Call for Applications: Domestic Security Implications of United Nations Peacekeeping (D-SIP) PhD Research for Ghanaian Nationals 2018

As part of the D-SIP programme, the University of Ghana invites interested and qualified citizens of Ghana, holding MPhil/MA/MSc/LLM degrees in law, social or political sciences, to submit their applications for 3 PhD positions. 

Application Deadline: 15th October 2018 at noon

Offered annually?

Eligible Countries: Ghana

To be taken at (country): University of Ghana, Institute of African Studies & Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre

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About the Award: University of Ghana, Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS), and Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY) are undertaking a collaborative research project on the Domestic Security Implications of United Nations Peacekeeping (D-SIP) in Ghana. D-SIP’s objective is to understand the linkages between peacekeeping contributions, domestic security provision and drivers of stability in Ghana. By producing knowledge on how participation in international peacekeeping shapes the legitimacy and effectiveness of security institutions and practices in troop contributing countries, D-SIP offers insight into broader dynamics of peace and state-building.

Fields of Study: While undertaking qualitative fieldwork in Accra, Tamale and/or another location in rural or urban Ghana, the three successful PhD candidates will each adopt a specific thematic focus, for example:

• National level organisation of security and how it has been influenced by Ghana’s peacekeeping experience;
• How security is provided in Accra, and trace how Ghana’s experience of peacekeeping has shaped local-level policing; and
• How security is provided in Tamale, and trace how Ghana’s experience of peacekeeping has shaped local-level policing.
• Any other theme related to security provision and peace-keeping in rural or urban Ghana.

The candidates are expected to conduct up to 8 months of ethnographic fieldwork, and to participate in teaching at the University of Ghana.
The successful PhD candidates will contribute to the overall research objective of identifying the domestic security implications of UN peacekeeping contributions in Ghana.

Type: PhD, Research

Eligibility: Successful candidates are required to:

• Hold a master’s degree in the social sciences, political science, law or inter-disciplinary studies.
• Be highly motivated to develop a scientific career, and to pursue doctoral studies according to the approved study plan.
• Possess and demonstrate good scientific writing skills.
• Have a strong methodological and conceptual background in the relevant scientific disciplines or areas.
• Ideally have ethnographic fieldwork experience.
• Ideally have worked with security related issues in Accra, Tamale or elsewhere.
• Be a constructive and engaged team worker.

Selection Criteria: 

Number of Awards: 3

Value of Award: The candidates will be fully integrated members of the D-SIP research team. The successful candidates will receive a stipend throughout the 4-year period of their studies, and all costs for fieldwork, PhD training-related travel, and conferences abroad will be covered by D-SIP.

Duration of Programme:The positions are for four (4) years full-time and will commence on 1 February 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter.

How to Apply: 

• Statement of the research problem and how it will be investigated through more specific research questions.
• Discussion of the analytical framework of the research problem in light of relevant theory.
• Description of the geographical and socio-political context of the study (Accra/Tamale).
• Presentation of the research design and the methods that will be employed to generate the data.
• Practical considerations.
• Ethical considerations.
• Time plan.

Please make sure to clearly indicate which of the PhD positions you apply for.

In addition to this concept note, the application should be accompanied by a CV, including a list of publications as well as names and contact details of a 2-3 academic references.
The application should be submitted online to Dr Richard Asante via [email protected] and [email protected], with copy to Dr Kwesi Aning ([email protected]), Professor Dzodzi Tsikata ([email protected]), Dr Peter Albrecht ([email protected]), and Professor Raymond Atuguba ([email protected]). All five can be contacted for more information on D-SIP.

Visit Programme Webpage for Details

Award Provider: D-SIP is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.