Application Deadline: March 31st, 2024
The German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and CAPS Unlock cordially invite academics, experts, and professionals from all five Central Asian countries to apply for the EU-Central Asia Connectivity Fellowship.
The fellowship aims to enhance policy-oriented research on various aspects of EU-Central Asian connectivity, develop policy papers and recommendations, bring together experts from Europe and Central Asia, and contribute to capacity and network building.
The 2024 Fellowship offers two spots.
The Fellowship includes:
- One-month research stay in Berlin (preferably June or September 2024; alternatively basedon fellow’s availability)
Eligibility Requirements
- Citizen of Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan)
• University degree in political science, international relations, economics, logistics, or related disciplines
• Expertise in connectivity (e.g. transport, infrastructure, trade, energy, raw materials, water and climate, sustainable development, digitalization) and EU-Central Asia relations
• At least 3 years of work experience in think tanks, foundations, NGOs, universities, international organizations, business, or related areas • Verifiable experience in research and academic writing
• Proficiency in English • Proficient use of MS Office programs
• Valid passport (for at least twelve months at the time of application) o Fellows are responsible for their visa application. DGAP can provide an official invitation.
• A state of health that allows for longer travel and a one-month stay in Berlin
During the stay in Berlin:
- Research and preparation of a policy paper on an aspect of EU-Central Asiaconnectivity, such as EU-Central Asia transport routes, infrastructure; energy, raw materials, and trade relations; digital connectivity; water management, climate change and human security; increasing engagement and competition among key players (Russia, China, Türkiye, Iran, …)
- Supervision by the DGAP research staff; review of the policy paper
- Contribution to a DGAP event on EU-Central Asia connectivity
- Meetings with German policymakers and experts
- Publication of the policy paper by DGAP and CAPS Unlock
Benefits
- Grant: 2,500 Euro plus travel expenses to/from Berlin
- Participation in a conference on connectivity in Almaty in October 2024 to present the policy
How to apply: To be considered for the fellowship, please complete the online application form by March 31. The application should include: • Completed application form
• Curriculum Vitae (in tabular form, max. 2 pages)
• Letter of motivation (max. 500 words), outlining the following points:
o Your motivation for pursuing the fellowship o Your expertise in connectivity and EU-Central Asia relations o How you would like to use your stay in Berlin and how it will positively impact your future work in your home country
• Initial concept for a policy paper on EU-Central Asia Connectivity (max. 1000 words), outlining the following points:
o Topic, research question, and main thesis of your proposed paper o Possible topics could be: EU-Central Asia transport routes/infrastructure; energy/raw materials/trade relations; digital connectivity; water/climate; role of key players (Russia, China, Türkiye, Iran, …)
o Relevance of the research question
o Possible contribution of the paper to an update of the EU Central Asia Strategy o Research methods o Necessary support by DGAP during your stay in Berlin.
Selection Procedure:
- The selection of the fellows will be made by the project team consisting of experts from the German Council on Foreign Relations and Caps Unlock.
- Diversity of policy topics, academic and professional backgrounds, and gender balance are considered.
More Info: EU-Central Asia Connectivity Fellowship
