Julia Gillard will use her credentials as an "education reformer" when she starts work with a leading US think tank on advancing girls' schooling in developing countries.
The former prime minister has joined the Washington DC-based Brookings Institution as a non-resident senior fellow, where she will work to advance the centre's key initiatives on global education.
Ms Gillard said she was "honoured and delight" to accept the invitation to become affiliated with global education programs at the prestigious research institution.
"I very much look forward to making a contribution to the effectiveness and reach of these important initiatives, and advancing the policy objectives and outcomes we share," she said in a statement.
Brookings president Strobe Talbott said Ms Gillard made education a top priority during her time as prime minister.
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"With her experience as a political leader and prime minister, and as an education reformer, she will bring expertise and distinction to the centre and its mission," he said.
Under Ms Gillard's leadership, the Australian government had extended financial support to families for their children's school needs, improved schools transparency through the MySchool website and introduced laws to boost school standards.
The think tank also noted when education minister, Ms Gillard oversaw the government's $16 billion Building the Education Revolution schools infrastructure program.
In her new role, Ms Gillard will work on key initiatives on global education, particularly girls education in developing countries.
