University of Oxford/Open Society Foundation (OSF) Africa Research Visitorship 2019 for Outstanding Human Rights Practitioners

The University of Oxford are inviting applications to the Open Society Foundation (OSF) Africa Research Visitorship at the Bonavero Institute of Human Rights for visits starting Trinity Term 2019 (commencing 29th April 2019). 

Application Deadline: 8th February 2019 by 12 noon (GMT) . 

Eligible Countries: sub-Saharan African countries

To be taken at (country): UK

About the Award: The aim of the scholarship is to provide financial assistance to an outstanding human rights practitioner from sub-Saharan Africa who wishes to spend time at the Bonavero Institute in Oxford to undertake an independent writing project.

Type: Short course

Eligibility: The OSF Africa Research Visitorship is open to nationals of the countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Criteria for selection include:

• National resident of sub-Saharan African country holding an appointment in an African human rights organisation or research institution engaged in human rights research;
• The ability to visit the Institute from the beginning of Trinity Term 2019 (starting 29th April 2019);
• At least five years’ experience as a human rights legal practitioner working for a civil society organisation in Africa;
• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Africa;
• Demonstrated ability to undertake an independent writing project;
• A writing proposal on a topic in the broad field of human rights law;
• Openness to exploring new ideas and places; and
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and constructively in a diverse community.

Preference will be given to candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds. Candidates will be required to provide at least two referee reports from people with whom they have worked or studied.

Number of Awards: 1

Value of Award:

• The OSF Africa Research Visitorship will provide a stipend to cover economy-class return travel to and from the practitioner’s home base, up to three months living and accommodation costs in Oxford, costs towards health insurance and visa application costs and will also cover the Institute’s visitor fees (further details within the scheme guidelines).
• While in Oxford, the OSF Africa Research Visitor will work on an independent self-directed writing project and will contribute to the collegial community at the Bonavero Institute. The OSF Africa Research Visitor will benefit from the opportunity to build networks within and outside Oxford including the Faculty of Law at the University of Oxford. The Bonavero Institute benefits from the University of Oxford’s convening power and hosts many events and conferences each year. The Bonavero Institute is linked with, and attracts, many scholars and practitioners involved in human rights and public law policy, practice and research and related fields worldwide.

Duration of Programme: 3 months

How to Apply: 

• It is important to go through all application requirements on the Programme Webpage see link below) before applying
• GOODLUCK!

Visit Programme Webpage for Details