Watershed Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity 2026 at USIU Africa in Kenya

Apply for the Watershed Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity 2026 at USIU-Africa in Kenya. Fully funded PhD in International Relations focusing on climate adaptation, flooding, gender, and climate justice. Deadline: August 17, 2026.

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is inviting applications for the Watershed Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity 2026, an exciting research position under the WATERSHED Project. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, this fully funded PhD offers an excellent opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in climate adaptation, urban resilience, gender, and international relations.

Hosted by the Department of International Relations within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the programme is designed for highly motivated graduates who are passionate about addressing climate-related challenges affecting vulnerable urban communities.

About the Watershed Project

The WATERSHED Project is funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC) and investigates informal climate adaptation strategies in response to flooding within Nairobi’s informal settlements.

The research explores how local communities respond to increasing climate risks while examining the relationship between government policies, development interventions, climate justice, and grassroots adaptation efforts.

The project particularly focuses on how ordinary citizens develop practical solutions that strengthen resilience despite limited institutional support.

Research Focus

The successful PhD candidate will undertake research examining:

Flooding in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
Community-led climate adaptation initiatives.
Gender dimensions of climate resilience.
Climate justice and local governance.
Everyday adaptation strategies.
Community activism in response to climate change.

The research will specifically focus on three informal settlements located along Nairobi’s river systems:

Mathare
Pumwani
Korogocho

These communities experience frequent flooding and represent important case studies for understanding locally driven climate adaptation.

Eligible Fields of Study

Applicants should possess a graduate degree in one of the following disciplines:

International Relations
Political Science
Sociology
Gender Studies
Human Geography
Anthropology
Development Studies
Other relevant Social Science disciplines

Candidates with interdisciplinary research interests related to climate governance and sustainable development are encouraged to apply.

What the Programme Offers

Successful applicants will receive:

Fully funded PhD research opportunity.
Enrollment in the PhD Programme in International Relations at USIU-Africa.
Participation in an internationally funded climate research project.
Opportunities to work alongside experienced researchers and academic supervisors.
Field-based research experience in Nairobi.
Access to international research networks and collaborations.

Why Apply?

This programme provides researchers with the opportunity to:

Conduct meaningful research addressing real-world climate challenges.
Contribute to policy discussions on climate adaptation and resilience.
Develop expertise in urban climate governance and environmental justice.
Work with international research partners.
Build a strong academic profile through collaborative research.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 17 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should prepare all required application documents according to the university’s application guidelines and submit them before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to review the complete call for detailed eligibility requirements, funding information, and application procedures before applying.

Contact Information

For enquiries regarding the programme:

Email: nwamai@usiu.ac.ke

Email: watershedscholar@usiu.ac.ke

About USIU-Africa

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is one of East Africa’s leading private universities, recognized for its commitment to research excellence, innovation, and global education. Through partnerships with international research organizations, the university supports high-impact research addressing Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences continues to promote interdisciplinary research that contributes to sustainable development, public policy, and social transformation across the continent.

Final Thoughts

The Watershed Fully Funded PhD Researcher Opportunity 2026 at USIU-Africa is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in climate change, urban resilience, gender, and international development. With full funding, international collaboration, and field-based research in Nairobi’s informal settlements, the programme provides an excellent platform to develop advanced research skills while contributing to practical climate solutions.

If your academic interests align with climate justice, community resilience, and sustainable urban development, this PhD opportunity is well worth considering.

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