Zainab Usman

(1) THE CULTURES OF RESISTANCE SOAS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Cultures of Resistance Network and the American Friends of SOAS (AFSOAS) are providing two postgraduate scholarships in 2014/15 at SOAS, University of London. Valued at £24,000 per student, the scholarships will be used to help their recipients meet the costs of tuition fees at the overseas rate and also help them meet any additional costs (e.g. transport, purchasing books, research costs) associated with their stay in London. In addition to their £24,000 a-year scholarship, each scholar will benefit from a 20% reduction in their tuition fees and one Cultures of Resistance Scholar every year will benefit from free student accommodation at International Students House (ISH).

The scholarships will benefit people from countries that have been affected by wars and extreme poverty. This program embodies the values of the Cultures of Resistance Network, which seeks to empower and enrich communities—especially those that have been affected by civil wars and foreign military occupation—through the promotion of human rights, justice for victims of war crimes, and the enrichment of civil society and robust grassroots democracy.

Security conditions permitting, scholars are expected to return to their home countries to apply their knowledge and skills for the betterment of their societies. In the case of refugees or those fearing repression and censorship in their home countries, we expect that they will seek employment/work/study abroad toward the aim of improving the future of their home country and that of its citizens. We hope that scholarship recipients will pursue careers that, among other things, promote universal human rights, international law, equal justice for all, and the enrichment of civil society and robust grassroots democracy.

Eligibility Criteria:

Although priority will be given to students from Afghanistan, Burma, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Iraq, Palestinian Territories (West Bank and Gaza), Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, and Syria, the scholarship program is open to students from the following countries/territories:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gaza, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Kyrgyz Republic, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Myanmar, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Phillippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, West Bank, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zimbabwe

We encourage applicants from countries that are not on the priority list to explain how their experience of conflict in their home countries contributes to their application and how their anticipated program of study reflects the mission of the scholarship.

In addition to holding (or being expected to obtain) an undergraduate degree at the first class degree level or country equivalent, eligible candidates must have applied to pursue one of the following degree programs at SOAS, University London, preferably four weeks before the scholarship closing date but no later than the scholarship application deadline:

• MSc in Development Studies with Special Reference to Central Asia;
• MSc in Globalisation and Development;
• MSc in Migration, Mobility and Development;
• MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development;
• MSc in Development Economics;
• MSc in Political Economy of Development;
• MA in International and Comparative Legal Studies;
• MA in Dispute and Conflict Resolution;
• MA in Environmental Law and Sustainable Development;
• MA in Human Rights Law;
• MA in International Law;
• MA in Law, Development and Globalisation;
• LLM in Dispute and Conflict Resolution;
• LLM in Environmental Law;
• LLM in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice;
• LLM in International Law.

Applications must be received by 17:00 GMT on Thursday, March 20, 2014.

For more information, visit: http://www.culturesofresistance.org/SOAS-scholarship

 

(2) PRESIDENT OBAMA’S YOUNG AFRICAN LEADERS INITIATIVE (YALI)

The Washington Fellowship is the new flagship program of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI). This program will bring over 500 young leaders to the United States each year, beginning in 2014, for leadership training and mentoring, and will create unique opportunities in Africa to put those new skills to practical use in propelling economic growth and prosperity, and strengthening democratic institutions.

The Washington Fellowship will:

• Invest in a new generation of young African leaders who are shaping the continent’s future.
• Respond to the strong demand by young African leaders for practical skills that can help them take their work to the next level in the fields of public service and business.
• Deepen partnerships and connections between the United States and Africa.
• Build a prestigious network of young African leaders who are at the forefront of change and innovation in their respective sectors.

An Unparalleled Opportunity to:

• Interact with President Obama at a Presidential Summit in Washington, D.C;
• Participate in a 6-week leadership and mentoring program at a U.S. institution;
• Meet with U.S. government, civic, and business leaders;
• Access exceptional internship and apprenticeship opportunities;
• Expand your business or project through access to millions of dollars for small grant funding; and
• Join a continent-wide and global alumni network to help you seek innovative solutions to common challenges.

