IGC Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025

The International Growth Centre (IGC) Sierra Leone Early-Career Local Researcher Fellowship 2025 supports emerging Sierra Leonean economists and policy researchers to conduct high-impact, policy-relevant research. Fellows engage directly with government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to produce actionable insights that inform public policy and sustainable development.

The fellowship is part of the Herbert P. M’cleod Local Researchers Programme (HPMLRP).

Fellowship Details

• Duration: 3 months (September–December 2025)

• Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone (flexible hybrid arrangements possible)

• Funding: £5,000 research grant to support fieldwork, data collection, and living costs

• Mentorship: Guidance from IGC-affiliated academics and the IGC Sierra Leone team

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be Sierra Leonean nationals or residents.

• Be enrolled in a postgraduate program (Master’s or PhD) or serving as a junior researcher/faculty at a Sierra Leonean institution.

• Demonstrate strong quantitative and analytical skills (e.g., Stata, R, SPSS, Python).

• Propose a research idea aligned with IGC thematic tracks.

• Be committed to producing work accessible to policymakers and non-academic audiences.

Desirable:

• Prior experience in policy-engaged research or government data use.

• Familiarity with Sierra Leone’s economic landscape, household surveys, or sector-specific policies.

• Strong academic writing and communication skills.

Fellowship Structure

• Mentorship & Support: Access to IGC experts and the country team.

• Policy Engagement: Opportunities to engage with government ministries and stakeholders.

• Expected Outputs:

  • A short policy brief

  • A working paper

  • A presentation to relevant policymakers

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

1. Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages)

2. Cover Letter (max 1,000 words) outlining:

   • Motivation for applying

   • Relevant research experience

   • Short outline of proposed research idea under a specific track

3. One academic reference (can be sent separately)

4. Optional writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter or policy paper)

Submission: Email all materials using the subject line:

Application – IGC SL Local Fellowship 2025 – [Track Name]

Selection: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview with the IGC team and government counterparts.

This fellowship is ideal for early-career Sierra Leonean researchers aiming to produce impactful research with direct policy relevance.

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