About the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) Graduate Attachment Scheme

The British Institute in Eastern Africa exists to promote research in all the disciplines in the humanities and social sciences within the wider region of eastern Africa. It has a strong tradition of research in anthropology, archaeology, history and linguistics, and recent projects have embraced political, environmental and development studies, geography, public health, and art and performance. Its renovated research centre in Nairobi provides work space and accommodation for researchers and visiting academics, an excellent reference library and seminar / lecture facilities. The Institute is sponsored by the British Academy and has been active since 1960 with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

BIEA graduate attachments offer recent graduates, with an interest in further studies in Africa, the opportunity to gain practical experience of research through a three-month graduate attachment scheme (GAS).

In 2021/22 there were will be three GAS cohorts, which will run from July-September 2021, October-December 2021, and January to March 2022.

Given the current COVID pandemic, the scheme will initially be run wholly on-line with the possibility of some face-to-face work dependent on travel and health and safety regulations.

Graduate attachés will be involved in three types of work while at the BIEA:

• Attachés will develop specific research interests in the region, gain practical experience of conducting research by working as a research assistant on a number of innovative historical, archaeological, anthropological, political science and legal projects, gain trainings in research methods, and meet a variety of active researchers;
• Assist with the administration of the BIEA including website, library, reading groups focused on key texts in African studies, workshops and seminars; and,
• Conduct their own research usually leading into developing a plan for a Masters or PhD. Their attachment involves the presentation of a paper in the BIEA Completion Seminar Series upon some aspect of the research they have carried out during their time at BIEA;
• Have the opportunity to take beginner’s Kiswahili classes.

As a graduate attaché, you will receive a monthly stipend of 260 GBP towards subsistence costs. There may also be opportunity to apply for a small research allowance, which will be discussed further with successful applicants.

To be eligible you will need a strong academic record, some experience of studying/researching Africa, and a clear interest in developing your own research. You should also be able to show significant initiative and be ready to offer enthusiastic assistance for various research projects and subsequent data analysis.

Graduate attachés can arrive on 1 July 2021, 1 October 2021, and 1 January 2022 for a three-month period.  Please specify the three-month time period(s) that you are available for this scheme in your application.

How To Apply.  

Applicants should send a  CV  and  Cover Letter to [email protected] detailing any research experience that you have (including methods used) and explaining how participation in the scheme will assist the development of your career. You will need to arrange for two academic references to be sent directly to BIEA.