Deadline: April 30, 2017
Applications are ongoing for the Peace, Security and Development Fellowships for African Scholars starting in September 2017. This Fellowship covers an 18-month period, comprising a rigorous training and research programme on peace, security and development, which includes a 12-Month MSc programme at King’s College London and a six-month attachment to an African University to undertake an independent research project. The Fellowship programme is designed to expose African scholars to the complexities of security and development issues facing the African continent.
The programme seeks to nurture junior African Scholars interested in pursuing a career in peace, security and development, and to equip them with the skills necessary to achieve this. Through taught modules, a focused research plan and rigorous mentoring activities, the programme will accomplish the following objectives:
- A critical mass of Africans who understand the African peace and security landscape in a global context;
- A next generation of African scholars and analysts with the skills to deploy learning about African societies and their visions of peace for progressive change toward positive and stable peace in Africa;
- A next generation of Africans that will shape thinking and policy decision-making on peace and security in Africa;
- African home-grown ideas and knowledge base on peace and security;
- An engaging constituency of academic and policy institutions collaborating on peace and security in Africa.
Funding
- This is a fully funded opportunity, not including any visa application and processing costs. Funds will be made available to cover tuition, subsistence in the UK and Africa, accommodation, research-related costs, and all travel expenses related to the programme;
- Successful applicants are expected to find their own accommodation both in the UK and Africa. In the UK successful candidates will be able to apply for University of London accommodation, and they can also make their own accommodation arrangements. Candidates are strongly advised to make all necessary accommodation arrangements well in advance of taking up their positions at King’s College London.
Eligibility
- In order to be considered eligible, candidates must have citizenship in an African country;
- Successful candidates must hold valid travel documents prior to acceptance;
- The competition is open only to junior faculty members based in universities in Africa from departments of political science; international relations; history; law; development studies; peace; security and conflict studies, and related departments;
- Candidates need to demonstrate an interest in pursuing careers in the field of peace, security and development. Previous study or engagement with the issues of security and development is not required. However candidates must demonstrate a basic familiarity with these issues;
- Candidates must additionally be able to demonstrate capacity to undertake research on issues relating to peace and security in Africa. Successful candidates will be attached to a Research Cluster where they will work with ALC Research Associates and Senior Research Fellows to undertake research on select aspects of the ALC Research Agenda on “Future Peace and the Role of the State in Africa”;
- Candidates will be expected to have a clear plan on how to utilise knowledge gained in the Fellowship upon returning to their countries and academic institutions;
- Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English;
- Candidates must be able to demonstrate the following values during the application phase: Independent thinking; Integrity; Pursuit of excellence; and respect for all forms of diversity.
Application Process
- Applications will be accepted Online.
- The following documents are required, before your application will be considered complete:
- A letter of application detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.
- A supporting statement no longer than 1,000 words, detailing why you think that this programme is important and your future plans for engagement with peace and security research.
- 2 letters of recommendation (To be received directly from the Referees by the deadline of 23:59, April 30, 2017).
- Recent curriculum vitae.
- One writing sample (maximum 1000 words).
- One research proposal of no more than 1000 words on a topic dealing with any one of the following 5 sets of questions:
- What is the predominant vision of peace among Africa’s youth and future leaders? What are the greatest sources of insecurity for African youth?
- What leadership issues confront a next generation of youth seeking to build and sustain peace?
- What can we learn about African youth experiences for future discourses about the governance of security and development?
- How are the dynamics in African societies and societal responses to security and development challenges compelling a change in the state?
- How are African regional organisations responding to the rapidly changing African security landscape?
- Please indicate in your application letter, if you have completed the University application (Note that you are required to submit your application to the MSc Security, Leadership and Society, as detailed above by the deadline of 23:59, April 30, 2017).
All supporting documents should be submitted via the online portal. Please note that no email applications will be accepted. If you are experiencing problems with the online application portal, please contact [email protected]. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to avoid delays and failure to submit because of technical challenges.
For more information, visit Peace, Security & Development Fellowships for African Scholars.
