SUMERNET Call for Fellowships

Background

SUMERNET is a regional research network focused on the six countries of the Mekong region. Its overall focus is to undertake research that influences and informs policy on sustainable development in the region thereby bridging the science to policy continuum. The new phase, SUMERNET 4 All (S4A), will have a strategic focus on “reducing water insecurities for all in the Mekong Region”. The network takes a participatory approach in identifying and finding ways to meet the strategic focus of the new phase S4A and utilize the rich research and policy engagement experiences of our partners. Through this approach the network aspires to transform the lives of communities affected by water insecurity in the Mekong Region. To know more about SUMERNET 4 All, details are available here: https://www.sei.org/projects-and-tools/projects/sumernet-4-all-engaging-with-water-insecurity-in-the-mekong-region/#sumernet-4-all

One of the S4A’s outcomes is to enhance the knowledge, attitude, and skills of knowledge producers so that they can deliver credible, gender inclusive, human rights-based, conflict-sensitive, and poverty-reduction focused research on key water insecurity challenges in the Mekong Region. The knowledge producers can improve their research practice and contribute to enhancing the discourse on water insecurities in the region. In S4A, among others, the programme focuses its interventions to improve capacity of young and early career professionals in the fields relevant to SUMERNET 4 All programme.

Besides providing grants for individual research projects, S4A is also supporting “fellowships” for young and early-career Mekong citizens of researcher and practitioner backgrounds, those involved or interested in communications and media work, or graduate students for hands-on learning under the four work components of SUMERNET 4 All.

Allowance

The SUMERNET 4 All Fellow will receive a monthly allowance of SEK 7,500 (approximately USD 750) to cover basic living costs and accommodation while residing in Bangkok, Thailand plus basic health/travel insurance and relevant direct costs (return flight, Thai visa and work permit fees). 

Duration

The duration of this grant is 6-12 months.  This can be extended for another term of 6-12 months upon evaluation of the candidate’s work and with the agreement of all parties concerned (SUMERNET fellow, SUMERNET Steering Committee, SUMERNET Secretariat, and also if relevant, the candidate’s home institution).

Requirements

1. Candidate is a citizen of one of the Mekong countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam) and is not older than 35 years at the start of fellowship.
2. Holds at least a bachelor’s degree and/or is in the process of obtaining Master’s or PhD degree in the subjects relevant to the S4A programme of work.
3. At least 2 years work experience in a field related to the S4A programme of work.
4. Able to commit 6-12 months full-time stay at the SUMERNET Secretariat in SEI’s Asia Centre in Bangkok, Thailand  
5. Proficiency in English language along with their native language in the Mekong Region.
6. Candidates who submit the letter or proof of previous work showing that they are known to, or recommended by, an institution that is a member of SUMERNET will be given priority in the selection process.

 Application and Selection Process

1. Application submission (deadline: 15 October 2019)

Applicants submit application through online form available at this link: https://sei.submittable.com/submit/148242/sumernet-call-for-fellowships. The following documents will be required to be uploaded:

• Motivation letter;
• Recent Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• At least 3 reference contacts (current or former work/academic supervisors);
• At least one letter of recommendation from current home institution or previous institution (optional);
• Letter from home institution, guaranteeing that the applicant will still be working at home institution after finishing SUMERNET 4 All fellowship (optional)

2. Panel interview (tentatively 21 – 25 October 2019)

Only shortlisted applicants will be called for the interview with SUMERNET selection panel. The interview stage will result recommendation of selected applicant(s) for approval by the SUMERNET Steering Committee (SSC).

3. Endorsement by SSC and announcement (28 October – 15 November 2019)

The recommendation from SUMERNET panel will be considered by the SSC. The endorsement of the SSC will be the final decision for the selection of SUMERNET 4 All Fellow(s). This final decision will be announced in by 15^th November 2019.

4. Start date of S4A fellowship

Subject to the application process of visa and work permit for staying in Thailand, the S4A fellows will start their duty at SUMERNET Secretariat as soon as possible and not later than January 2020.

For more details, please download the Call document enclosed (in pdf format).

Source: http://sumernet.org/content/sumernet-call-fellowships

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