Competition on Energy Security and Regional Cooperation for Young Researchers from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
Competition for Young Researchers: Energy Security and Regional Cooperation in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia
The World Experience for Georgia (WEG), a think tank based in Tbilisi, and the American University of Armenia (AUA) Acopian Center for the Environment invite young researchers from Armenia to apply and submit a concept paper focused on Energy Security and Regional Cooperation in The South Caucasus.
A similar selection process is taking place in Georgia and Azerbaijan. The selected researchers will work with mentors to develop a policy paper, which will be presented at a regional conference in early March 2025 in Tbilisi. The policy paper should focus on enhancing regional cooperation in energy security and provide an in-depth analysis of the region’s challenges and opportunities.
The initiative is funded through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by the European Union.
Competition Details
Stage 1: Working Meeting
A working meeting will be held where experts will provide an overview of the current energy security landscape in the South Caucasus. Participants will gain insights into regional challenges and opportunities that will inform their research proposals.
Stage 2: Concept Note Submission
Following the working meeting, participants will submit concept notes outlining their proposed research topics.
A committee will review these submissions, and three researchers (one from each country) will be selected to work with a mentor over four months to develop a policy paper.
Each researcher selected for the final stage will receive a stipend of $850.
Eligibility
Young researchers up to 35 years old from Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan are eligible to apply.
Application Process
Stage I:
Complete the online expression of interest form (link). After filling out the form, you will be invited to the workshop. Please note that in order to be able to attend the December 4, 2024, workshop you need to register before December 3.
Attend a workshop on regional energy security trends, which will be held separately in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan for participants from each respective country (details will be shared with registered candidates). Participation in this meeting is encouraged but not mandatory.
Stage II:
● Submit a research concept proposal (1-2 pages).
● Submit a CV in English
● All documents should be sent to [email protected].
The concept proposal should be in English and have a clear problem description and methodology.
Note: To encourage women’s participation, preference will be given to women applicants, all other factors being equal.
Evaluation Criteria
| Criteria | Maximum score |
| Relevance to the Project Goals
Does the concept note address key energy security challenges within the context of the Green Transition in the South Caucasus? How well does it align with the project’s aim of fostering regional cooperation among Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia? |
25% |
| Evidence and Supporting Arguments
Does the concept note provide a strong rationale for the proposed policy, supported by relevant data, research, or examples? How well does it demonstrate an understanding of the current regional dynamics and historical context? |
25% |
| Originality and Innovation
Does the concept propose new ideas, approaches, or perspectives that can significantly impact regional cooperation? |
20% |
| Clarity and Focus
Is the concept note clearly written and well-organized? Does it have a clear focus on a specific issue or set of issues within the broader context of energy security and regional cooperation? Is the concept grammatically and stylistically accurate? |
15% |
| Stakeholder Engagement and Inclusivity
Does the abstract consider the involvement of key stakeholders from Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia (e.g., government entities, civil society, or other regional players)? Does it promote the inclusion of diverse perspectives? |
15% |
| Total Score | 100% |
Important Dates
● December 4, 2024: Online Q&A Session for interested applicants. REGISTER HERE TO RECEIVE LINK TO THE ONLINE EVENT.
● December 15: Submission of concept notes
● December 25: Selection of the best concept notes and award of scholarships
● January 1 – February 20: Mentorship and development of the policy paper
● March 10: Presentation of policy papers at the regional conference
● March 30: Translation of policy documents into local languages and publication