Call for Proposals (CFP): How can multistakeholder coalitions reduce the risk of public hidden debt to democracy and economic stability in emerging markets?

Position description

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) invites research proposals examining the consequences of government nontransparent borrowing, or, hidden debt, on democracy and institutional stability in emerging markets. Proposals should focus on the threats posed by hidden debt and explore advocacy strategies to increase debt transparency. Additionally, the study will survey the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships, including businesses, civil society, and government, in addressing this issue. While the exact scope of the paper will be determined with the selected researcher, authors should use the following guiding questions to write their proposal:

1. Because hidden debt poses many long-term risks for emerging markets, what are the direct threats to political stability, and specifically to democratic institutions?
2. What are the most common legal and regulatory weaknesses of debt management and transparency that can lead to hidden debt?
3. How can multistakeholder partnerships fight debt opacity?  
4. What specific role can businesses play in such coalitions? (Include case studies or examples that may illustrate this view).  

Review Process

CIPE will consider proposals solely on these questions and judge them on the strength, originality and clarity of the proposed ideas. Proposals that do not respond directly to the above questions will not be considered. Full terms, including the final structure of the paper, deliverables, timeline and compensation schedule will be determined through an agreement between the selected researcher and CIPE, and specified in a contract or honorarium letter.

Submission Guidelines

Please submit the following documents no later than May 24, 2024.

1. An abstract (300 words or less) of the proposed topic and research methodology.
2. A CV and a sample research paper, preferably written for a policy or NGO audience.
3. A budget proposal that includes a daily rate, number of billable days, and other expected related expenses incurred during research. The entire cost proposal should not exceed the maximum available funds of $20,000 USD.

Selected applicants will be notified by June 7, 2024.

Applicants must hold the following minimum credentials:

• Post-graduate degree, (PhD highly preferred) from an accredited institution of higher learning, in economics, public policy, business, political science, international relations or other related fields.
• A minimum of six years of progressive research and writing experience in policy or economic reform, markets, entrepreneurship, democratic governance, corruption, etc., with a focus in emerging and/or transition economies.
• Strong commitment to ethical and professional standards of research.

All inquiries should be directed to CIPE’s Policy & Program Learning (PPL) Program Director Mikra Krasniqi at [email protected]

Application instructions

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