Eligibility Criteria:

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, socio-economic status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Competition for the Washington Fellowship is merit-based and open to young African leaders who meet the following criteria:

• Are between the ages of 25 and 35 at the time of application submission, although exceptional applicants younger than 25 will be considered;
• Are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S;
• Are eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
• Are proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English; and
• Are citizens and residents of one of the following countries:  Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Republic of the Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

For information on eligibility criteria, application procedure and deadlines, visit: http://youngafricanleaders.state.gov/washington-fellows/how-to-apply/

To access the application portal, visit: http://www.irex.org/application/washington-fellowship-application-information

 

(3) M.SC IN AFRICAN STUDIES SCHOLARSHIPS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD

The African Studies Centre is offering full scholarships for the MSc in African Studies for the 2014-2015 academic year:

• ORISHA Scholarship
• Ioma-Evans Pritchard/Commonwealth Scholarship
• Canon Collins/African Studies Scholarship in association with St Antony’s College
• The Eldred – Waverley Scholarship at Linacre College

Find out about the eligibility criteria and application details for each of these scholarships at: http://www.africanstudies.ox.ac.uk/msc-african-studies-scholarships

 

(4) PREPARING GLOBAL LEADERS ACADEMY

(Amman, Jordan 16-22 March 2014)

From the website:

“Preparing Global Leaders Academy (PGLA) is a premiere international educational program for the best students and young professionals around the world. Our specific strategy is to help participants maximize their potential and develop leadership and communication skills. The program seeks to prepare aspiring global scholar-leaders with the tools that are necessary for effective leadership in an increasingly complex world.

PGLA is a one week program taking place in Amman, Jordan. Participants will benefit academically and socially as they will work closely with other young leaders from around the world and build everlasting relationships. Delegates will also witness the ancient beauty of Jordan including the Baptism site, Petra (named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World), The Dead Sea (the lowest point on earth and home of the world’s largest natural spa), as well as many other of Jordan’s attractions both natural and manmade.”

Application Form:

A completed application form (please download form below) is necessary to register for the Preparing Global Leaders Academy. A confirmation letter to all applicants will be sent by e-mail upon acceptance of the application. All applicants will additionally be informed by e-mail on the decision of PGLA admission board. This decision will be final and cannot be appealed upon delivery. Information and consent forms will be mailed in February.

Documents:

• Application form
• Passport photo (jPEG format)
• CV (recommended)
• Letter of Support (optional)

A completed application form with all support documents (optional documents are not required) should be sent to e-mail: admission@pgla-jordan.org with a subject title: PGLA 2014 Application Form. Please note that admission to the academy is made on a rolling basis, therefore, earlier applications will receive priority consideration. Should you have additional queries regarding the admission process or any other concerns related to PGLA 2014, do not hesitate to contact us via email: contactus@pgla-jordan.org.

Scholarships and Program Cost:

The full cost of the program is $900 covering tuition fee, transportation, accommodation and meals.

All participants are responsible for travel arrangements and associated insurance and VISA costs (if needed) to Amman, Jordan. There are also a range of scholarships available.

Application Deadlines:

• Prospective Delegates from countries that require VISA: January 15, 2014.
• Prospective Delegates from countries that do not require VISA: February 10, 2014.

To download the application form, visit: http://www.pgla-jordan.org/?page_id=663

 

(5) GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY’S M.Sc. IN FOREIGN SERVICE

Starting in fall 2014, the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS) at Georgetown University is offering a full-tuition scholarship for a talented graduate student from sub-Saharan Africa.

MSFS is a two-year, full-time graduate degree program in international affairs. Students will take courses in international relations, international trade, international finance, statistics and analytical tools and history. In addition, students choose an area of concentration such as Global Politics and Security, International Development or Global Business and Finance.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited university with a strong academic record.
• A TOEFL score of at least 100, or an IELTS score of at least 7.0.
• Applicants must have completed a course in microeconomics and a course in macroeconomics, or must be able to complete both courses *before* the beginning of the MSFS program in fall 2014.
• Applicants should have professional experience, ideally in a field related to their future professional goals.
• Students have an average of four years of work experience before joining MSFS.
• Special consideration will be given to applicants from: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must submit all required application documents (online application, personal statement, official transcripts and test scores, letters of recommendation). Only students who have applied to the program will be considered for the scholarship.

