Deadline: August 29, 2025
The IGC Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025 is now open for applications. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early-career Sierra Leonean researchers to conduct policy-relevant research that directly informs government decision-making. It is part of the Herbert P. M’cleod Local Researchers Programme (HPMLRP), designed to build the capacity of local researchers and strengthen evidence-based policymaking in Sierra Leone.
Fellowship Overview
The fellowship runs for three months (September – December 2025) and provides a grant of £5,000 to support fieldwork, data collection, and living expenses. Fellows will work closely with relevant ministries and receive mentorship from leading academics and the IGC Sierra Leone country team.
At the end of the fellowship, researchers are expected to produce a policy brief, a working paper, and present their findings to policymakers.
Thematic Research Tracks
Applicants must submit research proposals aligned with one of the following areas:
1. Agricultural Resilience (Rice Policy & Food Security)
This track focuses on collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to address critical challenges in rice policy. Research may include:
- Price elasticity of imported versus local rice
- Import-substitution strategies for sustainable food systems
- Political economy challenges in Sierra Leone’s rice trade system
2. Broader Economic Policy Challenges
This track covers wider national priorities, including:
- State effectiveness and public finance: digital governance, taxation reforms, and better service delivery
- Private sector and firm capabilities: SME constraints, credit access, and tax system reforms
- Labour markets and human capital: youth and women’s employment, impact of education and skills programmes
- Energy, environment, and climate adaptation: access to sustainable energy and the economic impact of environmental degradation
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the IGC Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025, applicants must:
- Be Sierra Leonean nationals or residents
- Be postgraduate students (Master’s or PhD) or junior faculty/researchers at a Sierra Leonean institution
- Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills (knowledge of Stata, R, SPSS, or Python)
- Propose a research idea under one of the fellowship tracks
- Show a strong commitment to policy-impactful research
Desirable qualities include:
- Prior experience with policy-engaged research
- Familiarity with Sierra Leone’s economic context and data systems
- Excellent writing and communication skills
Fellowship Benefits
- Funding: £5,000 research grant
- Mentorship: Guidance from IGC-affiliated academics and the Sierra Leone country team
- Policy Engagement: Direct collaboration with ministries and government institutions
- Visibility: Research findings presented in policy forums
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit the following:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) – maximum 3 pages
- Cover Letter (max 1,000 words): detailing motivation, experience, and a brief research proposal under the chosen track
- One academic reference (may be sent directly by the referee)
- Optional writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter, published paper, or policy note)
Submission Guidelines
- Applications must be sent by email with the subject line:
“Application – IGC SL Local Fellowship 2025 – [Track Name]” - The deadline is 29 August 2025
Summary of Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Fellowship | IGC Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025 |
| Funding & Duration | £5,000 grant, 3 months (Sep–Dec 2025) |
| Application Deadline | 29 August 2025 |
| Thematic Tracks | (1) Rice Policy & Food Security (2) Broader Economic Policy Challenges |
| Eligibility | Sierra Leonean nationals or residents; postgraduate/junior researchers |
| Outputs Required | Policy brief, working paper, policy presentation |
| Application Components | CV, cover letter, academic reference, optional writing sample |
| Submission Method | Email with specific subject line |
Conclusion
The IGC Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025 is an outstanding opportunity for young Sierra Leonean scholars to build research expertise while directly shaping national policies. With mentorship, funding, and high-level engagement, fellows can make a meaningful impact on agriculture, economic policy, and sustainable development in Sierra Leone.
For applicants who need support with proposal drafting, refining, and review, contact grantsdatabase.org.
