DUSHANBE, May 4, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Community Connections program seeks applicants for a three-week, home stay-based professional exchange to the United States for Tajik social-science researchers, according to the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe.

This program will include practical training on methods of communicating research outcomes to the government, public and other relevant bodies, and effective advocacy by think tanks to impact policy and other relevant issues. The professional group will travel to the United States in September 2010.

To be considered, the completed application form must be submitted no later than May 28, 2010. Applications will be accepted from anyone who has an extensive experience in research and policy analysis. Particularly, the program will target professional staff of research centers, including government, public and private institutes, universities, think tanks, and professional associations that provide analysis and policy advice on public health, education, human rights, governance, media, agriculture, and free market systems.

Candidates will be identified through a nationwide, open competition. All candidates should have leadership potential in their sector and live and work in Tajikistan. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their commitment to improving policy research sector in Tajikistan. English language is not required for this program.