Deadline: 20 September 2019
Open to: researchers with a deep knowledge within the field of development and democracy that holds a PhD and is affiliated with a research institution or an accredited university or college
Benefits: total amount to be granted to all the approved projects is a maximum of EUR 554972.1(6 million SEK)
Description
The overall objective for ICLD –Swedish International Center for Local Democracy -is to promote the development of sustainable local democracy in OECD-DAC countries and in Sweden. For ICLD, well-functioning local democracy is specifically characterized by four core areas: equity, participation, transparency and accountability. ICLD works in 21countries through international training programmes for local politicians and government officials and through municipal partnerships. In these programmes, government officials and politicians work in projects that reduce poverty through the promotion of functioning, democratic local and regional governments, where residents are enabled to influence local political processes.
To contribute to knowledge development and policy guidance within the field of local democracy, ICLD has a Knowledge Centrethat provides financial support to policy-relevant research projects that are innovative and closely related to priority areas of the organization. Research financed by ICLD plays a supportive and strategic role in relation to the other units at ICLD: the international training programs and the municipal partnerships. The Knowledge Center strives to use research to increase capacity and awareness among municipalities in ICLD’s partner countries, but research should also shed problematical and strategic issues that are relevant to local democracy enhancement in other places.
In line with Swedish International Cooperation, ICLD works towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)and it follows sustainability, human rights,gender and conflict perspective.
Aim of this Call for Proposals and Thematic Framework:
The overarching aim of the call is to better understand the role of local governments and local democratic institutions in addressing global challenges. Proposed research should focus on problems and opportunities where there is a potential to generate innovative and transformative policies that can increase the influence of vulnerable people in the decisions made by local governments that affect their lives. ICLD will prioritize research projects that include the countries where ICLD operates: Bosnia & Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda,Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Prioritized Themes:
Research proposals should touch on the role of local governments in at least two of the following themes:
1.Social accountability and participation of vulnerable groups,
2.Climate crises and action,
3.Migration decisions,
4.Children and youth influence in local decision making,
5.Inclusive cities,
6.Post-conflict recovery:challenges and opportunities,
7.Contesting gender inequality.
Eligibility
The main applicant should be a researcher with a deep knowledge within the field of development and democracy that holds a PhD and is affiliated with a research institution or an accredited university or college. The research team should have a gender balance and preferably include researchers based in one of the countries being studied.
Benefits
Up to EUR 92495.35(1 million SEK). The total amount to be granted to all the approved projects is a maximum of EUR 554972.1(6 million SEK). This grant can be used in combination with other grants
How to apply?
Applications should be made using the following link.
For more information, please check the official call