Research opportunity: PhD capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Published on Thursday, 15 October 2015

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) together with the British Council are currently tendering a study which aims at finding an answer to the research question: ‘Within a national and regional context, how is research-oriented and sustainable PhD capacity and capability being developed in Sub-Saharan Africa?’

This research aims to provide a detailed picture of the environment for PhD programmes in selected countries within SSA. 

The British Council and DAAD believe that an increased shared understanding of the following areas is required to build the necessary human capital in Africa to increase research to address the challenges faced by the region:

  1. The current and evolving landscape for establishing and sustaining PhD programmes
  2. The national and regional enablers for this
  3. The priorities and agenda for the region’s higher education and research institutions

The research findings will contain valuable information regarding the research environment, and the priorities of universities and early career researchers within SSA. This new information will be beneficial to institutions and governments outside of SSA looking for opportunities to partner with and support universities and research institutions in the region.  The research will generate knowledge to inform government policy makers in the region about the research priorities and challenges faced by institutions; and local businesses and industry will also benefit from the new knowledge generated.

The findings will also increase our understanding of the impact of donor support for PhD programmes, and the extent to which this impact is sustainable.

KEY DATES

Deadline for submission of tenders: 23:59 GMT Friday 13 November 2015

Evaluation of proposals and short listing: Monday 16 November 2015

Communication to shortlisted agencies: Tuesday 17 November 2015

Clarification interviews with those short-listed: from Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 November 2015

Decision made on successful agency: Tuesday 24 November 2015

Project kick-off meeting: Tuesday 01 December 2015

Project completion date: Thursday 31 December 2016

ELIGIBILITY

Agency / research consortium with the following qualities:

  • Strong policy and international HE research portfolio, evidenced by previous projects.
  • Expertise in international (and specifically sub-Saharan African) education and macroeconomic research – evidenced by previous research projects and consultancy carried out for education and government establishments. 
  • Strong dedicated team with suitable experience and qualifications.
  • Extensive knowledge and experience of HE and PhD programmes in sub-Saharan Africa

HOW TO APPLY

Please read terms of reference and send your proposal to BOTH of the following email addresses:

education.market.intelligence@britishcouncil.org

info@daadafrica.org