The application deadline for fall 2014 is January 15, 2014.

For more information on the academic program, visit http://msfs.georgetown.edu.

For information on how to apply, visit http://msfs.georgetown.edu/admissions.

 

(6) TRAININGS & FELLOWSHIPS  IN THE MEDICAL SCIENCES

TDR’s grant and training activities aim to develop strong leadership in health research and decision making, so that high quality institutional and national systems can identify and manage research priorities. Grant opportunities include support for post-graduate academic training, career development, short courses and research.

1. 1.      TDR advanced postdoctoral research and training grants in implementation research – 2014

The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) invites applications for advanced postdoctoral research and/or training grants from individuals who are nationals of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Two types of grants are offered: strategic support for re-entry and postdoctoral research and training grants for the acquisition of special skills relevant to research, research management or leadership:

1. Re-entry grants: Research-based mentorship and support (maximum US$ 25 000 per year for up to 2 years) for PhD holders employed and returning to their home institution within 24 months after graduation.
2. Postdoctoral advanced training and research: including short-term attachments to acquire leadership and research skills related to leadership and research activities not available within the home country or institutions.

For information on eligibility criteria, application process and deadline, visit: http://www.who.int/tdr/grants/empowerment/en/index.html

1. 2.     TDR postgraduate training grants in implementation research – 2014

The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) invites applications for postgraduate training grants leading to MSc and PhD degrees focused on disciplines relevant to implementation research (such as, but not limited to, epidemiology, social sciences, biostatistics, health economics, health/medical education, health information systems, community and environmental health).

The training may take place in the home country of the applicant, another low- and middle-income country (LMIC), or a high-income country.

Submission deadline 7 February 2014

For information on eligibility criteria and the application process,  visit:  http://www.who.int/tdr/grants/empowerment/en/index.html

 

(7) JUNIOR PROFESSIONAL OFFICERS PROGRAMME (JPO-P) AT THE UNITED NATIONS

The Nigerian government (through the Ministry of Youth Development) is currently sponsoring 37 Junior Professional Officer (JPO) entry-level positions into the United Nations.

For information about available positions, eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines, visit: http://www.fmydjpop.gov.ng/page.php

(8) SUMMER RESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIP INSTITUTE AT BROWN UNIVERSITY

Applications invited for New Summer Residential Scholarship Institute at Brown University, June 7-21, 2014
THEME: Ethnicity, Conflict and Inequality in Global Perspective

From June 7-21, 2014, Brown University (in Providence, RI, USA) will host Brown International Advanced Research Institutes (BIARI), which convenes participants from around the world to address pressing global issues through collaboration across academic, professional, and geographic boundaries. Applications are invited from early-career scholars and practitioners, especially those based at institutions in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, to participate in intensive, residential two-week institutes at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International Studies. The four institutes are convened by Brown University professors, and feature lectures, seminars, and workshops led by distinguished international guest faculty. This highly selective, residential program gives participants a unique opportunity to interact with their global peers and benefit from Brown University’s world-class campus and facilities.

About ‘Ethnicity, Conflict and Inequality in Global Perspective’:

Co-convened by faculty from Brown University’s departments of Economics and Political Science, this institute offers participants a thorough exploration of the conceptual and theoretical foundations of scholarship that connects conflict, inequality, and ethnicity. Best practices in comparative and interdisciplinary research design, implementation, and exposition will be explored, with a particular focus on the dilemmas of doing justice to context-specific data while producing generalizable insights. Lectures and workshops led by distinguished guest faculty will constitute the core of this institute, to be supplemented by participants’ individual research presentations, and panel discussions on pressing contemporary cases in line with participants’ expertise and interests. Applications are especially welcome from scholars interested in evidence-based policy making.
This is open to scholars and  advanced PhD students from the Global South who work in the area of Ethnic Conflict and Inequality.
Review of applications begins — December 16, 2013. Application closes in mid-January.

To apply for BIARI 2014, please visit https://secure.brown.edu/biari/

Further details are available at http://brown.edu/about/administration/international-affairs/biari/  Contact biari@brown.edu with any questions