Managing organizations for regional research networks to foster an inclusive and sustainable future of work

Description

1) Objective

This initiative supports high-quality, innovative and gender responsive research that addresses key Future of Work challenges and opportunities to advance skills, strengthen social protection and promote decent work. Specific objectives are:

• Support Southern-led research on the impact of digital technological advancements such as AI, and the transition to a low carbon economy on future of work and deliver innovation policy solutions.
• Foster networks for knowledge sharing and peer learning, through the development of future of work research hubs in regions where IDRC operates.
• Support knowledge mobilization for uptake by engaging policymakers, private sector actors, civil society and workers representatives across the skills ecosystem to help co-develop and utilize evidence in decision making, as well as scale good practices.

To help achieve these objectives, hubs are expected to support the following priorities:

• Foster high-quality research: Develop an integrated research program examining the extent and drivers of labour markets disruption and the contribution of training and government policies to supporting inclusive labour market outcomes. Research is expected to address labour supply challenges by equipping women and youth with skills that position them for the jobs of tomorrow; demand challenges by creating greater economic opportunities for women and youth; linkage challenges to connect youth and women to with industry for better economic opportunities; and unlocking decent, green job opportunities, investment in new skills, the inclusion of workers and communities in a low carbon development trajectory.
• Lead training and capacity strengthening strategies: Promote the advancement of next-generation researchers (masters and doctoral training / post-doctorate, and those in vocational institutions). Strengthen the ability of firms, industry associations, training and vocational institutions and government to understand and act on emerging evidence through a range of activities (e.g., participation in implementation research projects, workshops, training events, policy dialogues, peer-learning) and appropriate reskilling measures that are needed to drive the just transition.

2) Eligibility

This call invites proposals from individual organizations or consortiums headquartered in LMICs in the respective region (MENA, LAC, Asia, SSA). If taking a consortium approach, it must be composed of organizations working in the regions of focus. This call for proposals is open to non-profit research organizations and higher education institutions. Consortia may involve government and UN agencies, but these partners are not eligible to be the lead institution or to have salary costs included. This call is not open to individuals.

3) Location

Actions must take place in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

4) Budget

Regional research hubs can submit budget requests of up to a maximum of CAD1,700,000. IDRC is expecting to fund 5 regional research hubs, depending on quality, in the following regions: Asia, sub-Saharan Africa (2), MENA and LAC. The initiative’s duration is a maximum of 5 years, including all research activities and final reporting.

5) Application

Full proposals to lead a regional research network, including a draft call for proposals outline, must be received no later than June 26th, 2023, at 11pm Eastern Standard Time or EST.