Small Research Grants Program Call for Concept at Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND)

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) is a non-profit foundation established in 2010 to provide support for socio-economic development programs in the Niger Delta region. The foundation funds programs in partnership with other donors from the public and private sector seeking dynamic multi-stakeholder partnerships that take full advantage of the synergies of involving diverse organizations and interests. In order to achieve this mission, PIND has structured its activities within four inter-related program areas namely: 1) Economic Development, 2) Capacity Building, 3) Peace Building and 4) Analysis & Advocacy. PIND currently has its head Office in Abuja and two field offices in Warri, Delta state and Port Harcourt, Rivers state. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

About the Program
The Small Research Grants Program (SRGP) is designed to generate analysis, understanding, awareness and influence decisions regarding the systemic enablers to economic growth and development in the Niger Delta. The program’s goal is to award grants for research that promote analysis, innovation, learning and cooperation that facilitates pro-poor, inclusive economic growth and peaceable livelihoods in the Niger Delta. The SRGP also intends to promote a culture of evidence –based approach to development to inform and influence policy and practice through active dissemination and cross learning. The program will further strengthen research capacities and create opportunities for analysis, reflection and debate among stakeholders and networks in the Niger Delta. It is in pursuit of these goals that PIND is inviting interested research organizations, institutions and individuals across the Niger Delta to submit concept notes that are innovative, thought provoking and feasible for small research projects that address PIND’s strategic objectives.

To meet these objectives, PIND therefore solicits for concept notes from interested applicants across the Niger Delta region that addresses any of the under listed themes:

• Community Governance and Challenges in the Niger Delta
• High labor intensity infrastructure development value chain in the Niger Delta
• A survey of marine trash fish and fish meal as aquaculture feed ingredients in the Niger Delta
• Innovative Financing and Enterprise development in the Palm Oil, Cassava and Aquaculture Value Chains development
• Scoping study on strategic role of Arts-based tools for peacebuilding in the Niger Delta

Who can apply?
Public and private bodies that are based in the Niger Delta or have strong affiliations or presence in the Niger Delta region are eligible to apply. Preference will be given to application received from any of the target groups listed below:

• Independent free-lance researchers
• Non Governmental Organizations
• Civil Society Organizations
• Community Based Organizations
• Faith Based Organizations
• Business Membership Organizations
• Private companies with specialization in management and development consultancy
• Think tanks Copied from: www.hotnigerianjobs.com
• Academia
• University Students
• Women and Youth groups

Application Closing Date
5 p.m. on Thursday 25th April 2013

How to apply
Interested applicants should submit concept notes electronically to smallresearchgrantsprogram@pindfoundation.org. Only concept notes received electronically on or before the deadline will be considered. Successful applicants will be contacted and asked to submit full proposals along with other relevant documents for the next stage of the grant application process.

Concept notes should not exceed 6 pages maximum and should include the following information:

• A research title
• Rationale for the proposed research
• Description of research project
• Goal and objectives of the research
• Research methodology
• Project activities
• A brief description of resources and personnel available and their experience
• A budget summary and narrative as well as applicants matching contributions to the project (financial or in-kind)
• Discussion on geographic scope of the research, gender and youth participation (where required)
• A brief profile of the applicant and contact details including email addresses and phone number(s)

Terms and Conditions

• The activities initiated under the proposed research project should relate to socio-economic issues and development in the Niger Delta.
• Proposal must align with the objectives and research themes identified for this call. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com
• The concept should fit with any of PIND’s strategic objectives/program areas
• The project concept duration should not exceed 6 months.
• Indicative budget must demonstrate one-to-one matching grant (matching grant funding could be in-kind contributions that can be quantified).
• Concepts that are meant to cover travels to conferences (international/national), workshops and academic scholarships will not be considered.
• Applications requesting for grants to cover general operating expenses, infrastructure costs, undefined miscellaneous expenses, purchase of assets or equipment and overhead expenses will be disqualified.
• Applicants shall bear all costs associated with the preparation and submission of the application, PIND will in no case be responsible or liable for those costs, regardless of the conduct or outcome of the solicitation.

For more information regarding PIND programs and projects, please kindly visit: www.pindfoundation.org Queries and request for further clarification on the application process should be directed to smallresearchgrantsprogram@pindfoundation.org For further enquiries, contact: Micah Mendie via email on micah@pindfoundation.org or Mobile phone on 08172064619