The ICTD is calling for research proposals in relation to the Ethiopian Tax Research Network (ETRN). The ETRN is a network of Ethiopian researchers and practitioners, with the main objective of supporting the generation and exchange of knowledge on taxation in Ethiopia. The ETRN is an initiative of the ICTD funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Focus of research proposals

The ICTD will fund research projects that meet high academic standards of research quality and that are concerned with issues relevant to tax policy and administration. We welcome proposals on all themes related to taxation in Ethiopia and from all disciplines, including economics, law, accounting, and political science.

We particularly encourage collaborative research between researchers and practitioners, including research by officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Revenue. We also welcome research teams that include collaboration between international and Ethiopian researchers. Applications from women with the relevant skills and experience are particularly welcome, as well as proposals including women in their research team.

Requirements and process for research proposals

We are currently inviting initial research proposals of 1 or 2 pages maximum. Initial proposals should clearly but concisely cover the following information:

  1. The research question and main purpose of the study;
  2. Data and methods proposed, including information on the availability and accessibility of data, and any challenge to feasibility;
  3. Policy relevance and academic value of the study;
  4. A timeline for the study (tentative start and end dates);
  5. A preliminary indication of the budget required (this does not have to be a full budget, just a tentative total figure for the study);
  6. CV and experience of researchers involved in the study (CVs to be sent as an annex to the research proposal).

After an initial screening, shortlisted researchers will be invited to submit full proposals to the ICTD.

Submission method and deadline

Submissions should include 1) an initial research proposal document, no longer than 2 pages, and 2) CVs for all researchers involved in the proposal. Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] with the subject “Submission: ETRN Call for Proposals”. The deadline for the submission of initial proposals is the 25th of September 2020 at 23:00 (GMT).

The ICTD is committed to high quality research and so invest quite heavily in proposal preparation. Therefore, we recommend consulting our guidance on research proposal design before submission. If you have any further queries related to this call, contact ETRN: [email protected]

Please note: Our current process for funding research projects has been adapted to reflect the risks posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Proposals should ideally refer explicitly, even if briefly, to Covid-19 risks, and possible implications, in order to facilitate project review. Please see here to read our response in detail.