WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE (WACSI) 2024 RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME FOR YOUNG RESEARCHERS
Applications Open for the 2024 West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Research Fellowship Programme
The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) was established to enhance the institutional, operational, and knowledge capacities of civil society organizations in West Africa. Acting as a resource hub, WACSI provides training, research, documentation, experience sharing, and policy dialogue.
Fellowship Overview
The 2024 WACSI Research Fellowship is open to young researchers from West Africa and other regions interested in documenting civil society practices in the region. This year, the focus is on documenting indigenous knowledge practices within the work of civil society organizations (CSOs) in West Africa. Indigenous knowledge encompasses traditional knowledge systems, practices, beliefs, and innovations passed down through generations within indigenous communities, significantly enriching the work of NGOs and CSOs.
Eligibility
- Open to young researchers from West Africa and other regions interested in West African civil society.
- Candidates interested in topical issues related to civil society are encouraged to apply. Areas of interest include:
- Local philanthropy
- Technology for development
- The localization agenda
- Decolonization of aid
- Resource mobilization
- Civil society sustainability
- Shift the power
- Leadership and succession
- Strategic partnerships
- Capacity strengthening for civil society in West Africa
- Current master’s or PhD students, or recent graduates (within the last two years).
- Strong analytical skills and ability to conduct independent research.
- Ability to cover all costs related to the fellowship.
- Fluency in English and/or French, with a preference for French-speaking candidates.
Benefits
- Mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Monthly stipends and a research allowance.
- Opportunities for skill and career development.
- Production of at least one WACSeries publication to be featured on the WACSI website.
- Official recommendation from WACSI.
- Free access to WACSI publications.
- Contribution to promoting good practices in West Africa and beyond.
Deliverables
- At least two publishable research reports or policy documents (Issue Paper, Op-Ed, and/or blog articles).
- Contributions to ongoing research conducted or commissioned by WACSI.
- Documentation of best practices, case studies, and/or success stories.
Fellowship Duration
- Six months (July – December 2024).
- Duration can be adjusted based on alignment with the fellow’s academic, career, or research interests.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- Motivation letter stating the duration and theme of interest.
- Curriculum vitae.
- Synopsis (no more than one page) on the specific theme of interest for the fellowship.
- Sample of an authored article or paper, with evidence of any published works if available.
Timeline
- 6 May 2024: Application opens.
- 31 May 2024: Deadline for receipt of applications.
- 7 June 2024: Shortlisted applicants notified by email.
- 19 June 2024: Interviews with shortlisted applicants.
- 25 June 2024: Selected candidates receive feedback on their applications.
- 1 July 2024: Beginning of the research fellowship (start dates can be adjusted per specific cases).
This fellowship provides a unique opportunity for young researchers to develop their skills and contribute to the advancement of civil society in West Africa.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the WACSI Research Fellowship Programme
Source: OFA
