The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is inviting applications for the Watershed Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity 2026. This fully funded PhD position is offered through the Department of International Relations under the WATERSHED research programme, providing an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in climate adaptation, climate justice, urban governance, and international development.
The programme is designed for highly motivated graduates who want to conduct impactful research on flooding, informal settlements, and community-led climate adaptation initiatives in Nairobi, Kenya.
About the Watershed PhD Research Opportunity
The WATERSHED project is funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC) and investigates informal climate adaptation strategies related to flooding in Nairobi.
The research explores the relationship between government policies, climate interventions, and community-driven climate justice initiatives within informal settlements. The project seeks to understand how local adaptation efforts can contribute to more inclusive climate governance and decision-making.
The successful PhD researcher will be based at USIU-Africa in Nairobi and conduct research focusing on flooding, gender, community resilience, and climate adaptation in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
Research Focus
The selected PhD candidate will investigate:
- Flooding and climate adaptation in informal settlements
- Community-led climate resilience initiatives
- Gender dimensions of climate adaptation
- Climate justice and governance
- Urban vulnerability to climate change
- Local adaptation strategies and decision-making
Research activities will focus on three informal settlements located along Nairobi’s rivers:
- Mathare
- Pumwani
- Korogocho
Funding
The position is fully funded through the WATERSHED research programme, supported by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should possess a graduate degree in one of the following or a closely related field:
- Political Science
- International Relations
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
- Human Geography
- Anthropology
- Development Studies
- Other relevant Social Science disciplines
Applicants should also demonstrate:
- Strong interest in climate change and environmental governance
- Research interest in climate adaptation and urban resilience
- Motivation to undertake doctoral-level research
- Ability to conduct interdisciplinary social science research
About the WATERSHED Project
The WATERSHED project examines how everyday climate justice actions undertaken by communities interact with government policies and broader development initiatives.
The project seeks to understand:
- Perceived climate vulnerabilities
- Local adaptation initiatives
- Community activism
- Flood risk management
- Climate governance during changing global development priorities
Its objective is to strengthen understanding of how grassroots climate adaptation can contribute to sustainable urban resilience and policy development.
Application Deadline
17 August 2026
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Location
United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
Department of International Relations
Nairobi, Kenya
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare their application according to the requirements provided by USIU-Africa and submit all required documents before the application deadline.
For additional information, applicants may contact:
Why Apply?
This fully funded PhD provides an excellent opportunity to:
- Earn a doctoral degree at one of East Africa’s leading private universities
- Conduct research addressing urgent climate and development challenges
- Work on an internationally funded research programme
- Contribute to climate justice and urban resilience research
- Gain experience in interdisciplinary climate adaptation research
- Collaborate with leading researchers in international development and climate governance
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