The University of Iceland is accepting applications for a full-time doctoral research position examining water governance in low-income African countries. The three-year project will investigate how rural water-governance systems can be made more sustainable, efficient and equitable, with a particular focus on Uganda, Malawi and Sierra Leone.
The selected doctoral researcher will join the University’s interdisciplinary Environment and Natural Resources programme and work with experts in resource management, development studies, economics, social sciences and water governance.
The project is funded by the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs through the University of Iceland PhD Grants Fund. It combines academic research, policy analysis, development cooperation and field-based data collection.
The expected starting date is 1 November 2026 or another date agreed with the University. Applications must be submitted by 4 September 2026.
Interested candidates should review the EURAXESS listing and the official University of Iceland vacancy notice before applying.
PhD Position at a Glance
| Key information | Details |
|---|---|
| Host institution | University of Iceland |
| Location | Reykjavík, Iceland |
| Research project | Water Governance in Low-Income African Countries |
| Programme | Environment and Natural Resources |
| Position type | Full-time doctoral research position |
| Funding source | Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs through the University of Iceland PhD Grants Fund |
| Funding period | Three years |
| Primary geographic focus | Uganda, Malawi and Sierra Leone |
| Main fieldwork focus | Uganda |
| Research areas | Water governance, resource management, development studies, policy analysis, social sciences and rural development |
| Expected starting date | 1 November 2026 or by agreement |
| Application language | Icelandic or English |
| Application deadline | 4 September 2026 |
| Contact person | Jón Geir Pétursson |
| Contact email | jgp@hi.is |
| EURAXESS reference | 460279 |
About the Research Project
The project, titled “Water Governance in Low-Income African Countries,” seeks to advance knowledge of how water resources are governed, particularly in rural communities where public institutions, households and economic activities may face significant difficulties obtaining reliable access to safe water.
The project will examine the policies, institutions, governance arrangements and decision-making systems that influence water access, water quality, infrastructure management and the long-term sustainability of rural water services.
Water-governance challenges cannot be addressed through infrastructure alone. Even where wells, pumps, pipes, treatment facilities or storage systems exist, long-term service delivery may be undermined by weak institutional coordination, inadequate maintenance, limited financing, unclear responsibilities, unequal access or insufficient community participation.
The doctoral research will therefore examine water as both a natural resource and a public-governance issue.
Why Water Governance Matters
Water is essential for life, public health, food security and economic development. Reliable access to sufficient quantities of clean water is necessary for drinking, cooking, hygiene and sanitation.
Water also supports:
- Agricultural production;
- Livestock and rural livelihoods;
- Schools and educational institutions;
- Health and community facilities;
- Fish processing;
- Small businesses;
- Food production;
- Local economic development; and
- Climate resilience.
Many low-income African countries continue to face serious challenges related to water availability, water quality and the governance of water services. These difficulties may be particularly severe in rural areas where communities are geographically dispersed and public institutions have limited financial, technical or administrative capacity.
Climate change can intensify these pressures by affecting rainfall patterns, water availability, drought frequency, flooding, groundwater recharge and competition among different water users.
The project is based on the understanding that water possesses characteristics that distinguish it from many other natural resources. It is essential for survival, shared across communities and sectors, affected by geographic and climatic conditions, and often governed by multiple public and community institutions.
Effective water governance must therefore balance:
- Sustainability;
- Efficiency;
- Equity;
- Affordability;
- Public health;
- Environmental protection;
- Institutional accountability;
- Community participation; and
- Competing household and commercial needs.
Geographic Focus of the PhD Research
The project primarily focuses on countries where Iceland maintains bilateral development cooperation:
- Uganda;
- Malawi; and
- Sierra Leone.
Although all three countries form part of the broader research context, the vacancy notice indicates that the doctoral research will place particular emphasis on Uganda.
The doctoral researcher is expected to have working facilities at the University of Iceland in Reykjavík. However, the position also involves conducting necessary data collection in Iceland’s African partner countries in cooperation with the doctoral committee.
Applicants should therefore be prepared for a research design that may require:
- International fieldwork;
- Engagement with government authorities;
- Consultation with rural communities;
- Interviews with water users and service providers;
- Collection of policy and institutional data;
- Collaboration with local organizations;
- Cross-cultural research;
- Ethical fieldwork procedures; and
- Communication with stakeholders across different professional and social backgrounds.
The advertisement does not specify the number, length or financial arrangements for field visits. Candidates should seek clarification from the contact person about travel expectations, insurance, fieldwork funding, security arrangements and institutional support.
Interdisciplinary Academic Environment
The doctoral researcher will work with an interdisciplinary doctoral committee whose expertise includes:
- Natural-resource management;
- Development studies;
- Economics;
- Social sciences; and
- Water governance.
