BASELINE INFORMATION
Application Period: 03 September 2012 to 15 December 2012
Location: SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA.
The Africa Programme of the University for Peace (UPEACE) has a research grant from The Canadian International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to support doctoral research for African students pursuing their PhD studies at Universities in Sub Saharan Africa and who are in the final stage of their PhD studies. The award is intended to support the PhD candidates in their field research, data analysis, associated travel, and production costs. In addition, part of the award may be used to access updated scholarly materials and disseminate research findings through publications and conference presentations. The maximum award is US $10,000 per eligible student. A total of fifteen (15) awards will granted.
Expected Outcomes:The doctoral research awards are part of a joint undertaking by IDRC and UPEACE to develop an evidence-based, strong research capacity in Africa on critical issues of governance and security. It is anticipated that the awards will allow African researchers to complete their doctoral studies with high quality dissertation and top quality research and analytical skills that would enable them to contribute significantly to relevant policy in the fields of expertise.
Successful applicants will be required to participate in two Research Training Workshops organized by UPEACE Africa Programme during the Award period. In addition, each awardee will be required to contribute at least one article to the Africa Peace and Conflict Journal (APCJ), a peer reviewed journal published by UPEACE Africa Programme, before the submission of their final dissertation.
ELIGIBLE FIELDS OF STUDY INCLUDE:
- Democracy, political participation and political settlements;
- Elections, electoral reform, electoral processes and their contribution to democracy;
- Devolution and decentralization of power and implication for legitimacy and accountability;
- Informal governance institutions and their contribution to sustainable reforms and political arrangements;
- Citizen engagement and enhanced state responsiveness and accountability;
- The role of women in political process;
- Human rights.
- Citizen protection and the responsibility to protect;
- Impact of pluralism of security forces and state legitimacy and accountability;
- Non-state armed groups and the link to state authority;
- Role of civil society in oversight of the security apparatus;
- Cross border insecurity and the role of the state, the regional organizations and non-state actors;
- The role of state and non-state actors in promoting the security of women and girls in situations of gender based violence.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Hold citizenship of an African country in Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Be undertaking a PhD programme at a recognized University in Sub Saharan Africa;
- Have fulfilled all institutional academic requirements
- Provide a detailed timeframe for completing their dissertation which should be approved by the University Graduate Structures and the Lead PhD supervisor;
- Hold a Masters Degree in related discipline;
- Conduct research in Sub-Saharan Africa;
- Be able to complete the dissertation within 24 months of the start of the research award.
SELECTION CRITERIA:
- The Award will support original research that addresses clear research question(s), employs appropriate and rigorous design and has a clear national and/or regional policy implication(s);
- Candidates must demonstrate interest in pursuing a teaching/research career;
- The research topic should have strong endorsement and support from the candidate’s department of attachment;
- Female applicants are especially encouraged to apply.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
- Candidate's scientific background and potential to develop a strong teaching/research career;
- Scientific merit of the proposed research project including originality of research question(s); clarity and adequacy of the study design (methodology); strength of literature review; detailed analysis plan; ethical considerations; etc..
- Research environment including commitment of lead supervisor and department to facilitate timely completion of studies;
- Well-elaborated statement on policy relevance of the research; and
- Budget summary and justification, including clear plan to complete the dissertation within 24 months.
DURATION:
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants are required to submit the following documents:
The Application form is available on www.africa.upeace.org or here
All required documents listed above should be mailed to UPEACE before the deadline through the Post Office (see address below under IX).
The Application form must also be sent electronically in addition to the hard copies sent through the Post Office to qualify
- Completed Check List (signed and dated)
- Cover Letter
- Application Form
- A personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Certified Transcripts
- Proof of Citizenship
- Two reference Letters (one of which must come from a faculty member with extensive knowledge of applicant's academic history and performance)
- Research Proposal (7,000 – 10,000 words)
- Letter of Approval of Research Proposal
- Budget in USD
Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
- Complete applications must be received at the Office of the Africa Programme by the deadline. No application will be received after the deadline.
- Applicants should inform UPEACE Africa Programme about grants, which they have already secured for their PhD studies.
- Only SHORT-LISTED applicants will be contacted.
- Short listed applicants will be notified by 28 FEBRUARY 2013.
- Applicants, who have not been contacted on the notification day, should note that their application was not successful.
ADDRESS:
For further information, please visit UPEACE Africa Programme Website at www.africa.upeace.org