poverty reduction | Scholarship for Nigerians and Africans - Part 2

2011 NPTCI-IDRC Doctoral Research Awards in Economics in Western Africa

The Nouveau programme de troisième cycle interuniversitaire (NPTCI), in partnership with IDRC, announces a third call for applications for the NPTCI-IDRC Doctoral Research Awards in Economics. These awards seek to help doctoral students undertake meaningful field research, critical for the effective and timely completion of their theses and training. The program aims to help meet the increasing demand for economics expertise in West Africa. It also supports NPTCI’s efforts to address key concerns about the development of economics research in the region’s higher education system.

A total of 18 doctoral research awards will be awarded over three years to students pursuing economics research at francophone African universities in the following areas of study: agriculture, environment, gender, poverty reduction, knowledge and innovation, education, and health.The awards seek to help strengthen the capacities of researchers to undertake policy-relevant research to influence the development of sound economic policies and address challenges in the region.The NPTCI-IDRC Doctoral Research Awards are part of the IDRC International Fellowships Program (formerly known as the Southern Junior Researchers Awards Program).

Scholarship Application Deadline: May 31, 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Postdoctoral Fellowship-Systemic Analysis of Irrigation Systems, Syria

If you possess a PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline, and have at least 3 years’ experience in systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water management and farming systems, and have the ability to coordinate and carry out research activities on irrigation scheme development and management in northeastern Syria and contribute to studies on irrigation, water management, agricultural performance, poverty reduction and investment strategies, then this could be the job for you. This position reports to François Molle, Senior Researcher, at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) office in Aleppo, Syria.
You will:
• examine irrigation development policies and strategies in Syria, compile and synthesize existing scientific information on
irrigation and water management in the Euphrates Basin, with emphasis on the Syrian part;
• contribute to designing and carrying out research activities on water and agricultural management in the irrigated systems supplied by
waters from the Euphrates;
• contribute to advising Master’s students involved in specific field research; and
• contribute ideas and assist in bibliographical searches regarding research activities to be carried out in other parts of Syria
(e.g., Orontes or Quweq river basins).
You must possess:
• PhD in water sciences or geography, or an equivalent discipline;
• ability to carry out a systemic analysis of irrigated agriculture using approaches that combine technical understanding of water
management and farming systems, together with consideration of institutional dimensions, as demonstrated in successfully completed
reports, a dissertation or journal articles;
• sensitivity to, and interest in, social and institutional dimensions of water resources management;
• computer literacy, with skills in handling and quality controlling hydrological and water management data;
• ability to articulate quantitative and qualitative analyses;
• good communication and writing skills, with an excellent command of both oral and written English;
• ability to effectively establish priorities, plan, organize and monitor own work in an interdisciplinary and multiple task environment;
• strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships in a multicultural, multiethnic environment with
sensitivity and respect for diversity; and
• ability to work in interdisciplinary teams, with local and international partners.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 25 February 2011

Further Scholarship Information and Application

Robert S. McNamara International Fellowships Program 2011: socioeconomic development

The Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program was established in 1982 to honor the former President of the World Bank. The Program annually awards Fellowships to support innovative and imaginative post-graduate research in areas of socioeconomic development – specifically focusing on issues critical to improving the lives of the most vulnerable in society. To date, 282 Fellowships have been awarded, spanning issues related to development economics, health and population, education, environment, agricultural and infrastructure development, conflict resolution, the role of NGOs in development, trade and tax reforms, poverty reduction, and institutional and regulatory reform.

The Program’s funding comes from an investment income earned from an endowment fund set up by contributions from the World Bank and the governments of Bangladesh, China, India, Kuwait, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, and former Yugoslavia.

Fellowships are open to applicants who are nationals of, and residents in, countries which are currently eligible to borrow from the World Bank (See Program website for eligible countries). The research must be carried out in a member country of the World Bank other than the applicant’s own country, or country of residence at the time of application.

The Program provides support to young researchers working in academic and research institutions from eligible countries preparing a doctoral thesis. Research grants cover residence costs for a 5 to 10 month period in a renowned university or research center. Fellows are expected to advance their research work mainly by using the facilities provided by the host institution, having access to essential resources such as reference books and research publications, databases, software, etc., attending seminars (and eventually courses), and more generally by interacting with peers.
Period of Fellowship: Fellowships are awarded for a period of five to ten months and must be completed between July 2011 and June 2012.

Scholarship Application Deadline: 28 February 2011
Further Scholarship Information and Application