East Africa Social Science Translation (EASST) Collaborative Visiting Fellowship 2020 for African Researchers

Deadline: February 10, 2020

Applications are open for the East Africa Social Science Translation (EASST) Collaborative Visiting Fellowship 2020 for African Researchers. The EASST Collaborative invites researchers interested in developing their skills in impact evaluation to apply for a 4-month fellowship (sabbatical) at the University of California, Berkeley, to be completed during Fall 2020 (August- December) or Spring 2021 (January – May).

During the fellowship period, visiting researchers will:

• Participate in seminars and conferences on research in social and economic development;
• Present their own research during seminars and workshops;
• Engage in UC Berkeley coursework, such as a rigorous doctoral-level seminar in impact evaluation;
• Carry out an independent research project under the mentorship of a CEGA faculty member (projects can use existing data for retrospective analysis or set-up a study design for future data collection);
• Meet and collaborate with faculty and students in multiple academic departments;
• Visit and present at other CEGA campuses, including UC San Diego, UCLA, and/or Stanford University;
• Design impact evaluation curricula that will be taught at an East African institution; and
• Participate in policy dissemination by contributing to policy briefs, attending meetings with policymakers and stakeholders, and presenting at events.

Cost

• The EASST program will cover the costs of room and board in Berkeley, health insurance, visa fees, and round-trip economy airfare for selected fellows.
• In addition, fellows will be provided a monthly stipend to cover any other expenses that may occur during the stay at UC Berkeley (local transportation, personal hygiene items, etc.).

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a national of an East African country (i.e. Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan,or Uganda)
• Have completed a PhD within the last 8 years,or be enrolled in a PhD program in economics, statistics, epidemiology/public health, or another social science discipline(in exceptional cases, the applicants will hold a Masters’ degree in a relevant field and have plans to pursue a PhD in the future. These cases will require a direct referral by a former EASST fellow);
• Have a current affiliation with a research institution, university or other research organization in East Africa, preferably one that supports policy-relevant, quantitative social science research;
• Plan to return to a research institute in East Africa after the fellowship. If currently enrolled in a PhD program outside the African continent, scholars may complete their PhD before their return.

Selection Criteria

Successful candidates must:

• Demonstrate strong analytic skills, with past coursework in economics or statistics;
• Have participated in or have familiarity with impact evaluation research(either randomized or quasi-experimental studies), policy analysis, and micro-level field data collection;
• Demonstrate a commitment to and experience with engaging policy-makers and implementing bodies and disseminating research findings;
• Demonstrate a commitment to building the capacity of African research institutions/universities;
• Demonstrate a commitment to institutionalizing rigorous evidence within their institution;
• Submit a clear and innovative research proposal to evaluate a specific public policy or program in East Africa, using a randomized controlled trial or quasi-experimental methodologies;
• Be computer literate, fluent in English,and a strong public speaker.

Application

Prepare the following documents:

• Personal Statement (1 page): Describe your personal motivations for applying to the EASST fellowship–of all fellowships available to you, why are you particularly interested in EASST? What do you hope to accomplish during the semester and beyond?
• Curriculum Vitae/Resume
• Transcript of any coursework completed within at least the last 5 years (i.e. your scores or grades from university courses). Scanned copy is acceptable.
• Research Proposal: Not to exceed 2 pages.
• Evidence of Leave Approval from the applicant’s supervisor or department chair demonstrating support and certifying that, if the applicant is selected, he/she will be able to take a 4-month leave of absence.
• Letters of Recommendation (2 required, 1 optional)

• Required: One academic letter that describes the applicant’s research capacity, quantitative skills, and qualifications for the EASST fellowship.
• Required: One letter from a government agency or policy maker indicating the fellows past policy engagement or engagement potential.
• If you are applying with only a masters degree (not currently working towards a PhD), you must submit a reference letter from a former EASST fellow to apply.

• OPTIONAL: You may attach one working paper or publication.

All documents should be submitted here.