TIB Fellowship for Research on Corruption & Governance

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is offering fellowships to undertake policy and action-oriented research on specific themes and issues related to fighting corruption and promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in Bangladesh. Overall objective of the fellowships is to facilitate new thinking and strategies on strengthening TIB social movement against corruption, especially greater public awareness and participation as well as collaboration and advocacy with all stakeholders including the Government.

The program offers fellowships in two categories: I. Research Fellowships for candidates within the age-limit of 40 years, and II. Senior Research Fellowships for those above 40 years.

Fellowships under both categories are available for a period of 6-9 months. Exact duration would depend on the research proposal submitted by the candidate and evaluation of the same by the fellowship authority. Depending on the availability of proposals of the expected standard, up to 4 fellowships are available per year in the two categories taken together.

The fellowships are open to professionals including academics, researchers, lawyers, journalists and professionals of non-governmental organizations. Candidates having at least Masters or equivalent degree in a relevant subject with proven skills and experiences of research are eligible to apply. Anyone with third division or equivalent grades at any stage of academic career and/or having no research experience is discouraged.

Applicants for the category-I (Research Fellows) should have 3-5 years professional experience in a related field, and must have demonstrated the capacity to undertake independent research. They will be required to conduct the research under the guidance of a supervisor to be designated by the fellowships authority in consultation with the selected fellows. Joint research by two or more applicants is welcome.

Applicants for category-II (Senior Research Fellowships) must have at least 6-10 years professional experience in a related field, and proven excellence in independent research. Bangladeshi nationals living both at home and abroad are eligible to apply. Non-resident Bangladeshis will however take the responsibility on their own to raise funds for international travel, if needed.

Eligible candidates should apply with the following a research proposal, in Bangla or English, within 750-1200 words stating, the rationale, objectives, scope and significance of the proposed research, methodology including justification of field work if planned, and schedule of work, and expected results of the research with particular emphasis on practical implications for key objectives of the fellowship programme; detailed curriculum vitae including all relevant personal, academic and professional information, copies of up to two samples of recent publication/writing, if available, preferably on a subject related to the fellowship theme; and two letters of reference commenting on the candidate professional expertise, research and analytical skills.

Proposals for the TIB Fellowships are received throughout the year. Decisions are normally communicated within three months of receipt of the proposal. Selection is made on the basis of evaluation of the proposal keeping in view the relevance of the proposed research to the work of TIB, its vision and mission. Evaluation of the proposal may also require face to face interview of the applicant.

Academic record and research competence, referees reports are also considered. TIB strongly upholds the principle of equal opportunity to all eligible candidates irrespective of sex, religion or any other marker of identity. Any attempt to seek favors or to influence the decision making process is treated as disqualification. Individuals with a status of employment with TIB and their immediate family members are not entitled.

Fellows will be paid stipends at the rate of Taka 50,000 and 75,000 per month under category I and II respectively. An additional lump sum allowance of no more than Taka 75,000-150,000 per fellowship will be available for fieldwork, depending on the research methodology and work plan.

Candidates willing to avail of the allowance for fieldwork are required to provide detailed justification for the same and an estimated budget thereof. The stipends, payable in Bangladesh Taka, will be disbursed in four installments depending on evidence/report on progress of work while the field allowance will be paid in two parts. All payments are subject to deduction of tax at source as applicable under the relevant government rules.

The duration in which the proposed research should be completed can be 6-9 months. Once selected, a deed of agreement will be signed between the fellow and TIB laying down the terms and conditions reflecting provisions contained in this document.

Each fellow will be under obligation to submit an original research paper of 20-30,000 words. The paper may be written in English or Bangla. Responsibility of fellows include revision of the research paper until the report has been accepted for publication. The publications will be in the language in which it has been prepared (Bangla or English). However, in case it is published in English, the monograph should include a substantive Bangla abstract of at least five pages, and an English abstract if the main text is in Bangla. TIB will retain the copyright.

Once published by TIB, the research paper or any part thereof can be subsequently published elsewhere with due acknowledgement of TIB. If any fellow fails to submit the report and/or to complete it meeting the requisite standard, s/he will be under obligation to refund any amount received under this fellowship. Extension of fellowship period may be made only in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances.

Fellows are selected on competitive basis and principle of equal opportunity. Last date of application each year is July 15. Grants are announced by end August. Fellowships are expected commence from early September.

For more information about the fellowship please contact to - Transparency International Bangladesh, Road 12, House 141, Block E, Banani, Dhaka 1213. Tel: 8826036, 9887490; Fax: 9884811; email: info@ti-bangladesh.org. Web: www.ti-bangladesh.org.