How to apply

DEADLINE EXTENDED:

Applications for the next cohort of Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF) are open until October 21, 2022, 23:59 h CET.

WHAT’S NEW: For this cohort KFOS is supporting fellows to write research-based policy papers, which will be published as separate documents.

More details about what we offer can be found here.

For questions and inquiries, please write to info@kfos.org.

  1. Eligibility criteria

    The project is open to all applicants, with a special emphasis on nationals from the Western Balkans countries, Turkey, and the European Union. Priority will be given to candidates from the following countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Greece, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Spain. This call is open to both new applicants and previous KRAF recipients.

    Applicants should have the following qualifications and skills:

    1. A Master’s degree in a social sciences discipline or other; applications from candidates currently pursuing doctoral studies or have recently completed their doctorate are welcome.
    2. Research experience in academic or non-academic publications, particularly policy publications and reports.
    3. Fluency in English and ability to conduct research, draft policy papers and opinion pieces, as well as implement publicity activities.
    4. Adequate knowledge of contemporary Western Balkans affairs and an interest to engage in public debates about the future of the region in the country of origin and beyond.
    5. Social media skills and an interest to use new and innovative tools to disseminate ideas & research findings.
  2. Research topics

    Some of the research topics of interest that fellows are encouraged to pursue as part of their fellowship:

    1. The European Green Deal post-Ukraine invasion; European policies on energy and energy security with an emphasis on Kosovo and the Balkan region; Kosovo’s approach towards the Western Balkans Green Agenda and its implementation; liquified natural gas as an intermediary alternative fuel and its prospects in the Western Balkans.
    2. Digitalization of societies and the impact on democracy in the WB; surveillance, digital citizenship, and privacy; the digital transformation of the region post-Covid-19; transformation of businesses in the digital age and digital labor; fake news and disinformation.
    3. Regional cooperation initiatives in the Western Balkans, with an emphasis on Kosovo’s position; the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue and bilateral cooperation between other WB countries; negotiations through a European lens; economic integration of the region; in-depth analyses of joint regional cooperation initiatives such as Berlin Process, Open Balkan. etc.;
    4. The European Political Community and its impact on the EU agenda for Kosovo and the Western Balkans; EU politics towards Kosovo after Ukraine invasion; Kosovo’s European perspective: research projects that tackle the process of Kosovo’s accession to the EU from either the perspective of EU institutions, EU member states, other candidate countries, or Kosovo; Kosovo’s relations with European countries, with emphasis on non-recognizers or recognizers having limited diplomatic engagement with Kosovo;


    Applicants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches to these topics, as well as to adopt a comparative or regional perspective. Selection criteria will include timeliness of the topic with the Foundation reserving the right to prioritize proposals which it deems with most potential impact in policy discussions in Kosovo and beyond. 


  3. Expected responsibilities and outputs

    Fellows are required to:

    1. Attend the kick-off workshop to be held in Prishtina on November 23-26, 2022.
    2. Conduct research and fieldwork either in Kosovo, the country they are currently residing or both;
    3. Implement project obligations with diligence following standards of scholarly research and academic ethics;
    4. Work closely with their research supervisors and follow their guidance, as well as advice and instructions from project coordinators;
    5. Hold regular online meetings with project coordinators to discuss the progress of implementation of the research and publicity plans.
    6. Report regularly and provide updates on dissemination activities and outputs throughout the project.


    Fellows are also required to deliver, in stipulated deadlines and under the guidance of research supervisors and project coordinators, the following outputs:

    1. A policy paper ready for publication as an independent policy document.
    2. An ongoing publicity and dissemination plan/strategy.
    3. Online and real-life activities to promote and disseminate research findings.
    4. Infographics or other visual renderings of data and statistical findings.
    5. Three op-ed articles, at least one of which will be co-authored with the participant’s project research supervisor
  4. Application Process

    Applicants should send their full applications by email to konkursi@kfos.org by October 21, 2022, 23:59 h CET, with the subject “KRAF Application: *Name of Applicant*”. Earlier applications are encouraged since the organizers will process applications as they come.

    Incomplete and late applications will not be considered.

    Applicants will be informed about the final selection results in early November 2022.

    Required documents:

    1. A motivation letter explaining how the applicant fits with the present call's objectives and thematic scope as well as KRAF’s overall goals.
    2. A two-page policy paper proposal. The proposal should outline an individual policy analysis project and include one or more research questions, methodology, data to be collected and show a good understanding of the proposed topic.
    3. A two-page publicity and dissemination plan. The plan should be a comprehensive outline of planned publicity and dissemination activities in applicant’s home country and beyond. The proposal should show the applicant’s innovation in reaching out to policy-making circles a and envisage dissemination of research findings in multiple platforms. The plan should aim for no-cost publicity actions, but if any of the activities would require further funding this should be specifically mentioned and a tentative budget estimate provided. The project organizers may fund a small number of dissemination activities proposed by the fellows.
    4. CV and a list of publications.

     

    Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

    1. Motivation letter (20%)
    2. Policy paper proposal (40%)
    3. Publicity and dissemination plan (20%)
    4. Education and experience (20%).


    Fellows are expected to begin their work in December 2022 and finalize their research projects and dissemination outputs by May 2023.


    For all further inquiries and questions please write to info@kfos.org.

  5. Frequently asked questions

    I have previously been a recipient of a Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF). Am I eligible to apply?

    Yes. For the 2022/23 cohort we welcome proposals for policy paper projects from our alumni.

    Can two or more people apply for a Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF)?

    No, KRAF is designed as an individual fellowship that provides financial support and mentorship to independent researchers.

    What are the eligibility criteria for applying to Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF)?

    To be eligible for KRAF, the applicant: must have at least a Masters degree in social sciences or similar; have some research experience in either academic or non-academic publications; be fluent in English; be familiar with Balkan affairs; and have some social media skills.

    In exceptional cases applicants with extensive research experience who have not yet completed their postgraduate degree will also be considered for the fellowship.

    When does the fellowship begin?

    The next cohort of KRAF is planned to begin its work on November 23, 2022 with the kick-off workshop in Prishtina, Kosovo. Research, writing, and dissemination should be completed by May 2023

    Is attending the kick-off workshop mandatory?

     Yes. The kick-off workshop for the 2022-23 cohort will take place on November 23-26, 2022 in Prishtina, Kosovo. All fellows are expected to attend. 

    What documents do I need to submit to be considered for Kosovo Research and Analysis Fellowship (KRAF)?

    All individual applicants must submit a complete application including: a) a motivation letter; b) a two-page policy paper proposal; c) a two-page publicity and dissemination plan; and d) a CV and publications list.

    Incomplete applications will not be considered.

    What does the fellowship include?

    The fellowship is designed as a six-month program that includes in person and online meetings, independent research and supervision. All fellows will be expected to attend the kick-off workshop, conduct independent research in the field, liaise with their supervisor throughout the project and attend other events organized by the fellowship.

    What does KFOS provide as part of the fellowship?

    All fellows will receive a 3,000 euro stipendium. The organizers will cover all transport, accommodation and living costs for the kick-off workshop and the field visit. Organizers will also cover costs related to the publication of the policy papers.

    What outputs am I expected to deliver as part of the fellowship?

    All fellows are expected to produce an original policy paper that will be published as a stand-alone document by the Kosovo Foundation for Open Society. Fellows are also expected to produce three opinion articles published in regional or European media; at least one of which should be co-authored with their supervisor. Fellows are expected to disseminate their research findings in online and in-person events; and produce infographics or other visualizations of their research.