approach focuses exclusively on implementing solutions with rigorous evidence of effectiveness, delivering outsized impact per dollar through programs like Deworm the World and Safe Water Now. Working here means contributing to scalable, evidence-based solutions that directly improve millions of lives in low-income communities.
About This Role
As a Technology Assessment Intern, you'll likely evaluate and analyze technologies relevant to global health interventions, such as diagnostic tools, water purification systems, or data collection platforms. This role is impactful because your assessments will inform decisions about which technologies Evidence Action scales to maximize health outcomes and cost-effectiveness across their programs in multiple countries. You'll contribute directly to ensuring that only proven, impactful technologies reach vulnerable populations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve researching technical specifications of water treatment devices or diagnostic tests, analyzing cost and performance data from field implementations, and preparing assessment reports that help program teams decide which technologies to scale. You'd likely collaborate with monitoring & evaluation and program teams to understand field realities while applying evidence-based frameworks to technology decisions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP) Is Looking For
- Strong analytical skills with experience in technology evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, or comparative assessment of health/development technologies
- Background in public health, data science, engineering, or development economics with understanding of evidence-based decision-making
- Ability to research and synthesize technical information about technologies (e.g., diagnostic tests, water treatment devices) for non-technical audiences
- Interest in global health implementation and scaling proven interventions, with awareness of challenges in low-resource settings
📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)
Highlight any experience with technology assessment frameworks (e.g., WHO guidelines, HTA methods) or evaluation of health/development technologies
Demonstrate understanding of Evidence Action's 'only what works' philosophy by mentioning how you've used evidence to make decisions in past projects
Reference specific Evidence Action programs (Deworm the World, Safe Water Now, Syphilis-Free Start) and suggest technologies relevant to their scaling challenges
Show quantitative skills by mentioning experience with data analysis related to technology performance, cost-effectiveness, or impact measurement
Connect your background to their recent expansions (Tanzania deworming, syphilis elimination funding) and how technology assessment supports scaling
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Your approach to evaluating technologies using evidence and data, with examples of how you've assessed effectiveness, scalability, or cost-efficiency", "Understanding of Evidence Action's model of scaling only proven interventions and how technology assessment fits this philosophy", 'Specific interest in their focus areas (parasitic diseases, maternal/child health, water safety) and relevant technological challenges', 'How your skills would contribute to their goal of maximizing impact per dollar through better technology decisions']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Evidence Action's specific technology choices in current programs (e.g., what tests they use for syphilis, what water treatment methods they deploy)
- → Their recent announcements about expansion to Tanzania and syphilis elimination funding to understand current scaling priorities
- → Their monitoring and evaluation framework to understand how they measure technology effectiveness in field implementation
- → Similar organizations (like IDinsight, J-PAL) to understand technology assessment approaches in evidence-based development
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Proposing untested or theoretical technologies without considering Evidence Action's commitment to proven solutions only
- Focusing on technology innovation rather than assessment of existing technologies for scaling
- Not demonstrating understanding of implementation challenges in low-resource settings where Evidence Action operates
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP)!