GENES II project is an Intra-Africa academic mobility project, that is, a project design to train young professional in the field of Agriculture (Plant Breeding, Genetics and Molecular Biology, Plant Biotechnology) and related areas in Africa by Africans. The project proposes to enhance the skills and qualifications of current and future professionals and practitioners in the consortium countries in climate change adaptation and smart agriculture. To this end, GENES II project will build the capacity of young African scientists to promote/valorise (through plant breeding, food processing and development, nutrition) and capitalise on the potential of some target crops which are already being used by smallholders and the rural population as a means of adaptation to strengthen their resilience in the face of climate change in Africa.

GENES II project titled " Mobility for Plant Genomics Scholars to accelerate climate-smart adaptation options and food security in Africa " intends to: 1) Train 12 high-profile PhD graduates, 32 MSc graduates, 10 academic staff and 10 trainees with skills in plant breeding, food technology and nutrition.

For PhD/MSc students: (1) the academic performance of the candidate (transcript records), field of study which MUST align with the thematic area of GENES II, (2) gender and economic background; 3) the candidate's motivation: integration of mobility in a professional and / or academic project; 4) the quality and relevance of students’ research proposal with regards to GENES II area of scope.

For staff: (1) Beneficiaries must be an employee of the consortium institution in the relevant field; (2) relevance of the residence program in relation to the prospects for improving the quality of education (Master) and / or research (PhD); (3) relevance of the residence program in relation to the prospects for improving student support (Master) and / or research (PhD); (4) relevance of the residence program in relation to the prospects of improving the implementation of the projects of the institution. Beneficiaries will be asked to explain how their mobility advantages will be shared with other staff in their home country institution who would not benefit from the mobility.

Trainees will be students enrolled in a Bachelor/Master/Doctorate programme in one of the African HEIs involved in the consortium

The main language of submission is English but the proposal in French is accepted

European Union

Applicants are allow to apply only for their study in Higher Education Institution (HEI) (University) that is a members of the consortium “GENES II” EXCEPT their home institution.
Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
University of Abomey-Calavi
Egerton University
University of Zimbabwe
Jimma University North West University

The scholarship covers subsistence allowances (including the return ticket of the students during his mobility), participation costs, research costs, residence permit and insurance in line with EACEA procedures.

• PhD students will receive a monthly stipend of 1230 Euros. This also includes (1) travels cost to and from the host institution.
• MSc students will receive a monthly stipend of 890 Euros. This also includes (1) travels cost to and from the host institution.
Research costs, tuitions fees, costs related to training, participation to conferences, residence permit and insurance costs are covered by the host institution following EACEA guidelines. Note that participation to conferences and special trainings has to be approved by the host institution coordinator.

Yes, if you are national of and resident in an African country at the time of application, you apply in the target group 2 (HEI not included in the GENES II consortium but established in an EACEA eligible country). This target group includes students registered/admitted in or having obtained a degree from another HEI other than Ebonyi State University, University of Abomey-Calavi, Egerton University, Jimma University, North West University and University of Zimbabwe

No except if the grant is to assist the beneficiary in carrying out his/her project work without travelling out of the host country.

Restrained

Applications should be submitted to: genes2intra@gmail.com and copied Mr. Christel Azon, christelferreolazon@gmail.com, Prof Happiness Oselebe, h.oselebe@ebsu.edu.ng and Dr Godwin Nwonumara, ngnkwuda@gmail.com

• Cover letter
• Student research proposal or detailed research concept note (for PhD and MSc)
• National ID or copy of passport data page
• Certificate of previous degree(s) /or a proof that the degree(s) has been completed
• All transcripts/academic records (please note that all selected candidates will receive final admission after they have provided suitable transcripts)
• Proof of enrolment or eligibility for enrolment for MSc degree (that is research component of MSc) from home institution (for MSc applicants)
• A support letter from home HEIs (from an authority of the University, Vice chancellor or Dean or Vice Dean or Head of Department/School)
• Two recommendation letters
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Certificate of English or French language skills if any
• Proof of socio-economic vulnerability (if relevant) attested by an authority of the home HEI. The letter should be on the HEI letterhead with email and contact of the signatory person.
• Any other supporting documents