Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior Researcher

at PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

🏢 About PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

The Policy Studies Institute (PSI) is Ethiopia's premier public policy research organization, focusing on governance, federalism, and rule of law. This role offers the unique opportunity to contribute to Ethiopia's engagement with BRICS governance structures while working remotely on a contract basis. PSI provides direct access to Ethiopian policy-making circles and the chance to produce research that influences national governance strategies.

About This Role

This Senior Researcher role involves conducting comparative analysis of BRICS countries' governance architectures and institutionalization processes, with specific focus on Ethiopia's positioning. You'll be synthesizing complex international governance frameworks while co-developing policy documents in Amharic for Ethiopian stakeholders. The position is impactful as it directly informs Ethiopia's strategic approach to BRICS engagement and domestic governance reforms.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves analyzing governance documents from BRICS countries, synthesizing findings into comparative frameworks, and collaborating remotely with Ethiopian researchers to develop policy briefs. You might spend mornings reviewing institutional reports from Brazil or South Africa, afternoons co-developing Amharic policy documents, and evenings preparing for validation workshops with Ethiopian stakeholders.

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🎯 Who PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute Is Looking For

  • Expertise in comparative governance analysis with specific knowledge of BRICS countries' political systems
  • Strong qualitative research skills including document analysis, policy review, and synthesis of complex institutional reports
  • Experience developing policy briefs and research manuscripts for academic and government audiences
  • Proficiency in Amharic for policy communication and ability to work effectively in remote, collaborative research settings

📝 Tips for Applying to PSI: Ethiopia Policy Studies Institute

1

Highlight specific experience analyzing BRICS countries' governance structures - mention particular countries or policies you've studied

2

Include examples of policy documents you've developed for government or institutional audiences, especially if translated for local stakeholders

3

Demonstrate your understanding of Ethiopia's federal system and how BRICS governance models might intersect with it

4

Showcase your qualitative research methodology skills, particularly in developing data collection tools and training manuals

5

Provide concrete examples of synthesizing complex international documents into actionable policy recommendations

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your specific experience with BRICS governance research and comparative institutional analysis', 'Examples of policy brief development for government stakeholders, particularly in multilingual contexts', 'Your approach to collaborative research and incorporating feedback from validation workshops', "Understanding of Ethiopia's governance challenges and how BRICS engagement might address them"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → PSI's Good Governance Research Center publications and current projects on federalism and rule of law
  • → Ethiopia's current engagement with BRICS and existing policy positions on multilateral governance
  • → The Federalism, Diversity Management and Rule of Law Study Department's recent research outputs
  • → Ethiopian government's policy-making processes and how research institutes like PSI contribute

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your methodology for comparing governance architectures across BRICS countries
2 How would you approach developing policy documents in Amharic for Ethiopian government stakeholders?
3 Describe a time you synthesized complex international documents into actionable policy recommendations
4 What specific BRICS governance models do you think are most relevant to Ethiopia's federal system?
5 How do you ensure research quality when working remotely with data collectors and co-researchers?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic BRICS knowledge without specific governance or institutionalization expertise
  • No examples of policy document development for government audiences
  • Failure to acknowledge the Amharic language requirement for policy communication
  • Overemphasis on quantitative methods when the role clearly focuses on qualitative research and document analysis

📅 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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