Call for Applications: WACSI Research Fellowship (West Africa)

The goal of the research fellowship is to offer young and passionate researchers a wide range of opportunities to develop their research skills, while also contributing to the work of the Institute. Fellows will work with experienced professionals to explore key issues, trends and challenges affecting the civil society ecosystem. The fellowship enables fellows to gain valuable experience working in the civil society sector, build their professional networks and develop skills that will be useful throughout their professional lives. They will have a better understanding of the needs and concerns of communities and contribute to developing effective strategies and policies that address these issues.

In this year’s fellowship, priority will be given to the documentation of indigenous knowledge practices related to the work of civil society in West Africa and specifically, to topical issues that closely align with WACSI’s core themes within its 2023 – 2027 strategy. Indigenous knowledge refers to the unique, traditional knowledge systems, practices, beliefs and innovations that have been developed and passed down through generations within indigenous communities. For civil society, indigenous knowledge can play a significant role in informing and enriching the work of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and civil society organisations (CSOs).

Duration

• The fellowship duration is six months (May – October 2025).
• This will be based on the alignment of the fellowship goals with the applicant’s current academic, career and/or research interests. However, applicants can be selected on a case-by-case basis.

Expected Deliverables

• Production of at least two publishable research reports or policy documents. This can be either an Issue Paper, an Op-Ed and/or blog articles.
• Contribution to ongoing research conducted and/or commissioned by the Institute.
• Documentation of best practices, case studies and/or success stories.

Eligibility Criteria

• The fellowship is open to all young researchers from West Africa. Other young researchers who are not from the region but are interested in understanding and documenting civil society praxis in West Africa can be considered.
• Candidates interested in working on topical issues related to civil society are highly encouraged to apply. The Institute is keen on having candidates interested on topics related to the following:
  • Local philanthropy,
  • Technology for development,
  • The localisation agenda,
  • Decolonisation of aid,
  • Resource mobilisation,
  • Civil society sustainability,
  • Shift the power,
  • Enabling environment for civil society,
  • Leadership and succession planning for civil society organisations,
  • Equitable partnerships between civil society organisations in West Africa and their donors and/or international non-governmental organisations
  • Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa.
• Current master’s or PhD students and/or graduates who completed their master’s or PhD studies within the last two years.
• Applicants must demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to perform independent research.
• Interested applicants should be able and ready to cover all costs related to the fellowship.
• Applicants must be able to communicate fluently either in English and/or French. French speaking candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Application Requirements

• Interested candidates should submit the following:
  • A motivation letter stating their duration and theme of interest
  • A curriculum vitae
  • A synopsis of not more than one page on the specific theme of interest you would be working on during your fellowship
  • Sample of an authored article or paper. Provide evidence of any published works if available.

For more information, visit WACSI.