Digo Bikas Institute (DBI) announces the opening of application for the third cohort of Digo Bikas Research Fellowship 2023. The Digo Bikas Research Fellowship program seeks to empower early career researchers like you who are eager to make a difference in climate change, renewable energy, urban development, and grassroots community-led development. At DBI, we believe in harnessing the power of young minds to drive cutting-edge action and policy research.
This year, the DBI research Fellowship grants 2 fellows for 4 months from the date of appointment.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nepali citizen
- A Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Forestry, Agriculture, Political Science, Development Studies, International Relations, Finance, or related subjects is required.
- Prior experience in research is required.
- Demonstrated experience in writing research briefs.
Fellowship Timeline: 1st August 2023- 2nd December 2023
The research focus for this cohort will revolve around the following topics:
Understanding the sectoral usage and efficacy of climate finance as a loan from International Financial institutions projects in Nepal
Climate finance plays a crucial role in supporting climate change adaptation and low-carbon development efforts in developing countries like Nepal. International financial institutions (IFIs) provide financial support in the form of loans, grants contingent grants, concessional loans, equity, guarantees, and results-based finance to undertake climate-related projects, such as renewable energy development, Climate Smart Agriculture, climate-resilient infrastructure, enterprise development, and ecosystem conservation.
The main objectives of this research are to examine the sectoral distribution of climate finance loans provided by IFIs in Nepal and analyze and evaluate the effectiveness and impact of climate finance loans in different sectors, such as renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and water resources management. By assessing the reliance on loans for climate finance, the research will contribute to a more informed understanding of the long-term implications and potential challenges associated with debt burden and inequalities. The findings will inform policymakers, government agencies, and development practitioners about the need to transition towards grant-based climate finance, aligning with climate justice principles and ensuring equitable access to finance and resources.
An Evaluation of Environmental Study Report Process in Nepal- A case study of Madhesh Province in Nepal.
Environmental Study Reports (ESRs) like Brief Environmental Study (BES), Initial Environment Examination (IEE), and Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) play a crucial role in assessing the potential environmental impacts of development projects in Nepal. These reports provide an overview of the project’s environmental implications, identify potential risks, and propose mitigation and alternative measures. The Madhesh Province in Nepal, located in the southern plains, is a region of significant economic and developmental activities, including infrastructure projects, agriculture, and industrial growth in addition to the fragile geography and ecosystem. The effectiveness and implementation of the Environmental Study Reports in Nepal have been flagged multiple times and increased mining and environmental degradation in Madhesh Province require further evaluation to ensure sustainable development practices and safeguard people and the environment.
The main objectives of this research are to assess the existing framework and processes involved in conducting Environmental Study Reports in all three tiers of the government, focusing on the Local and provincial Governments and evaluate the level of compliance and adherence to environmental regulations and guidelines during project planning, execution, and monitoring phases. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in the current ESR process, we aim to inform policymakers, Governmental agencies and engage communities to promote better decision-making and provide recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of the ESR process from Madhesh Province.
What does DBI Research Fellowship Cover?
- A monthly salary of NPR 30,000 (Thirty Thousand) will be provided for the four-month duration.
- Working space at Digo Bikas Institute’s office.
- A dedicated supervisor/mentor for guidance and supervision throughout the fellowship.
- Opportunity to present your findings at the Digo Bikas Research Symposium.
- Travel and logistic support will be provided if required for the research.
Fellowship recipients must commit full-time to the program for four months.
To apply, please submit a comprehensive Research Proposal adhering to the guideline below:
Proposal Guideline:
Your proposal should be at most five pages (excluding references) and should be formatted in Times New Roman font, with single spacing and a font size of 12. It should include the following sections:
Introduction
Background
Literature Review
Problem Statement
Research Questions
Hypothesis
General and Specific Objectives
Research Methodology
Expected Results
Timeline
References
The deadline for applications is 5 P.M. on July 15th, 2023. Please send your CV, Research Proposal, and a Cover Letter expressing your interest to hr@digobikas.org with the subject line: Digo Bikas Research Fellowship 2023.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for a presentation, and final selections will be made based on a competitive evaluation process. Kindly mention your preferred research topic from the priority areas.