With the financial support of the Marie-Christine Adam Fund (ULB) and the Norwegian Centre for Microfinance Research, the Centre for European Research in Microfinance (CERMi) and the University of Agder are offering a joint full-time 2 + 2 -year research fellowship in Microfinance.

The grant could start as early as October 2012 and will aim at a PhD in Management Sciences in both universities (“co-tutelle”). Possible topics for the thesis are: Governance of Microfinance Institutions, Discrimination in Microfinance, and Internationalization of Microfinance Institutions. Possible candidates are also welcome to propose other topics in accordance with the competencies of the supervisors.
 
The fellow will be based in both Brussels (Belgium) and Kristiansand (Norway), under the joint-supervision of Prof. Ariane Szafarz, co-director of CERMi, and Prof. Roy Mersland, of the University of Agder.

The candidate should have at least a five-year degree in Economics, Business Administration, or a related discipline (300 ECTS), obtained at least with honors (distinction) in order to have access to the doctoral program in Management Sciences, which will be part of the fellowship.

A strong qualification in applied econometrics is required. Moreover, previous knowledge in microfinance, scientific rigor, conceptual ability, and sensitivity to development issues are key for this position.

Fluency in English is required; fluency in French would be appreciated.
 

Applications should include 1) a motivation letter, 2) a full resume (including grades), 3) a three-page (max) research project including bibliography, and 4) academic references.

 
Applications should be send to Ms. Véronique Lahaye (vlahaye [at] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be)

 
Deadline for application: 15 March 2012.
 

For any information, please visit the CERMi website or the University of Agder website or contact:

aszafarz [at] ulb [dot] ac [dot] be (Prof. Ariane Szafarz (ULB))

roy [dot] mersland [at] uia [dot] no (Prof. Roy Mersland (UiA))