2024 Megatrend Africa Fellowships For African Researchers

Introduction to the Megatrends Africa Fellowships for African Researchers

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2024 Megatrends Africa Fellowships, an initiative aimed at African researchers. Sponsored by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, and the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), the Megatrends Afrika project seeks to promote interdisciplinary research focused on Africa’s policy landscape.

The project’s objective is to delve into pertinent issues affecting Africa and offer policy recommendations to stakeholders.

It concentrates on three primary research areas:

firstly, examining the actors of violence and the evolving dynamics of conflict;

secondly, investigating the ramifications of megatrends on democratization and autocratization processes;

thirdly, analyzing global power shifts and the emergence of multipolarity.

Through the fellowship program, three deserving researchers from the African continent will be selected to contribute to this vital research agenda. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research, collaborate with leading experts in the field, and contribute to shaping policy responses to the challenges facing Africa.

The fellowship offers a unique platform for scholars to deepen their understanding of complex issues, gain practical research experience, and establish networks with peers and policymakers. Moreover, fellows will have access to resources and mentorship to support their research endeavors.

This initiative underscores the commitment of the participating institutions to foster knowledge exchange and capacity-building within Africa. By empowering African researchers, the Megatrends Afrika project aims to facilitate evidence-based policymaking and contribute to sustainable development across the continent.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply and seize this opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the advancement of research and policy discourse on Africa’s future.

About Fellowship

Fellows have the opportunity to undertake an independent research project or, if appropriate, collaborate with fellow team members or colleagues from IDOS, IfW, and SWP. They are expected to contribute one paper to the publication series of the project. Additionally, fellows are required to actively engage in project meetings, events, and other pertinent activities hosted by their respective institutions during their tenure.

The fellowship duration spans two to three months, occurring between May 2nd and November 30th, 2024, on a full-time basis. Throughout this period, fellows will reside in the city where their host institution is located Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS), or Kiel (IfW). Fellows will receive a monthly stipend of €2,800 along with an economy-class return trip between their place of residence and Germany. At IDOS, the honorarium will be computed based on the IDOS fee schedule.

The selection and placement of fellows align with the research priorities of the host institutes. For fellows requiring a visa to enter Germany, a letter of support will be provided to facilitate the process.

Requirements

Ideally possessing a doctoral degree in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or related area studies;

Hailing from an African nation

Demonstrating a robust track record of research and publications relevant to the Megatrends Africa initiative

Having prior experience in offering scientific policy guidance is advantageous

Research Topics 2024

We are particularly interested in proposals pertaining to the following topics:

Conflicts and armed violence in the Sahel: Links between climate change, resource/ land use conflicts and armed violence;

Local perceptions of foreign intervention in conflict states, including remote warfare and hybrid warfare and their implications for state legitimacy;

Demographic change or gender: Effects of demographic change on political attitudes and participation, the role of women and gender orders in politics or social movements;

Democratization and autocratization: domestic and external factors of influence;

Africa’s international relations in a new world order, includingSouth-South relations, engagement in multilateral or minilateral fora (e.g., the UN, G20, BRICS);

Dynamics of regional Integration in Africa and cooperation with external partners: including the AfCFTA;

The nexus between domestic politics and foreign policy

How to Apply:

Please ensure that your application is compiled into a single PDF document, comprising a one-page letter of motivation, an academic CV listing publications, samples of two recent publications, academic transcripts and/or diplomas (translations not required), and a concept note outlining your project.

The concept note should be no longer than 2,000 words and should address the project/research topic, its academic and policy significance, feasibility, and theoretical and methodological foundations. Your project’s scope and ambition should align with the requirements for a publication (a Megatrends policy brief or working paper) to be completed by the end of the fellowship.

The deadline for fellowship applications is March 10, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CET. Please submit your application via email to Megatrends-Afrika@swp-berlin.org. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.