International Joint PhD: The Political Economy of Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Response

International Joint PhD: The Political Economy of Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Response is now open. The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, invites Expressions of Interest for a fully funded International Joint PhD project examining the political economy of peacekeeping and humanitarian response, with a specific focus on labour and housing markets in host societies.

This doctoral project offers an opportunity to contribute original, policy-relevant research on the unintended economic and social consequences of international peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. The successful candidate will be primarily based at the University of Manchester, with a minimum 12-month research stay at the University of Melbourne.

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Project Overview

International peacekeeping and humanitarian missions have played an important role in stabilisation, reconstruction, and peacebuilding in contexts affected by violent conflict and crisis. However, alongside their positive contributions, these interventions can produce unintended consequences that affect local societies and economies. These include labour market distortions, wage inflation, talent diversion from domestic institutions, and disruptions to local housing markets through gentrification, rising rents, and security-driven spatial transformations.

This PhD project critically examines how the presence and practices of international organisations—such as the United Nations and humanitarian actors—reshape local labour and housing markets. The research will analyse hiring practices, wage dynamics, talent reintegration, and housing market impacts, including displacement and changes to everyday life in host communities.

The study will centre on an in-depth case study of a country with a long history of hosting international missions, such as Bosnia, Kosovo, or Timor-Leste. The final case selection will be determined in consultation with the supervisory team and will reflect the candidate’s research interests, alongside travel advice and institutional approvals.

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Research Approach

The project will employ a mixed-methods research design combining archival research with ethnographic fieldwork, including an extended research stay in the selected case study location. The PhD candidate will be encouraged to develop and refine methodological tools tailored to the specific political, economic, and social realities of the case.

The research will address four central questions:

1. How do the unintended consequences of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions manifest and intersect across labour and housing markets?
2. Which methodologies best enable the generation of reliable and gender-sensitive data on these impacts in order to reduce harm?
3. What factors contribute to the compounding and amplification of negative consequences in particular missions?
4. How can policymakers and practitioners mitigate or avoid these unintended effects in future interventions?

Findings will be disseminated through academic journal articles and policy briefs, contributing to debates on the effectiveness, legitimacy, and reform of international peacekeeping and humanitarian responses.

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Degree and Scholarship Information

• Degree Offered: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Project Type: International Joint PhD
• Institutions: University of Manchester (primary base) and University of Melbourne (minimum 12-month stay)
• Anticipated Start Date: 1 October 2026

The successful applicant will receive a fully funded scholarship package, including:

• Full tuition fee waiver
• Living allowance
• Health insurance
• Relocation support

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Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants are invited to submit an Expression of Interest. Eligible candidates should demonstrate strong academic preparation in relevant fields such as political science, international relations, political economy, development studies, or related disciplines, as well as an interest in peacekeeping, humanitarian intervention, and mixed-methods research.

Applicants who submit an Expression of Interest will be contacted after the advertising period closes on 31 March 2026.

Apply here. 

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Supervisory Team

University of Melbourne

• Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf, Principal Supervisor
• Dr Sara Meger, Internal Co-Supervisor

University of Manchester

• Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hébert, Joint Principal Supervisor
• Dr Birte Vogel, External Co-Supervisor

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This fully funded International Joint PhD offers an opportunity to research the political economy of peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions, with a focus on labour and housing market impacts in host societies. Based at the University of Manchester with a significant research stay at the University of Melbourne, the project combines rigorous academic training with policy-relevant inquiry. Expressions of Interest close on 31 March 2026, with the project commencing in October 2026.

For more opportunities, click here.