Ján is an experienced qualitative researcher with more than 10 years of experience in the international development sector. He works on a number of projects at ODI including ALIGN, which brings together global research on patriarchal gender norms and transformative change.

Ján’s research focuses on political representation, women’s empowerment, and intersectionality. Based on in-depth interviews and focus groups with students at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa, his doctoral research unpacked the role model effect of elite women in politics and was published in peer review journals Politikon and Social Politics. Prior to joining ODI, he implemented and evaluated partnerships-based projects that enhanced social capital of young women and men, including projects funded through the UKAID Girls’ Education Challenge portfolio in Rwanda and Uganda or the Mastercard Foundation.

Ján holds a BA in International Studies from Susquehanna University (USA); MSc in Africa and International Development from the University of Edinburgh (UK); and a PhD in Gender Studies from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London (UK).