1. preferably be a permanent AMU academic staff member, appointment and continued institutional affiliation must be verifiable
2. hold a relevant master’s degree in Computer Science or related fields  
3. meet the applicable academic admission requirements of AMU including NGAT and the agreed KU Leuven doctoral/visiting doctoral route
4. demonstrate research readiness through a strong master’s record, thesis/research experience and a feasible concept note
5. demonstrate aptitude and genuine interest in digital pedagogy, adult learning and inclusive low-bandwidth design
6. be able to conduct interdisciplinary mixed-method research and work respectfully with non-academic stakeholders and rural frontline workers
7. have a sufficient command of English for doctoral research and international collaboration, and be willing to provide any formal evidence or training required by the doctoral authorities
8. be available for the full doctoral trajectory and for the approved research stays in Belgium (6 months in Activity Year 1, 12 months in Activity Year 3 and 6 months in Activity Year 5, subject to admission, visa and mobility administration)
9. obtain a signed AMU/department commitment for meaningful study leave from normal academic/administrative duties, continued employment/salary and reintegration/retention during and after the doctorate
10. pass the eligibility (CGPA, Publication, interview and/or written) exam to be administered by the project as per the Grant and Collaborative Projects guidelines of AMU
11. be eligible for a VLIRUOS project scholarship, including the applicable institutional-affiliation and nationality requirements

• The selected scholar will remain an AMU staff member. AMU’s agreed employment, salary and study leave arrangements will apply while the scholar conducts research in Ethiopia.
• During approved research stays in Belgium, the current budget provides a research scholarship allowance of EUR 1,900 per month, subject to the applicable VLIRUOS framework and final scholarship administration.
• The approved project budget provides financing for a research stay of 24 months in Belgium spread across three mobilities and includes budgeted international travel. Scholarship and travel payments remain subject to admission, registration, visa, mobility and financial procedures.
• Approved project research and fieldwork costs in Ethiopia will be covered according to the project work plan and financial rules. There is no separate local PhD stipend in the approved budget.
• The scholarship allowance is a compensation for living costs during the approved stays in Belgium. 
• The researcher will receive joint scientific supervision from AMU and KU Leuven, access to the EQUIP research network and appropriate project facilities.

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