The RESOLVE Network is soliciting applications from qualified candidates based in Cameroon, Chad and Nigeria for a project-based research fellowship in support of a comparative country case study on the rise of violent extremism and the politics of religion in education in the Lake Chad Basin region. Supported by the RESOLVE Network Secretariat in Washington, D.C., the project will be led by a select team of principal investigators with experience in the region who will work closely with fellows in the program to conduct field-based research over the course of 10 months from early November 2017 through late September 2018.
The RESOLVE Network Research Leadership Fellowship is a flagship initiative of the Network. The goal of the fellowship is to grow the next generation of local thought leaders engaged in shaping local, regional, and international policy responses to the destabilizing threat of political violence and conflict. The program matches early and mid-career researchers from priority regions with seasoned senior subject matter experts who serve as principal investigators and lead major projects in alignment with the network’s broad research agenda.
Eligible Candidates
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Qualified citizens of Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria may apply for the fellowship. Applicants based full-time in other parts of the Lake Chad Basin region or the Sahel will be given the highest consideration. Applicants from the Lake Chad or Sahel regions currently living abroad who show a commitment to traveling to the country to conduct research and to returning to their home countries within one-year of completing the program may also be considered.
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Applicants must be fluent in English and either French or Arabic (preferably all three), both written and spoken. The Network Secretariat will only consider candidates who have a combination of the following educational and professional experience:
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Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, international affairs, legal studies, journalism, anthropology, sociology, social psychology, criminology, or related social sciences plus a minimum of 6 years professional experience working with reputable media outlets, think tanks, universities, and/or research centers.
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Master’s degree in political science, economics, international affairs, legal studies, journalism, anthropology, sociology, social psychology, criminology, or related social sciences plus a minimum of 4 years professional experience working with reputable media outlets, think tanks, universities, and/or research centers.
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Doctoral candidates or degree recipients in political science, economics, international affairs, legal studies, journalism, anthropology, sociology, social psychology, criminology, or related social sciences plus a minimum of 2 years professional experience working with reputable media outlets, think tanks, universities, and/or research centers.
Selection Process
RESOLVE Network Research Fellow applications are vetted through a review that includes consideration by senior subject matter experts and professional staff at the RESOLVE Network Secretariat, which is currently housed at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, DC. Following review of applications, a short list of qualified candidates will be invited to interview via Skype or in-person when possible.
Selection Criteria
Selection of fellowship candidates is based on the assessment of the applicant’s:
- Record of achievement in conflict analysis and/or social science research
- Demonstrated professional experience that reflects leadership potential
- Capacity to benefit from the fellowship experience in subsequent years
- Commitment to building community and shaping future policy on critical social issues.
Terms of Award
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The 2018 RESOLVE Network Lake Chad Basin Research Leadership Fellowship Awards are set at a total of $4,500 for a 10-month program (November-September 2018) and are paid directly to the individual. RESOLVE Network Research Leadership Fellowship awards for Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria may not be deferred or extended beyond September 30, 2018. The first half of the award will be made available at the mid-way mark of the program; the last half of the award will be made available upon satisfactory completion of the project and presentation of findings at a Network Forum.
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Fellows will either work as independent affiliated members of the Network or as non-resident fellows of designated partner organizations specified by the RESOLVE Network Secretariat. Fellows are expected to devote the time and attention required to meet the deliverables outlined in the award terms letter, maintain regular contact with their mentors, and provide periodic reports to RESOLVE Network staff.
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The RESOLVE Network will also support travel costs for fellows to participate in regionally-based trainings and workshops in January and April 2018. Select fellows who demonstrate a strong commitment to fulfilling the project goals and leadership excellence will be invited to present their research findings in collaboration with their mentors at the network’s Annual Global Forum in Washington, DC. The RESOLVE Network Secretariat reserves the right to make final determinations about the terms and conditions for travel support.
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