Applications open for the 2024 Megatrends Afrika Fellowships

The 2024 Megatrends Afrika Fellowships are now accepting applications. This project, a collaboration between 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), is offering three fellowships to African researchers. The aim of the Megatrends Afrika project is to conduct interdisciplinary research on Africa and provide policy advice to decision-makers. The project focuses on three main research themes: the changing nature of conflict and actors of violence, the impact of megatrends on democratization and autocratization, and global power shifts and multipolarity.

As a fellow, you will have the opportunity to conduct an independent research project or collaborate with project team members and colleagues from IDOS, IfW, and SWP. You will also be expected to contribute one paper to the project’s publication series and actively participate in project meetings, events, and other relevant activities at your host institution.

The fellowship will be granted for a period of two to three months between 2 May and 30 November 2024, on a full-time basis. During this time, you will reside in either Berlin (SWP), Bonn (IDOS), or Kiel (IfW), depending on your host institution. Fellows will receive a monthly grant of €2,800 and an economy-class return trip between their place of residence and Germany. At IDOS, the honorarium will be calculated based on the IDOS fee schedule.

The selection and placement of fellows will be based on the research agendas of the host institutes. If you require a visa to enter Germany, a letter of support will be provided to assist with the visa application process.

Megatrends Afrika Fellowships Requirements

• Preferably hold a PhD in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or related area studies;
• Must be a citizen of an African country
• Must have a strong research and publication history in areas relevant to the Megatrends Afrika project
• Experience in providing scientific policy advice is considered a plus
• Research Topics 2024

We are specifically seeking proposals on the following subjects:

• Conflicts and armed violence in the Sahel: Examining the connections between climate change, resource/ land use conflicts, and armed violence;
• Local perspectives on foreign intervention in conflict-ridden countries, including remote warfare and hybrid warfare, and their impact on state legitimacy;
• Demographic changes or gender dynamics: Analyzing the effects of demographic shifts on political attitudes and participation, the role of women and gender structures in politics or social movements;
• Democratization and autocratization: Identifying domestic and external factors influencing these processes;
• Africa’s international relations in a changing global landscape, including South-South relations, involvement in multilateral or minilateral organizations (e.g., the UN, G20, BRICS);
• Dynamics of regional integration in Africa and collaboration with external partners: focusing on the AfCFTA;
• The interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy

Megatrends Afrika Fellowships – How to Apply:

• All applications must be compiled into a single PDF file and should include a one-page letter of motivation, an academic CV with a list of academic publications, two recent publication samples, copies of relevant academic transcripts and/or diplomas (no translations required), and a written concept note outlining the applicant’s project.
• The concept note should not exceed 2,000 words and should cover the project/research topic, its academic and policy significance, feasibility, and theoretical and methodological framework.
• The proposed project should be suitable for publication (as a Megatrends policy brief or working paper) to be completed by the end of the fellowship.

Megatrends Afrika Fellowships – Application

• Kindly note that the deadline for fellowship applications is 10 March 2024, 11:59 p.m. CET.
• Ensure to submit your application via email to [email protected]. Applications that are incomplete and/or submitted after the deadline will not be reviewed.
• For additional details, visit the official webpage of the Megatrends Afrika Fellowship