Ph.D. Fellowship In The Non-Profit Sector’s Contribution To African Economies 2024! Application In Progress!

Ph.D. Fellowship In The Non-Profit Sector’s Contribution To African Economies 2024

The Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project, initiated by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the Wits Business School, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, is calling for applications. This fellowship aims to offer young African doctoral students enrolled in African universities the chance to engage in research on non-profit organizations and their impact on African economies. The project’s particular emphasis lies in exploring how the non-profit sector can contribute to creating dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for young Africans.

The doctoral fellowship program emphasizes research topics related to non-profit organizations and their impact on African economies, with a specific focus on creating dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for young Africans. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with Regional Research Leads and senior researchers to conduct their research.

Fellows will be selected based on various categories of youth marginality that the project aims to address, including gender, disability, geography, refugees, and internally displaced persons. This approach ensures that the research outcomes are inclusive and considerate of the diverse challenges faced by young Africans across different contexts.

Applications are open to doctoral students with a keen interest in exploring the role of the non-profit sector in African economies. Priority will be given to applicants from and focusing on specific countries, namely Burkina Faso, DRC, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This targeted approach allows for in-depth research that takes into account the unique socio-economic landscapes and challenges within these countries

The Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project welcomes applicants from various subject fields. Here are the subject fields relevant to the project:

1. Social and Behavioral Sciences: This includes disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, and Political Science, which provide insights into human behavior and societal dynamics relevant to the non-profit sector’s contributions to African economies.
2. Economics: Economic studies focus on the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services, offering valuable perspectives on the economic impact of non-profit organizations and their activities in Africa.
3. Development Studies: Development studies examine social, economic, and political processes aimed at improving living standards and reducing poverty. Research in this field can shed light on the role of non-profits in fostering sustainable development across Africa.
4. International Development: International development studies explore global efforts to address development challenges, including poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Research in this field can explore the cross-border dimensions of non-profit sector contributions to African economies.
5. Non-profit or Philanthropic Studies: This field focuses specifically on the study of non-profit organizations, their management, governance, and impact. Research in this area can provide insights into the effectiveness and sustainability of non-profit interventions in African contexts.
6. Statistics and Actuarial Sciences: Statistical analysis and actuarial science play crucial roles in assessing the impact and effectiveness of non-profit initiatives, providing data-driven insights into their contributions to African economies.
7. Management: Management studies encompass various disciplines, including organizational management, strategic management, and project management, all of which are relevant to understanding the operational aspects of non-profit organizations and their economic contributions.
8. Public Policy: Public policy research examines government decisions and actions that affect societal welfare and economic development. Research in this field can explore the policy environment shaping the non-profit sector’s role in African economies.
9. History: Historical research provides context and perspective on past and present trends in the non-profit sector, highlighting the evolution of philanthropy, civil society, and social movements in Africa.
10. Human Geography: Human geography studies the spatial distribution and interaction of human populations, providing insights into the geographic dimensions of non-profit activities and their impact on local economies and communities.
11. Any Development-related Field: This category encompasses interdisciplinary fields and specialized areas of study related to development, including environmental studies, gender studies, health sciences, and education, among others. Research in these fields can explore specific aspects of non-profit sector contributions to African economies, such as environmental conservation, gender empowerment, healthcare delivery, and educational access.

It is important to note that research in these subject fields should strictly focus on the project’s main objective, which is to examine the contributions of non-profit sectors to African economies, with a specific focus on creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for youth. Applicants are encouraged to develop research proposals that align with this objective and address critical issues within their chosen subject fields.

You may also be eligible for:

(UN) United Nations Internships – Reporting, Data Analysis and Statistics Internship; Communications and Outreach Internship; Pollution and Circular Economy Support – (2024)

The Belgian American Educational Foundation (BAEF) Fellowship Programme (2025-2026)

The eligibility criteria for the Fellowship Programme are as follows:

