Balkans Policy Research Group
The BPRG Fellowship Programme aims to boost policy research in the Western Balkans region. It will strengthen networking activities among graduate and post-graduate students and practitioners in the field, by focusing on the recruitment and further development of future leaders to foster excellence research on key policy areas in the Western Balkans region.
I. About Balkans Policy Research Group
Balkans Policy Research Group (BPRG) is one of the leading independent, nonpartisan think-tank dedicated to promoting state-building and societal harmony in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans. Through evidence-based research, analysis, advocacy, policy dialogue and expertise, its ultimate aim is to bring the region closer to the EU. We are committed to advocate and foster domestic and regional policy solutions with high-quality research.
II. About the Fellowship
BPRG is committed to support international scholars, young professionals, and future leaders showing their engagement to democratization, conflict resolution and state-building in Kosovo and in the Western Balkans. We offer highly-skilled academics and junior professionals the opportunity to gain critical professional experience with a renowned local and regional think-tank, to engage with stakeholders as a member of Kosovo’s society, to carry out policy-oriented research on key areas (i.e., peace- and state-building, conflict resolution, etc.) aimed at having an impact.
Research fellows will work on one of the following policy areas: State-building, Regional Cooperation, EU Integration & International Affairs, Green & Digitalisation.
During their fellowship at BPRG, fellows are required to carry out the following tasks:
• Research, implementation and completion of topics
and agendas on regional cooperation and initiatives (regional, local or
international EU and US-led agendas) including issues and policies in the
Western Balkans
• Write, edit and review reports and articles for publication
• Effectively organise and coordinate research activities and writing within
our project components
• Collaborate and provide support to key stakeholders (internally and
externally) and research partners including short-term consultants, as well as
long-term strategic partnerships
• Actively liaise with stakeholders at the local and regional level, together
with the Executive Director
• Identify best ways and policy actions to enhance the impact of BPRG’s
activities etc.
• Follow up on all organisational policies, best practice research management
protocols and procedures
• Ensure effective and timely implementation of the activities
• Report to the Senior Researcher and Executive Director
BPRG and the fellow will jointly develop a research agenda for the duration of the fellowship.
BPRG will help the fellow strengthen his/her research and analytical skills. He/she will carry out research under the supervision of one BPRG’s senior researcher, who will mentor the fellow to ensure credible research standards. The fellow will also be expected to engage with stakeholders and participate in national policy-making events.
The duration of the fellowship is 12 to 24 months, depending on the fellow’s interest.
The BPRG fellow will work in the organization’s premises in Pristina.
III. Who are we looking for?
We are looking for PhD students and junior professionals at a graduate and post-graduate levels. Applicants should hold a graduate (MA) or doctorate (PhD) degree or be pursuing a doctorate degree in the fields of law, political science, economics, sociology or another social science. The fellow is expected to have fundamental research skills and to have being engaged in competitive policy analysis work in the course of his/her studies or post-graduate work.
Applicants should be fluent in English.
IV. Why to Apply?
Benefit from a 1-year fellowship in one of the leading think-tank in Kosovo and the Western Balkans. Be part of a stimulating research environment. Enhancing one’s own research and analytical skills and get to know closer the domestic and regional policy in key areas like peace- and state-building, conflict resolution, etc. Increasing one’s own networking capacities.
V. How can you apply?
Applications for fellowships will be assessed on a rolling basis.
Interested candidates should send:
- Cover letter (in English)
- CV containing contact details of three references
- One writing sample
- Research plan (with possible topics that the Fellow wants to research and develop based on the policy areas mentioned above)
Successful candidates will be invited for an interview and written test.
Full applications with “Fellowship” in the email subject should be emailed to [email protected] throughout the year.
VI. Eligibility check
The applicant/fellow will be informed of his/her eligibility criteria (completeness, compliance, etc.) by e-mail.
VII. Evaluation & Selection Criteria
The evaluation process will be carried out in 2 rounds: 1st round: evaluation/review of applications (quality of the CV and excellence of the track record) [30%]; research plan (excellence): quality, innovative aspects and feasibility of the research, interdisciplinary and international aspects of the research plan [50%]; impact of the research plan on the future professional career development [20%] / 2nd round: interviews: Profile of the candidate (work experience both in the academic and private sectors; international experience; cross-domain experience (30%); research plan (impact & implementation): quality and novelty of the research plan; coherence and effectiveness of the work plan [40%]; potential of the candidate: openness and creativity; career path vision [30%].
The successful applicant/fellow will be invited to hold an online interview with the BPRG’s recruitment panel.
