Spotlight: Building the next generation of West African policy researchers

In partnership with the International Development Research Center, the ISS is preparing future human security experts.

The Institute for Security Studies and the International Development Research Center (IDRC) are collaborating to develop the capacity of young Francophone West African policy researchers to work on governance, justice and security.

‘Being in the ISS working environment under the supervision of a senior researcher has dramatically changed me. I felt more confident while being interviewed for a job’, says Awa Faye Daou who participated in phase one of the Junior Fellowship project. Tity Agbahey, another fellow, agrees: ‘The experience at the ISS was crucial to building my capacity to manage a heavy workload, work with others and choose the best research methods’.

With funding from IDRC, the project has trained 13 researchers since its inception in 2012. Phase one exceeded its target with 70% of fellows having found full, part-time or consultancy positions in the area of governance, justice and security within six months of leaving the ISS. The other 30% are pursuing doctoral and master’s studies.

The junior fellow project helps the ISS improve human security in Africa

‘Under the mentorship of ISS senior researchers, the junior fellows develop their knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of conflict and instability in Africa’, says Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, ISS Office Director in Dakar.‘They also gain a better understanding of the role of major actors in peace and security issues at national, regional, continental and global levels’.

The junior fellow project helps the ISS improve human security in Africa by equipping the next generation of experts. With relevant and high-quality research as its cornerstone, the ISS creates the space for dialogue and exchange that is the crucial first step towards crafting better-informed policies and decisions.

Through training and mentorships, the junior fellows learn how to convert desktop and field research findings into tools for policy debate and policy proposals. They develop valuable professional skills and expand their networks. They are also better equipped to undertake peace and security policy research in the Economic Community of West African States region and beyond, enabling them to work within governments, regional organisations and civil society, among others.

For more information, contact:

Lori-Anne Théroux-Bénoni, ISS: +221 338603304, [email protected]

Related content