1. Enrollment: Applicants must be currently enrolled as full-time students in a relevant doctoral program at an African university. Their research focus should align with the themes and objectives of the project, particularly concerning the non-profit sector’s contributions to dignified and fulfilling work for African youth.
2. Research Interest: Applicants should demonstrate a genuine research interest in understanding and analyzing the role of the non-profit sector in creating dignified and fulfilling employment opportunities for young Africans. Their research should contribute to advancing knowledge in this field.
3. Commitment and Teamwork: Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the fellowship program and the ability to work effectively in a team environment. Collaboration and cooperation with fellow researchers and project stakeholders are essential aspects of the program.
4. Availability: Applicants should be available to participate in the fellowship program for its entire duration. This includes attending workshops, seminars, and other program activities as required.
5. Age: Applicants must be less than 35 years of age at the time of application. This criterion aims to support early-career researchers and ensure that the fellowship program benefits young scholars who are at a pivotal stage in their academic careers.
6. Ph.D. Program Progress: Applicants should be in the first or second year of their Ph.D. program at the time of application. This requirement ensures that candidates have sufficient time remaining in their doctoral studies to fully engage with the fellowship program and contribute meaningfully to the research.
7. Nationality and Research Focus: Applicants must be nationals of any of the countries listed above (Burkina Faso, DRC, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) and conduct research on one or more of these countries. This criterion ensures that the research aligns with the project’s regional focus and addresses specific socio-economic contexts within Africa.
8. Thematic Focus: Research projects should align with the overarching theme of the project, which is the contribution of non-profit sectors to African economies, particularly in the context of providing dignified and fulfilling work for young Africans. Applicants are encouraged to develop research proposals that address critical issues within this thematic area, including but not limited to gender, disability, geography, refugees, and internally displaced persons.
9. Notification of Selection: Successful applicants will be notified of their selection by the specified notification date. Those selected for the fellowship will receive comprehensive support, including a fully funded fellowship, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development and networking.

Application instructions for the Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project:

1. Current Curriculum Vitae (CV): Applicants should provide an up-to-date CV detailing their educational background, research experience, academic achievements, publications (if any), professional experience, and any relevant skills or qualifications.
2. Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a personal statement, which should not exceed 500 words. The personal statement should outline the applicant’s research interests, motivation for applying to the fellowship, and how their research aligns with the objectives of the CAPSI Research program.
3. Outline of Proposed Research Project: Applicants must prepare an outline of their proposed research project, which should not exceed 2500 words. The outline should cover the following sections:
   • Background of the Study: Provide context and background information on the topic of research, including relevant literature and previous studies.
   • Problem Statement: Clearly articulate the research problem or gap in the existing literature that the study aims to address.
   • Research Questions: State the specific research questions that will guide the study and contribute to addressing the research problem.
   • Research Objectives: Outline the main objectives or goals of the research project and explain how they align with the broader aims of the fellowship program.
   • Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Review relevant literature and theories related to the research topic, highlighting key concepts, debates, and gaps in knowledge.
   • Proposed Methodology: Describe the research design, sampling procedures, data collection methods, and ethical considerations that will be employed in the study.
4. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must include a letter of recommendation from their supervisor or proposed supervisor, endorsing their candidacy for the fellowship and providing insights into their academic abilities and research potential.
5. Academic Transcripts: Applicants should submit copies of their academic transcripts, documenting their academic performance and achievements during their doctoral studies.
6. Proof of Age: Applicants are required to provide proof of age, such as a passport or birth certificate, to verify that they are under 35 years old, as per the eligibility criteria.
7. Proof of Admission or Registration: Applicants must provide evidence of admission or registration in a doctoral program at an African university, demonstrating their enrollment in a relevant academic institution.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are prepared and submitted according to the specified guidelines. The application package should be sent via email to the designated email addresses provided in the application instructions. The deadline for submission is Friday, May 24th, 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by Friday, June 14th, 2024.

In conclusion, the Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project, initiated by the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the Wits Business School in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, presents a unique opportunity for young African doctoral students to engage in research aimed at understanding and enhancing the role of non-profit organizations in African economies. The fellowship seeks to address the critical issue of creating dignified and fulfilling work opportunities for young Africans through the non-profit sector.

Through this fellowship, selected doctoral students will have the chance to delve into topics related to non-profit organizations and their impact on African economies, with a specific focus on addressing youth unemployment and promoting sustainable development. By conducting research in this area, fellows will contribute valuable insights that can inform policy-making, enhance the effectiveness of non-profit initiatives, and ultimately drive positive social and economic change across the continent.

The fellowship program underscores the importance of investing in the next generation of African scholars and researchers, empowering them to explore innovative solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges. By supporting doctoral students in their academic and professional development, the program aims to nurture a cadre of experts equipped to lead efforts aimed at advancing the welfare and prosperity of African communities.

In essence, the Doctoral Fellowship on the Non-Profit Sector and its Contribution to African Economies project represents a significant step towards promoting inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable development in Africa. Through rigorous research and academic inquiry, fellows will contribute to building a more resilient and equitable future for the continent.

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