Deadline: 15 January 2025
The Megatrends Afrika project invites applications for three post-doctoral fellowships focused on African researchers. Fellows will contribute to interdisciplinary research and policy advice on critical global challenges affecting Africa, aligning with the project’s themes:
Violent Actors and Transformation of Conflict
Megatrends and Democratization vs. Autocratization
Global Power Shifts and Multipolarity
Host Institutions
German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), Berlin
German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS), Bonn
Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW), Kiel
Fellowship Details
Responsibilities:
Conduct independent or collaborative research within the project’s scope.
Contribute one paper to the Megatrends Afrika publication series.
Participate in project meetings, events, and activities of the host institution.
Residency:
Fellows must reside in Berlin, Bonn, or Kiel, depending on their host institution.
Financial Benefits:
Monthly grant of €2,800.
Economy-class return travel to/from Germany.
Support for public transport, mobile credit, and ancillary costs.
Visa support if needed.
Eligibility Criteria
A PhD in political science, economics, social sciences, geography, international relations, or relevant area studies.
Originating from an African country.
Strong research and publication record in topics related to the fellowship themes.
Experience in scientific policy advice (advantageous).
Research Topics for 2025
Violent Actors and Transformation of Conflict:
Explore how violent conflict transforms political order in Africa.
Analyze the impact of megatrends like digitalization or global power shifts on armed conflict.
Megatrends and Democratization vs. Autocratization:
Investigate how demographic change, urbanization, and climate change influence political systems.
Examine conditions under which megatrends promote democratization or autocratization.
Global Power Shifts and Multipolarity:
Assess how external actors like China, Russia, or the U.S. shape Africa’s international relations.
Explore African foreign policy in a fragmented global order.
Application Process
Submission Format:
Single PDF document emailed to Megatrends-Afrika@swp-berlin.org.
Required Documents:
Letter of Motivation: One page.
Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include academic publications list.
Sample Publications: Two recent academic works.
Academic Transcripts/Diplomas: Copies; no translations needed.
Concept Note: Max 2,000 words. Include:
Discussion of the research topic.
Academic and policy relevance.
Feasibility and theoretical grounding.
Scope suitable for a 4–8 page Megatrends Policy Brief.
Selection Process
Candidates shortlisted based on:
Academic and professional merit (publications, experience).
Relevance and feasibility of the proposed project.
Communication skills and ability to make ideas accessible.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for online interviews.
Duration: Three months (March to October 2025, full-time)
Deadline: January 15, 2025, 11:59 p.m. CET
Find more details about the Megatrends Afrika project on their website.
