5 Apr 2023 | Announcements

Call for applications: ICIMOD embrace equity research grant

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Deadline: 16 April 2023

About the research grant

ICIMOD is awarding three research grants to young and dynamic students interested in exploring gender-friendly climate-resilient agriculture technologies and practices along with the potential of digital innovation and technology integration. The research should address the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change on agriculture, contribute to generating scientific evidence, build on traditional or local knowledge, and offer solutions to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers, particularly women.

The research should cover the following thematic areas:

Access to agri-information and finance (agro-advisory, hydro-met and weather forecast, market and insurance) in Surkhet – Barahatal, Bheriganga, Birendranagar
Women-friendly tools and technologies for climate-resilient agriculture in Dailekh – Bhagwatimai, Bhairabi, Dullu, Naumule
Gendered role and ergonomics in agriculture in Humla – Kharpunath and Simikot

The research grant will amount up to NPR 50,000 each, which will cover research expenses including travel, accommodation, data collection, analysis, and reporting. Based on the applicant’s eligibility and proposal review criteria, we will be selecting three awardees to conduct short-term research of up to six months in any of the selected nine municipalities in Karnali Province, Nepal (Barahatal, Bheriganga, Birendranagar, Bhagwatimai, Bhairabi, Dullu, Naumule, Kharpunath and Simikot) where the GRAPE project is ongoing. The necessary supervision and guidance for the research will be provided by ICIMOD and our partners.

The awardees will sign an official contract with ICIMOD to start their research and will receive the approved budget in three instalments. Upon signing the contract, 40% of the agreed research budget will be disbursed. After submission of the preliminary field data synthesis report and depending on the satisfaction of the reporting officer, 30% of the remaining budget will be disbursed. Upon receiving the final report, the awardees will receive the remaining budget. The final research report should be submitted within two months after the completion of the research.

Selection criteria

Currently enrolled in a master’s or bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental science, social science, or a related field in a university in Nepal
Interested in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion into innovative technology, and digital agro advisory services for climate-resilient agriculture
Strong analytical, research, and writing skills are preferred
Motivated to conduct field research in the selected municipalities
Ability to communicate fluently in English and Nepali

Application procedure

A cover letter explaining the motivation to apply.
A research proposal as per the template (see Annex 1)
CV and academic transcripts
Contact details of two referees

The application materials mentioned above should be sent to ApplicationCRA@icimod.org no later than 16 April 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and the final selection will be made within a week.

Proposal review and scoring criteria

Key criteria for selection	Points
Academic achievements and experience as revealed by CV	20
Understanding of the problem along with proposed study design, tools, methodology and cost-effectiveness with a realistic budget plan	60
Motivation for research	20
	100

We encourage all eligible female students who are passionate about gender and social inclusion, innovative technology, and digital agro-advisory services for climate-resilient agriculture to apply for this grant and contribute to the GRAPE project’s vision of enhancing the resilience and productivity of smallholder farmers in Karnali Province, Nepal.

For further information, please contact oshin.sharma@icimod.org