Introduction
The Rift Valley Institute (RVI) is an independent, non-profit organization, founded in Sudan in 2001, currently working in eastern and central Africa. The aim of the Institute is to advance useful knowledge of the region and its diverse communities, bringing a better understanding of local realities to bear on social and political action. RVI has a number of long-running projects in South Sudan including working in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Museums and National Heritage on the development of the South Sudan National Archives, and the South Sudan Customary Authorities Project, which includes a significant emphasis on developing the skills of young South Sudanese researchers. For more information, visit: https://riftvalley.net/projects/south-sudan-womens-research-network.
About the Grant
In 2020, RVI secured a grant from the European Union with a key objective to strengthen women’s research in South Sudan. The Project will increase the capacity, experience and the institutional power of women researchers, which will in turn increase and diversify knowledge production on developmental challenges, widening the scope for gender-sensitive development and good governance, and ultimately improving the development outcomes of women in South Sudan. To support this, the Project has a research grant scheme under which successful applicants will be trained and mentored throughout the research process by experienced researchers from South Sudan, the region and the Globe. South Sudan currently faces many challenges, ranging from social to environmental, and a structural deficit in applied social science research capacity in South Sudan and underfunding of tertiary institutions means that there is often limited local ownership of research processes, their application and development outcomes.
In the first round of applications, ten successful applicants were awarded grants to conduct research. RVI is therefore pleased to invite applications for the second round of research grants. At the end of the project twenty South Sudanese women researchers will have been awarded funding. The maximum award is $8,000 per research project to cover all costs, including research time, travel and equipment, which will be paid in instalments over the course of the research project. Note that a researcher’s fees should not exceed a maximum of 60% of the total cost. Statutory Tax Deductions will also be withheld. The grants are intended to support aspiring researchers to develop and implement a research project of their choice. A list of suggested topics for this call is outlined below as guide, however we are also keen to receive proposals from other areas of interest.
Purpose and Scope of the Project
The project’s objective is to increase the capacity, experience and the institutional power of women researchers, which will in turn increase and diversify knowledge production on developmental challenges, widening the scope for gender sensitive development and good governance, and ultimately improving the development outcomes of women in South Sudan.
Long-term outcomes include building a cohort of skilled women researchers within South Sudanese institutions who are also part of regional and international academic networks.
To support this, successful applicants under this scheme will be trained and mentored throughout the research process by experienced South Sudanese, regional and international researchers.
The Rift Valley Institute, under the South Sudan Women’s Research Network Project, funded by the European Union, invites applications for research grants. Suggested topics include, but are not limited to the following:
- Climate change and women’s perspectives
- Peacebuilding and Local Conflict Resolution Mechanisms
- Conservation and Tourism
- Cross-border dynamics (Sudan/South Sudan)
- Creative Arts
- The Judiciary and Court Processes
- Land Rights and Ownership
- Technology
Creativity in research proposals is highly encouraged with regards to research topic, location, approach and outputs (e.g. articles, blogs, oral history collections, performances). The use of diverse research methods is also encouraged. Ten grants are available - with the maximum award of $8,000 per research project - to cover all costs, including research time, travel and equipment. Note statutory tax deductions will be withheld from this amount.
Timeline
Eligibility
South Sudanese women interested in furthering their research skills, are eligible to apply, with a particular focus on fresh graduate or final year students from Institutions of higher learning. You should be fully committed and able to dedicate sufficient time for the duration of the programme as per the above timeline.
Guidelines
In order to apply for the grant, please complete the attached application form and submit with a copy of your CV and letter of motivation. The letter of motivation should explain your interest and passion for this opportunity, and not exceed one page.
Services provided by RVI
- Training on research methods and analysis
- Peer review, mentoring and technical support (as detailed in the purpose and scope above).
- Opportunities to present research findings at lectures and public events
- Space and Internet connection at the RVI office. For those based outside Juba, RVI will seek to work with partners to provide similar support to researchers in other locations.
- Connections with other women researchers in South Sudan, the region and globally.
How to Apply
Find the application form here: https://bit.ly/3KXGDoW
Email your proposal and application form to the South Sudan Women’s Research Network Project Manager at mimi.bior@riftvalley.net copying Vicky.kamilo@riftvalley.net with the subject heading Call for Research Grant Proposals
In case of any questions please email or call 0929 505 277.
Application deadline: 16:00 on Friday 12 May 2023.
A review committee constituted by RVI will assess all proposals, and the decision of the committee is final.
