CGBD Fellowship (Research)

Role Description

This is a remote, unpaid fellowship role for a CGBD Fellow. The fellowship runs annually from November to October and offers young researchers a transformative opportunity to contribute to a 20-year global research agenda focused on history, identity, policy, and sustainable Black empowerment. CGBD Fellows will participate in an orientation to DIFFvelopment’s mission and the historical foundations of the global Black community, join issue-specific research teams, and develop execution plans for collaborative research. Throughout the fellowship, Fellows will engage in a monthly rhythm of team meetings, assignments, feedback, and cross-team presentations facilitated by CGBD and its Resident Research Professional. Fellows will contribute to research outputs that may inform annual briefs, policy memos, stakeholder consultation discussions, and long-term CGBD publications. The fellowship culminates in the refinement and synthesis of final research reports following consultation with policy, community, and industry stakeholders. Upon successful completion, Fellows receive authorship credit in a published CGBD Research Report, a CGBD Fellowship certificate of completion and performance report, access to recommendations from DIFFvelopment staff, and membership in the CGBD Research Alumni Network.

Qualifications

• Strong research and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Interest in Africana history, global Black communities, economic development, public policy, or interdisciplinary research
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Comfort participating in team meetings, assignments, feedback cycles, and research presentations
• Experience with report writing, literature review, data analysis, policy research, or community-centered research is a plus

What Fellows Gain

• Training in historically grounded, interdisciplinary research methods
• Membership in a global research and alumni network
• Opportunities to contribute to research outputs connected to policy, practice, and movement-building
• Professional recognition through authorship credit, certificate of completion, performance report, and possible staff recommendations
• A chance to contribute to a once-in-a-generation research project redefining how the world understands the relationship between history, identity, and empowerment
• Fellows who demonstrate financial need may be eligible to receive a modest technology stipend to support internet access and remote participation.