Call for applications for PhD scholarship in Social Policy Studies

Call for applications for PhD scholarship in Social Policy Studies

/ April 17, 2023

Call for Scholarship Applications

PhD in Social Policy Studies

at the Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS), University of Ghana

(May 2023 – September 2026)

 

deadline:  30 April 2023

 

The Centre for Social Policy Studies (CSPS) at the University of Ghana, in cooperation with WASCAL (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use), the International Center for Sustainable Development (IZNE, Hochschule Bonn Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences, Germany), and the Norwich Institute for Sustainable Development, announce a call for

a PhD Scholarship in Social Policy Studies

(with a focus on Frameworks and Incentive Systems for Sustainable Land Management)

Land management is influenced by the decisions and behaviors of landowners/managers and framed by local socioeconomic context, infrastructure and governance systems. For sustainable land management, the design of incentive systems for successful implementation and long-term behavioral change is a focus of analysis.

The PhD scholarship is part of the INTERFACES project (Supporting Pathways to Sustainable Land Management in Africa) which is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMBF. More details can be found at https://www.h-brs.de/en/interfaces

The successful PhD student is expected to combining two complementary perspectives in his/her dissertation: First, the doctoral research will seek to understand what frameworks for sustainable land management exist or are possible and how different frameworks influence  the behaviour of land users. Second, it will identify strategies to bridge the gap between knowledge and behaviour change.

The scholarship will run from 15 May 2023 to 30 September 2026. The applicant will initially be offered a Research Assistant position and begin the PhD scholarship once s/he is  enrolled in the PhD programme in Social Policy Studies at CSPS, University of Ghana.  

What we offer

  • Full funding for field work, travel, and research costs for PhD progamme until 30 September 2026.
  • Academic advising and thesis supervision from senior scholars in social policy, development economics and sustainable development at the University of Ghana, Bonn Rhein-Sieg University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and University of East Anglia (UK).
  • An exciting and varied research role in an innovative environment.
  • The opportunity to work in an international and intercultural project that will build your professional network in West Africa and Germany.
  •  

Responsibilities

In the course of the reseach assistantship and PhD scholarship over three years, the successful applicant must deliver on the following:

  • Identification and evaluation of incentive instruments and incentive systems for sustainable land management.
  • Organization and facilitation of stakeholder workshops.
  • Presentation of (preliminary) results in seminars and scientific events and/ or lectures.
  • Publication of research.
  • Assistance in preparation of sub-project reports.

Eligibility

  • A Master´s Degree in Economics, Psychology, Agriculture, Development Studies, Land Management or related areas.
  • Interest and familiarity in data-driven analysis is an advantage. 
  • Previous research experience using mix-methods is preferred. 
  • Excellent communication and intercultural skills.
  • Experience facilitating and organizing workshops is an advantage.

NOTE: These criteria are in addition to general requirements by the School of Graduate Studies at the University of Ghana. The scholarship will be granted once the successful applicant is formally enrolled by the School of Graduate Studies into the PhD programme at CSPS.

 

How to apply

Please send your application documents in one single PDF file (with the subject line “PhD scholarship application”) to  csps@ug.edu.gh by 30 April 2023.

The application should consist of

  • a statement of purpose (no more than 2000 words)
  • title and abstract of Master’s thesis
  • CV
  • academic transcripts (first and second degrees)
  • copies of Bachelor and Master’s certificates
  • names and contact details (email and phone) of two academic referees
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