Fully Funded PhD in International Relations at USIU-Africa Under the WATERSHED Project (2026): Complete Guide to Eligibility, Research Focus, Benefits, and Application Process

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), through its WATERSHED Research Project, has opened applications for a fully funded PhD in International Relations, offering an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers interested in climate adaptation, urban resilience, gender studies, and climate justice.

Hosted by the Department of International Relations at USIU-Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, this doctoral opportunity is designed for highly motivated graduates who wish to contribute to groundbreaking research addressing climate change and flooding challenges affecting informal urban settlements.

Funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), the WATERSHED Project seeks to bridge the gap between community-led climate adaptation initiatives and formal climate governance, producing research that informs policy while amplifying the voices of vulnerable communities.

Application Deadline

Deadline: 17 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered, so interested applicants are encouraged to prepare and submit their applications well before the deadline.

About USIU-Africa

United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is one of East Africa’s leading private universities, recognized for delivering globally competitive education and research.

The university’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences promotes excellence in teaching, research, and innovation while preparing graduates to become critical thinkers and global citizens capable of addressing complex regional and international challenges.

The fully funded doctoral opportunity is offered through the Department of International Relations, providing scholars with an environment that supports interdisciplinary research and international collaboration.

About the WATERSHED Research Project

The PhD position forms part of the WATERSHED Project, a research initiative funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC).

The project focuses on understanding how informal communities respond to increasing climate risks, particularly flooding, in Nairobi’s rapidly growing urban settlements.

Rather than examining climate adaptation only from the perspective of governments and institutions, WATERSHED investigates the everyday actions taken by community members and local activists who often play a critical role in building resilience despite receiving limited recognition.

The project explores how grassroots initiatives can contribute to broader climate governance and policy development while addressing the challenges created by urbanization, environmental degradation, and changing development funding priorities.

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Research Focus of the PhD Project

The selected PhD researcher will develop a research project centered on:

• Flooding in Nairobi’s informal settlements
• Community responses to climate change
• Gendered dimensions of climate adaptation
• Climate justice
• Informal governance
• Urban resilience
• Community-led adaptation strategies

The research will specifically examine flooding and community and gender-related activities associated with climate adaptation measures in informal settlements across Nairobi.

Areas of Study

Applicants may draw on perspectives from several disciplines, including:

• International Relations
• Political Science
• Sociology
• Gender Studies
• Human Geography
• Anthropology
• Development Studies
• Other related Social Science fields

This interdisciplinary approach allows the researcher to investigate climate adaptation from political, social, economic, environmental, and cultural perspectives.

Why This Research Matters

Climate change continues to increase the frequency and severity of flooding across many urban areas in Africa.

Informal settlements are often among the hardest-hit communities because they typically experience:

• Poor drainage infrastructure
• High population density
• Limited public services
• Inadequate housing
• Greater exposure to environmental hazards

Despite these challenges, local communities

The WATERSHED Project seeks to document and understand these efforts while identifying how community knowledge can inform future climate policies and decision-making.

Key Research Themes

The project examines several interconnected themes, including:

1. Climate Adaptation

Understanding how communities adapt to recurring flooding and changing environmental conditions.

2. Climate Justice

Investigating whether vulnerable populations receive equitable support and representation in climate decision-making.

3. Community Activism

Exploring how local residents organize themselves to improve resilience and advocate for better environmental management.

4. Urban Governance

Assessing the relationship between government policies, planning decisions, and climate vulnerability.

5. Gender and Climate Change

Examining how flooding and climate adaptation affect different groups within communities, particularly women and other marginalized populations.

Study Locations

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

• Mathare
• Pumwani
• Korogocho

These communities provide important case studies for understanding climate vulnerability and local adaptation practices within rapidly expanding urban environments.

Project Objectives

The WATERSHED Project aims to:

• Understand local perceptions of climate vulnerability.
• Examine community-led climate adaptation initiatives.
• Investigate climate justice actions within informal settlements.
• Explore the relationship between grassroots adaptation and formal climate governance.
• Generate evidence that can improve future climate policies.
• Strengthen knowledge on urban resilience in rapidly growing African cities.

Who Should Apply?

The university encourages applications from qualified and motivated candidates with a passion for research and social impact.

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

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

Candidates with research interests aligned with climate change, governance, urban development, community engagement, or environmental justice are particularly encouraged to apply.

Funding

This is a fully funded PhD position under the WATERSHED Research Project, supported by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC).

The announcement confirms that the PhD position is fully funded. However, it does not specify the exact financial package or benefits. Applicants are encouraged to consult the official call document or contact the project team for additional funding details.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity offers numerous advantages, including:

• Full funding for doctoral studies.
• Opportunity to conduct impactful research on climate change and urban resilience.
• Collaboration with experienced researchers and academic experts.
• Participation in an internationally funded research initiative.
• Contribution to evidence-based climate governance and policy development.
• Research experience addressing real-world environmental and social challenges.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit their application in accordance with the official PhD call issued by USIU-Africa.

Applicants should ensure that:

1. They meet the eligibility requirements.
2. Their research interests align with the WATERSHED Project.
3. All required application materials are submitted before the deadline.
4. Their application is complete, as incomplete submissions will not be considered.

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Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the PhD position, applicants may contact:

Email 1: nwamai@usiu.ac.ke

Email 2: watershedscholar@usiu.ac.ke

Applicants are also encouraged to consult the official Call for PhD Researcher – WATERSHED Project for detailed application requirements and submission instructions.

Conclusion

The Fully Funded PhD in International Relations under the WATERSHED Project at USIU-Africa presents an exceptional opportunity for aspiring researchers who want to contribute to meaningful solutions for climate adaptation, climate justice, and urban resilience in Africa. By examining community-led responses to flooding in Nairobi’s informal settlements, the successful candidate will be part of an internationally funded research initiative with the potential to influence policy, strengthen climate governance, and improve the lives of vulnerable urban communities. Prospective applicants with backgrounds in the social sciences and a commitment to impactful research should take advantage of this opportunity and ensure they submit a complete application before 17 August 2026.

Visit the OFY website for more Fellowship Opportunities.