Call for Application: Fellowship Grant Support for Three Students

TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS OF SOUTH ASIA (TROSA: T2:3R)

Call for Application: Fellowship Grant Support for Three Students

1. Background

NEEDS Nepal is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that has been actively working in the social sector for the past 26 years. The organization has been engaged in various social transformation, good governance, and development initiatives. The organization implements programs that address different social aspects and disasters. These programs include social awareness, good governance, safe migration, livelihood, disaster risk reduction, WASH, and entrepreneurship initiatives that align with the policies and programs of the Government of Nepal. Among them TROSA Phase 1 completed in March 2022 and TROSA II is being implemented by NEEDS from June 2023 to March 2025.

2. Research Grant Opportunity

NEEDS Nepal invites three Bachelor's Degree holder (masters preferred) to apply for a youth fellowship grant of NPR 100,000 (including tax). Youth Fellow initiatives are expected to lay foundations for meaningful transformation or solution to the challenges faced by grassroots communities associated with the Mahakali Basin. It could be a range of things, starting from research, documentation of indigenous knowledge revival, on-ground actions and anything innovative of its kind addresses water governance challenges in the wider sense. These initiatives are expected to be done in partnership with the communities they serve and also bring about growth to the youth leading these initiatives and add value to their journey as leaders. 

3. Priorities Area of Research 

Proposals must be aligned with one of the following priorities. One student will be selected for one particular topic. 

• Transboundary Cooperation
• Climate resilience livelihoods
• Citizen science in its scope, and survival.

4. Eligibility Criteria for Applicants:

The Youth Fellow Initiative for Mahakali basin is open to young water leaders aged 29 years or below residing within any of the Mahakali basin. Eligible participants can apply either as individuals or as part of a group. Proposals are welcome from independent applicants as well as those affiliated with organizations. This initiative encourages innovative ideas and collaborative efforts to address water-related challenges in the region. Women and youth from indigenous or marginalised river dependent communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

5. Application Process 

Interested applicants are invited to submit their proposal and CV to the official email address of NEEDS Nepal: hr@needsnepal.org.np The submitted information will be used as the basis for the shortlisting process. Applicants are requested to select one relevant topic for their research and prepare their proposal accordingly.

6. Evaluation Process 

The evaluation process will prioritize initiatives that are inclusive, intersectional, innovative, and effectively address water-related challenges within the Mahakali basin. All eligible applications will undergo a thorough review by a dedicated committee comprising experts on water issues in Mahakali basin. This committee will evaluate submissions against predefined criteria and determine grant allocation. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to the next phase, where they will receive orientation to meet the objective of their study and be invited to submit a full comprehensive proposal detailing their initiative. Final selection will be based on the strength of these proposals, and support will be provided accordingly. 

7. Evaluation Criteria 

I. Relevance: The proposed initiative must align with the pressing needs of the communities dependent on the Mahakali River basin for transboundary cooperation, climate resilience livelihoods, citizen science in its scope, and survival. Initiatives that are well studies/documents the power relations, vulnerabilities, rights, justice, and opportunities in the context of their river basins will be prioritized.

II. Potential Impact: The initiative/research should advocate for the equitable use of water resources, addressing social and environmental equity challenges, and fostering inclusive and resilient communities. 

III. Innovation, Creativity and Capacity: Novel and effective strategies, especially for engaging women, youth, and Indigenous peoples, addressing policy gaps, participation and influencing stakeholders.

IV. Sustainability and Scalability: The initiative needs to address sustainability and beyond as the result of study/research or influencing policy and advocacy to ensure long-term impact. 

8. Reporting Requirements 

The YF will receive an orientation on the Mahakali basin, TROSA’s working areas, and mutual expectations. This will be followed by two follow-up meetings to track progress and provide necessary support. The final report is due by 16 January 2026.

9. Timeline of the Initiative

10. Grant Utilization

The maximum support is worth NPR One Lakh per YF. The payments will be done in two instalments: 40% after awarding the Youth Fellowship and 60% after submitting the final report. Shortlisted candidates are expected to share a detailed support breakdown with their overall initiative plan. 

11. Application Requirements

• Research Proposal (max 10 pages) with timeline and budget estimate.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation letter

12. Submission Details 

Applications must be submitted by 20 September 2025, through one of the following methods: 

Email: hr@needsnepal.org.np