The Mandela
Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) is calling for applications from
distinguished African researchers to conduct research on the subject of
institutional development in Africa examining one of these three (3) aspects:
- Nation
building in Africa.
post-independence-era attempts at nation building in Africa, in
terrogating the
ideals, objectives and methodologies by which the objectives were pursued. The
successes and weaknesses of these approaches will be investigated. This paper
will draw comparisons between the approaches taken by countries that gained
independence relatively early and the more recently independent states.
- The
challenges of institutional reform in Africa.
institutional reform efforts in Africa and extract lessons from the successes
and failures of these reforms. The paper will discuss processes of embedding
and adopting societal change, highlighting the experiences of African
reformers/leaders. The paper must provide recommendations on how African youth
can actively and practically participate in building or strengthening key
institutions.
- The
efficacy of presidential term limits.
interrogate the efficacy of presidential term limits in African countries. The
paper will compare the advantages and disadvantages of presidential term limits
by analyzing the impact thereof in developing countries.
Aim of
research
The research papers will inform forward looking discussions on the
participation of African youth in nation building.
Duration
The researcher is expected to be contracted for at least three (3) months.
Criteria
Researchers must:
- Have at
least a Master’s degree in relevant fields of study. - Have
published work in academic journals. - Be able
to write and present, fluently, in English. The ability to collect data,
write and present in other African languages especially French and/ or
Arabic will be an advantage. - Have a
demonstrated research interest in governance in Africa, African youth or
African economies. - Have an
extensive, accessible research network in at least two of the five regions
of the African continent. - Have a
demonstrated track record of applying both qualitative and quantitative
research methods. - Be
available to commence work immediately. - Have
the flexibility to travel, should that be necessary.
How to
apply
To apply, applicants are required to send the following set of documents via
email:
- The
applicant’s detailed CV highlighting their research experience, including
a list of published research. - One
reference letter from an academic supervisor or an equivalent thereof with
the contact details of the referee. - A
research proposal outlining how the researcher would approach research on
one of the three aspects listed above, the research methodology to be
applied and up to five (5) key research questions to be explored. The
proposal should not be longer than five (5) pages including references. - A
preliminary timeline AND budget estimate based on the information provided
above. The preliminary timeline must not exceed three (3) months for the
delivery of a final research report. The budget estimate must not exceed
four thousand five hundred US dollars ($4 500).
The documents above
must be emailed to info@minds-africa.org in PDF version with the subject
‘MINDS/01/2016’ on or before 1700 hours South African time on Friday the 15th
of April 2016. Late applications will not be acknowledged or considered.
MINDS will acknowledge receipt of complete, timeous submissions. Thereafter,
MINDS will contact only the shortlisted candidates by Friday the 29th of April
2016. Shortlisted individuals may be requested to provide more information
before final selection of the successful candidates. MINDS reserves the right
not to explain the outcome of the selection process or provide any further
detail to the applicant’s outcome.