The Jameel Observatory for Food Security Early Action seeks proposals for two fully funded PhD positions at the University of Edinburgh.

To help advance progress towards its vision that ‘vulnerable pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in East Africa are more prepared for and resilient to the effects of evolving environmental shocks and stresses on their food security and nutrition’, the Jameel Observatory plans to fund two PhD studentships, aiming to start in September 2023.

We seek short proposals that set out an action research agenda closely aligned with at least one of our ‘Challenge Questions’: Data for effective early action; Coordinating for effective early action; Financing for effective early action;  Trust in data and evidence for early action; and Effective early action at Community level.

Hosted at the University of Edinburgh, these studentships are fully funded including international fees and a full stipend along with a moderate operational budget.  We welcome applications from all parts of the world.

Key dates:

  • Applications for this round are now CLOSED
  • Decisions by 30/06/2023

Notes to applicants

Before submitting, we urge applicants to familiarise themselves with the Observatory’s research, learning and innovation agenda. The challenge questions in particular frame the areas where we want to achieve impact.

This form asks you to provide:

  • Basic information about the applicant
  • A short summary of the proposal idea, how it contributes to our challenge questions and your longer-term vision for this work
  • Brief information on any partner organisations to be involved
  • Information on potential supervisors as well as any potential co-funding
  • You will also be asked to upload a CV and cover letter in PDF format

Before applying, applicants must have agreement from prospective University of Edinburgh supervisors that they are willing to act as supervisors. Additional co-supervision from other Jameel Observatory partners is welcome.

While these studentships are fully funded, additional weight will be given to proposals that have other co-funding. Proposals with clear links to partners in East Africa are particularly welcome.

Evaluation criteria

  • Project idea – novelty/coherence (50%)
  • Alignment with Jameel Observatory scope and Challenge Questions (20%)
  • Partnership development – will the studentship help build partnerships especially in East Africa (20%)
  • Value for money – e.g. co-funding (10%)

Contact us for more information or to partner with us: