The PEER Network is inviting applications for Research and Practice Fellowships in the Political Economy of Education from organizations/individual researchers based in conflict affected contexts in Africa and Central Asia.
These Fellowships will include participating in a structured PEA focused training programme and joining a new cohort of researchers working on issues of education, conflict and crisis through a critical political economy lens as part of the wider PEER Network. The fellowship aims to advance conceptual and theoretical understandings of the Political Economy Analysis of education and provide training and mentorship on applying for research funding. This will be achieved through two in-person workshops, online mentoring and the opportunity to apply for development funding. Participants in the programme must be available to attend the workshops in November and February (either in Cape Town for participants in the Africa-hub cohort or Nur-Sultan for participants in the Asia-hub cohort).
The guidelines and expression of interest form can be downloaded from the links below.
Programme timetable
| Week commencing 08.11.21 | A 3-day workshop on PEA theory and methodology – The University of Cape Town |
| Week commencing 22.11.21 | A 3-day workshop on PEA theory and methodology – Nazarbayev University |
| 08.12.21 | Applicants submit short abstracts on potential project ideas and receive feedback |
| Week commencing 10.01.22 | Half day online sessions to share ideas and abstracts across cohorts in the two hubs. |
| February 22 (dates to be confirmed) | A 3-day workshop to support participants in developing the abstracts into full research proposals (including development plans)- The University of Cape Town A 3-day workshop to support participants in developing the abstracts into full research proposals (including development plans)-Nazarbayev University Participants to submit development plans |
| 11.03.22 | Development funding awarded to successful participants |
| 01.04.22 To 30.09.22 | Development activities carried out in support of larger grant application (funded cohort) Mentorship and support sessions online (all cohort) |
Who is eligible to apply
Applications can be made by a research active organisation (e.g. a University, Research Institute, an NGO, government department, business, school, community group social enterprise, arts or cultural organisation) who wish to nominate a member of staff to participant in the programme. If you are an independent researcher who wishes to apply please contact the PEER team to discuss your eligibility.
Nominees for this programme should be early career researchers within their field. We consider early career researchers to be individuals who have less than 6 years of research experience. Both academic (within a research institute) and applied (within an organisation with research capacity) experience is valid. These durations exclude any period of career break, e.g. for family care or health reasons. We do welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds and experience so please contact us if you wish to discuss your suitability on info@peernetworkgcrf.org.
Central Asia Hub
Applicants to the Central Asia Hub programme should be focused on one or more of the following countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyztan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. There are no restrictions on the location of applicant. However, the PEER network seeks to support scholars from Central Asia to carry out research on the Political Economy of Education, and therefore we strongly encourage academics located in or from Central Asia to apply.
Africa Hub
Applicants to the Africa Hub programme can be focused on conflict-affected African countries, some examples of which are South Africa, Zimbabwe, Uganda, South Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, and Sierra Leone. Applicants should be located in the Hub region.
Applications should be made through a lead organisation with proven research capacity (e.g. a University, Research Institute, an NGO, government department, business, school, community group social enterprise, arts or cultural organisation).
How to Apply
Interested applicants must first complete an expression of interest (EoI) in English. The EoI form can be downloaded from the website. The completed EoI application form must be submitted to info@peernetworkgcrf.org by:
Applicants to the Africa hub – 5pm (UK time) 30th September 2021
Applicants to the Central Asia hub – 5pm (UK time) 30th September 2021
Please submit forms as early as possible to allow us time to assist with technical issues. If you have trouble accessing or using the form, please email us at info@peernetworkgcrf.org.
The EoI requires summary information on the following topics:
- Overview of submitting organization
- CV and Bio of proposed participant(s)
- Country/region of focus for potential research project (if known)
- Statement of commitment to participation in both workshops from nominating organization
Application timeline
Central Asia and Africa hubs
| 30/09/2021 | Applicants submit an expression of interest form |
| 01/10/2021-08/10/2021 | Expressions of interest reviewed by PEER Network |
| 11/10/2021 | Successful Applicants informed |