Policy Writing Workshop

Since independence, important governance and political decisions in Somalia have not been evidence-based contributing to poor governance and political instability. The challenges of uninformed decisions continue to exist as policy decisions take place in the context of limited evidence, which is costly to the country.

Even when some evidence is available, the policymakers hardly consume available research outputs because most outputs are technical, lengthy, broad, and published in foreign languages making such reports hard to understand and very limited in use. Policy writing could be an effective tool in utilizing the produced research outputs and therefore enabling policymakers to make informed decisions. To address this gap, PSU is organizing a training programme to equip mid-career researchers with skills and knowledge on policy writing using tools that can effectively communicate to policymakers to make informed decisions.  This is programme has been designed to be hands-on and make a positive impact.

This training is free, and PSU is grateful to the facilitators and organizations who volunteered to deliver the training and mentor trainees. To take care of the maintenance of participants and logistics of the workshop, selected applicants are expected to pay US$ 100 to PSU.

Training outline

• Understanding policy cycle analysis
• Policy writing process
• Making your writing good
• Dissemination and publications
• Experience sharing, Case Studies, and Discussions

Facilitators

• Ahmed M. Musa (face -to -face): Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Nairobi

• Tobias Hagmann (virtual): Associate Professor in International Development and comparative politics, Roskilde University

• Peter Chonka (virtual): Researcher and Lecturer in Global Digital Cultures, King’s College London

• Omar S. Mahmood (virtual): Researcher, International Crisis Group (ICG)

• Ahmed Abbaas (face-to-face): Researcher, Puntland Development and Research Center (PDRC)

• Ahmed Shire (face -to -face): Researcher, Puntland State University

Registration is open between October 27, 2020, and November 10, 2020

The duration of the training programme

• 4 days workshop/training
• 68 days mentorship (participants will choose research topics which they will work on with the support of mentors)

Selection criteria

A successful applicant should have:

• Research background (experience in fieldwork)
• First Degree (Bachelor) in social sciences or related field
• Experience with teamwork

How to Apply: 

Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are required to send the following documents:

1. Filled Registration Form, (Download)
2. A cover letter (in English) that addresses the applicant’s motivation
3. Curriculum Vitae (in English)
4. Academic writing example (optional)
5. Mail to: workshop@psu.edu.so by not later than November 10, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. East Africa Time.

For more information please reach from the following contacts:

Tel: +252 90 6794733

Email: workshop@psu.edu.so