Since 2016, the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society has fostered academic and policy research on Kosovo through a structured fellowship providing financial support and academic supervision to young scholars.
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With the aim of supporting original research and increased cooperation between academic scholars and policy analysts from the EU and the Western Balkans, the Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF) provides micro-grants to young researchers to conduct their research, as well as academic supervision from stellar scholars in their chosen fields. Additionally, KFOS provides material support for the fellowship’s kick-off workshop and field visit research trip.
Since its establishment, the fellowship has supported over 30 researchers and policy experts from all over Europe and has resulted in the publication of three volumes of original academic research, dozens of policy briefs, and hundreds of opinion pieces in European and regional media in numerous languages.
Focusing on recruiting a wide range of policy and academic experts from the region and beyond, the fellowship has built a network of scholars and experts whose work has contributed greatly to understanding Kosovo’s state-building and the EU integration efforts.
Applications for the fellowship are accepted through an open call, once a year.
Benefits
In 2022-23 cohort, KRAF fellows will have the opportunity to:
- Participate in a kick-off workshop during which they will attend master classes and get advice on their individual research projects.
- Receive research guidance from experienced academics and policy experts for the entire duration of this project;
- Visit Kosovo and spend several days in data collection, interviews and meeting Kosovar policy makers and civil society as well as the other fellows;
- Draft and publish a policy brief tackling pressing issues that will receive wide publicity in the EU countries and the Western Balkans’
- Receive remuneration for their research and publicity work at the total amount of 3,000 EUR;
- Disseminate findings in both EU countries and the Western Balkans through various public events, dissemination acts, networking activities that are part of KFOS projects;
- Become members of an exciting new group of up and coming researchers who will devise creative and novel ideas for future research focusing on Kosovo and the Western Balkans.
Eligibilities
- A Master’s degree in a social sciences discipline or other; applications from candidates currently pursuing doctoral studies or have recently completed their doctorate are welcome.
- Research experience in academic or non-academic publications, particularly policy publications and reports.
- Fluency in English and ability to conduct research, draft policy papers and opinion pieces, as well as implement publicity activities.
- Adequate knowledge of contemporary Western Balkans affairs and an interest to engage in public debates about the future of the region in the country of origin and beyond.
- Social media skills and an interest to use new and innovative tools to disseminate ideas & research findings.
Application Process
Required documents:
- A motivation letter explaining how the applicant fits with the present call’s objectives and thematic scope as well as KRAF’s overall goals.
- A two-page policy paper proposal. The proposal should outline an individual policy analysis project and include one or more research questions, methodology, data to be collected and show a good understanding of the proposed topic.
- A two-page publicity and dissemination plan.The plan should be a comprehensive outline of planned publicity and dissemination activities in applicant’s home country and beyond. The proposal should show the applicant’s innovation in reaching out to policy-making circles a and envisage dissemination of research findings in multiple platforms. The plan should aim for no-cost publicity actions, but if any of the activities would require further funding this should be specifically mentioned and a tentative budget estimate provided. The project organizers may fund a small number of dissemination activities proposed by the fellows.
- CV and a list of publications.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Motivation letter (20%)
- Policy paper proposal (40%)
- Publicity and dissemination plan (20%)
- Education and experience (20%).
- Applicants should send their full applications by email to [email protected]
Looking for fully-funded opportunities, install the Youth Opportunities Android or iOS App here.
Application Deadline: October 21, 2022
Application ClosedOfficial link
