Somalia: High-quality Research Support (HQRS) Training Programme

Programme Objectives

The goal of the High-quality Research Support programme is to contribute to an improvement of the research performance of local institutions in Somalia/Somaliland in their efforts to conduct high-quality and credible social research. The Programme is based on the expectation that the participants, on their return to their institutions, will energetically and creatively use the knowledge and skills they have acquired during the training programme to build the research capacity of beneficiary institutions.

In order to achieve this goal, the Programme aims to accomplish the following objectives at the level of individual participants:

· Train 30 mid-career researchers each year for two years and give them the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully conduct and lead high-quality research;

· Develop and enhance the level of practical knowledge, skills and tools employed in the conduct of social research activities;

· Develop and enhance the capabilities and competence of local researchers to analyse local social issues and be able to generate fact-based policy options for local and international stakeholders;

· Increase the number of qualified local researchers who can be recruited by local and international agencies and organizations working in the country.

Contents

The Research Training Programme focuses on both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding social research and academic writing. Special emphasis is placed on six particular areas which required in many cases to enhance the quality of local research: research writing and citation, qualitative and quantitative methods, research design and ethics, gender and social research, research for policy and practice, , and policy and programme evaluation research.

The programme has a total duration of 11 months and consists of three compulsory phases after the three day induction:

Training Phase (6 blocks x 5 days during 4 months):Over a period of four months this initial phase will provide participants with intensive training developed and delivered by highly qualified teaching staff from the University of Bristol. This phase of the training will introduce participants to the variety of research concepts, techniques and methods applicable to the field of social research. The following units will be covered during training phase:

· Research Writing and Citation

· Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

· Research Design and Ethics

· Gender and Social Research

· Evidence for Policy and Practice

· Policy and Programme Evaluation Research

Internship Phase (3 blocks x 5 days during 3 months):During the following three months participants will be split into 4 groups for an internship at one of the OCVP offices in Hargeisa, Garowe and Mogadishu or at the Hargeisa office of its implementing partner Transparency Solutions. During this phase of the programme, participants will be given the opportunity to travel to the field and be part of the processes of data collection, data analysis and report writing.

2

Mentorship Phase (Part-time continuously for 4 months):During the final four months of the Programme each participant is expected to return his/her institution and develop a research topic that s/he will investigate and on which s/he will write a paper on. Each participant will be assigned a mentor from the University of Bristol, who will provide assistance and feedback during the writing-up phase. Where possible, the mentor will be one of the University of Bristol staff who delivered the research training. Each mentor will mentor five participants and be available by phone, Skype and email. Participants will also have the support of a University of Bristol Chief Editor for the publication to be based on their research.

Participants who successfully complete each of the four phases of the programme will be awarded a Certificate of Participation from the University of Bristol. Participants will have a final graduation ceremony and research findings dissemination workshop.

Dates and Places

Induction: Participants selected will be provided with a three day induction at the OCVP Hargeisa office, Somaliland: the most likely dates are 21-23 October 2015. Confirmed dates will be announced shortly.

Training Phase: The OCVP Hargeisa office, Somaliland, 21 October 2015 to 15 January 2016. The six research training units will each last five days. The draft schedule will be as follows (finalised dates will be announced shortly):

· 26-30 October 2015: Research Writing and Citation

· 2-5 November 2015: Research Design and Ethics

· 16-20 November 2015: Qualitative and Quantitative Methods

· 14-18 December 2015: Gender and Social Research

· 4-8 January 2016: Policy and Programme Evaluation Research

· 11-15 January 2016: Evidence for Policy and Practice

Internship Phase: in either of the OCVP country offices (Hargeisa, Garowe and Mogadishu) or in the Transparency Solutions office (Hargeisa), 20 January to 20 April, 2016. The internships will be divided into three blocks each lasting five days and will be scheduled at the most convenient times with the three months.

Mentorship Phase: Participants’ home institutions/organizations, 25 April to 25 August, 2016. Part-time continuously plus three days for the graduation ceremony and research findings dissemination workshop: dates to be announced.

Management and Staff

The Programme is designed and implemented by OCVP in close partnership with the University of Bristol and Transparency Solutions.

Target Group

This project specifically targets mid-career professionals who have completed a Bachelor’s degree or higher, hold considerable basic knowledge in the field of social research and are also passionate about becoming future leading researchers in the country. Special priority will therefore be given to individuals currently working in governmental ministries, academic institutions, civil society organizations, human rights organizations, and women’s advocacy groups. In particular, women are strongly encouraged to apply as the Programme aims at equal gender representation.

Selection requirements

· Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification (or equivalent)

· Employed by government agencies, academic institutions, local NGOs, Human Rights and Women’s Advocacy organisations

· High proficiency in English

· Basic computer skills and use of emails

· Basic knowledge and experience in the field of social research

· Commitment to contribute to the improvement of research capacity and performance of local state and non-state agencies and organizations

· Passionate to pursue a career in social research

Application Procedure

If you feel you meet the selection criteria of this programme, please send your application package consisting of the following documents:

· Your Curriculum Vitae (CV)

· Copy of your Passport

· Motivation letter

· Copies of academic certificates

· A nomination letter signed by your employer

· A recent photograph

The completed application package should have been received by hr@ocvp.orgno later than 15th September2015

N.B:

A small number of places will be allocated to unemployed candidates who have considerable relevant experience and commitment to working for the kinds of organization listed above upon completion of the Programme.

Selection Process

Selected candidates will be notified by email or by phone not later than three weeks after the application deadline. Selected candidates will be asked to sign a Letter of Commitment confirming their willingness to participate in all phases of the Programme.

Costs

The donor agency is funding provision of this Programme.

In addition, each selected participant will receive a monthly stipend of

· $200 during the training and internship phases and

· $100 during the mentorship phase of the Programme. The Programme will also provide the following for participants:

· Induction days: travel (return and local), accommodation, lunch, refreshments, stationery;

· Training phase: travel (return and local), lunch, refreshments, stationery, course materials;

· Internship phase: travel (return and local), accommodation while in the field , stationery, security in South Central, shared computer and work facilities;

· Mentoring phase: publication;

· Graduation days: travel (return and local), accommodation, lunch, refreshments, stationery.

The participants are responsible for all other personal expenses, accommodation and food.

Certificate

Those who successfully complete all phases of the Programme will be awarded a Certificate of Participation by the University of Bristol.

Closing date for application

15th ofSeptember, 2015

• The completed application package should have been received by hr@ocvp.orgno later than 15^thSeptember, 2015.