The Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) based in Bouaké, Côte d’Ivoire, has secured a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the training of African NARS Scientists initially at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Sanya, China, for 12 months and thereafter for six months at one of three Africa-based CGIAR Centers (AfricaRice, IITA, ILRI).

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Applications are being requested from candidate research scientists from Non-profit National Agricultural Research and Development institutions of African countries for placement in agricultural research programs in China and in Africa-based CGIAR Centers, starting the first quarter of 2025. For the initial pilot phase a total of 16 NARS scientists will be selected to participate in the training program.

 

Eligibility

NARS Scientists applying for the “NARS strengthening through China-Africa partnership fellowship” should be fully employed and currently pursuing agricultural research activities in their respective research and development institutions. They should be holders of a graduate degree (MS or PhD) in the agricultural sciences and be proficient in English. Knowledge of Chinese would be an advantage. Applicants should not be above 50 years of age and are expected to return home after the 18-month training period to contribute to the research and development activities of their parent institutions.

Women NARS scientists are highly encouraged to apply.

 

Thematic Areas

The broad thematic agricultural research areas from which candidates will be considered are as follows:

Crops – Rice (10 NARS Scientists to be selected), Maize, Roots & Tubers (3 NARS Scientists to be selected), Forage & Fodder Crops (3 NARS Scientists to be selected)

Disciplines – Breeding, Agronomy, Genomics, Modeling, Mechanization, Value Addition, Environmental Sciences, Climate, Soil Health, Fertility Management, Plant Protection and Gender.

 

Guidelines for Submission of Proposals

New or ongoing research activities can be submitted for consideration and should be a maximum of two pages in length with the following details:

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Abstract - Summary of the research proposal/study including the title, research question or problem to be addressed, objectives, the expected results, significance of the study, and how the fellowship will contribute to the objectives of the study.

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Objectives – Clear statement of objectives of the study/research and training activities and these should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound.

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Methodology – Indicate the tools/methods/skills you are interested in learning during the training and for what purpose.

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Plan of Work – Outline of the timeline for the study/research and training activities, including milestones and deadlines.

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Expected Results, Outcomes and Impact – Indicate how this fellowship will be beneficial to the subject of your study, your career, your institution, and your country and how you will use the skills and knowledge acquired to contribute to the larger question of agricultural development, poverty reduction, food security, mitigating climate change, and attaining the SDGs.

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Miscellaneous – Include any additional information that supports your proposal.

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Deadline for Submission of Applications

Applications from interested candidates should be submitted with a CV attached together with the research proposal, respecting the guidelines provided.

The deadline for submission is 31 March 2025

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Applications should be addressed to:​

Head of Capacity Development

Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice)

Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire

l.dalie@cgiar.org