The International Growth Centre (IGC) Sierra Leone early-career local researcher fellowship 2025 (£5,000 research grant) Deadline: 29 August, 2025

Applications are now open for the 2025 IGC Sierra Leone early-career local researcher fellowship. The International Growth Centre (IGC) proudly supports this mission through its commitment to applied research and collaborative partnerships with government stakeholders.

Under the Herbert P. M’cleod Local Researchers Programme (HPMLRP), the 2025 IGC early-career local researcher fellowship stands as a cornerstone initiative to cultivate Sierra Leone’s next generation of economists and policymakers. This fellowship equips early-career researchers with the opportunity to engage directly in high-impact, policy-relevant work while addressing pressing national priorities. Fellows will collaborate closely with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to produce actionable insights that inform decision-making and drive sustainable development.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be Sierra Leonean nationals or residents currently enrolled in a postgraduate programme (PhD or Master’s) or serving as junior researchers or faculty in a Sierra Leonean institution;
• Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills, including proficiency in tools such as Stata, R, SPSS, or Python;
• Clearly articulate a research idea aligned with one of the thematic tracks described above;
• Be committed to producing work that directly informs public policy and is accessible to non-academic audiences.

Desirable skills and experience:

• Prior exposure to policy-engaged research or government data;
• Familiarity with Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, household surveys, administrative data, or sector-specific policy debates;
• Strong academic writing and communication skills.

Fellowship Structure

• Duration: 3 months (September–December 2025)
• Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone (with flexibility for hybrid modalities)
• Support package:
  • A research grant of £5,000 to support fieldwork, data collection, and living costs
  • Mentorship from IGC-affiliated academics and the IGC Sierra Leone country team
  • Policy engagement opportunities with relevant government ministries and stakeholders
• Expected outputs:
  • A short policy brief, a working paper, and a presentation to relevant policymakers

Application Requirements

Interested candidates must submit:

1. A Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages);
2. A Cover Letter (max 1,000 words) describing:
   • Your motivation for applying;
   • Relevant research experience;
   • A short outline of the proposed research idea under one of the tracks;
3. One academic reference (can be sent separately by the referee);
4. A writing sample (optional, e.g., thesis chapter or policy paper).

Please submit all application materials via email, using the subject line: “Application – IGC SL Local Fellowship 2025 – [Track Name]”

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the IGC team and relevant government counterparts.

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