Programme Overview

The Governance and Politics Research Fellowship (GPRF) Programme at BIGD invites applications from aspiring young researchers interested in Governance and Politics. This specialized fellowship aims to develop the next generation of social science researchers through structured academic training, applied research exposure, and intensive field engagement.

The fellowship is designed to build strong conceptual foundations in governance, political science, and public policy, while equipping fellows with practical research skills required for high-quality qualitative research.

Duration

Four (4) months (full-time, field-intensive)

Programme Components

The fellowship consists of three core components:

1. Conceptual and Theoretical Foundation Building
   • Governance, political science, and public policy
   • Application of theory to real-world governance and political contexts
2. Applied Research Methods Training
   • Qualitative research methodologies
   • Fieldwork techniques
   • Data collection and management
   • Research ethics and academic integrity
3. Hands-on Research and Mentorship
   • Active involvement in ongoing projects of the Governance and Politics Cluster
   • Proposal development, instrument design, and field engagement
   • Report writing and analytical documentation
   • Close mentoring by senior researchers

The programme is dynamic, immersive, and field-oriented. Fellows will actively participate in ongoing research projects and attend structured lectures and training sessions.

Key Learning Opportunities

Selected Fellows (TRAs) will have the opportunity to:

• Develop a strong understanding of governance and political theory and apply these to research design
• Gain hands-on experience in proposal writing, instrument development, report preparation, and analytical writing
• Strengthen qualitative research management and field coordination skills
• Engage directly with real-life research contexts and governance issues
• Potentially be considered for full-time positions (e.g., Research Associate) in the Governance and Politics Cluster, based on performance and institutional needs
• Build a strong foundation for a professional career in qualitative governance research

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Bangladeshi nationals only
2. Minimum bachelor’s degree from a reputed national or international university
3. Minimum CGPA of 3.00 (on a scale of 4.00) or equivalent to at least one degree
4. Age not exceeding 30 years
5. Academic background in Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology, International Relations, or other relevant social science disciplines
6. Demonstrated interest in qualitative research methodologies
7. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
8. Good verbal and written communication skills in English and/or Bangla
9. Active interest in national and global politics, economics, and current affairs
10. Commitment to academic integrity and research ethics
11. Willingness to comply with BIGD’s Code of Conduct

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Prior experience in qualitative research or field-based research projects

Application Submission

Interested candidates are requested to submit their applications through the prescribed application link below: 

Link: Apply 

A complete application must include:

• Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• A brief statement of interest explaining motivation and relevant research interests

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the selection process. BIGD reserves the right to accept or reject any application without assigning any reason.