This structure reflects the complexity of water governance. The project is not limited to hydrology, engineering or environmental science. It also involves public policy, institutions, development, economics, social relations and the allocation of natural resources.
The successful applicant should be comfortable working across disciplinary boundaries and explaining their research to experts with different academic backgrounds.
Environment and Natural Resources Programme
The position is located within the University of Iceland’s interdisciplinary Environment and Natural Resources programme.
The doctoral researcher may be academically connected to either:
- The School of Engineering and Natural Sciences; or
- The School of Social Sciences.
The final academic placement will depend on the research design, supervision arrangements and the successful candidate’s disciplinary background.
The Environment and Natural Resources doctoral programme is an international, interdisciplinary programme connected to the University’s different schools and faculties. It is designed to provide advanced scientific training related to environmental challenges and the sustainable management of natural resources.
The doctoral programme comprises 180 ECTS and is intended to prepare researchers for careers in universities, research institutions, government, international organizations, civil society and other settings requiring advanced research expertise.
Further information is available on the Environment and Natural Resources PhD programme page.
Main Responsibilities of the Doctoral Researcher
The selected candidate will participate in an interdisciplinary research project connected to international development cooperation.
The principal responsibilities include the following.
1. Examine Water-Governance Challenges
The researcher will investigate the major challenges affecting water governance in rural areas of low-income African countries.
This may involve examining:
- Institutional responsibilities;
- Water-service planning;
- Policy implementation;
- Rural water infrastructure;
- Financing and maintenance;
- Community participation;
- Water affordability;
- Monitoring systems;
- Accountability arrangements;
- Water quality;
- Unequal access; and
- Long-term sustainability.
2. Study Water Access for Households and Institutions
The research will consider access to drinking water for:
- Rural households;
- Schools;
- Public institutions;
- Community facilities; and
- Other essential users.
This part of the project may require examining how water systems are planned, managed, financed and maintained and whether they provide fair and reliable access to different groups.
3. Examine Water Use in Commercial Activities
The project will also consider water requirements for commercial and productive activities, particularly:
- Agriculture; and
- Fish processing.
The researcher may examine how household, institutional and commercial water needs interact and how governance systems allocate water when demand exceeds available supply.
4. Conduct Policy Analysis
The doctoral researcher will assess existing policies, strategies and action plans concerning water governance in selected sub-Saharan African countries.
The analysis may consider:
- Whether policies clearly assign institutional responsibilities;
- How national policies are implemented at local level;
- Whether rural communities participate in decision-making;
- How water quality and service performance are monitored;
- Whether policies adequately address sustainability and equity;
- How development-cooperation projects align with national priorities; and
- Whether implementation gaps exist between written policies and actual practice.
5. Compare Water-Governance Systems
The researcher will analyse different water-governance arrangements while considering:
- Environmental sustainability;
- Institutional effectiveness;
- Economic efficiency;
- Social equity;
- Local ownership;
- Administrative capacity; and
- Long-term resilience.
A comparative approach may help identify which governance practices work effectively under particular institutional, geographic and socioeconomic conditions.
6. Apply Interdisciplinary Research Methods
The researcher will use interdisciplinary methods appropriate to the project.
Methods may potentially include:
- Literature reviews;
- Policy and document analysis;
- Stakeholder interviews;
- Key-informant interviews;
- Focus-group discussions;
- Institutional mapping;
- Comparative case studies;
- Qualitative data analysis;
- Field observation;
- Governance assessments; and
- Analysis of development-cooperation programmes.
The final methodology will be developed with the doctoral committee and must comply with the University’s academic and ethical standards.
7. Produce Academic Publications
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to scientific knowledge through:
- Peer-reviewed journal articles;
- Conference papers;
- Academic presentations;
- Doctoral seminars;
- Research reports; and
- A doctoral dissertation.
Candidates should therefore have strong writing skills and the ability to present complex research clearly.
8. Communicate Findings to Policymakers
The project is intended to generate findings that can support governments and other stakeholders in improving water-resource governance.
The researcher will participate in disseminating findings to policymakers and supporting evidence-informed policy development.
This may involve:
- Policy briefs;
- Stakeholder workshops;
- Presentations to government institutions;
- Discussions with development partners;
- Accessible research summaries; and
- Recommendations for strengthening water-governance systems.
Required Academic Qualification
Applicants must possess a master’s degree in a field related to the research topic.
Relevant fields may include:
- Environmental studies;
- Natural-resource studies;
- Social sciences;
- Development studies;
- Public policy;
- Environmental governance;
- Development economics;
- Rural development;
- Political science;
- Human geography;
- Sustainability studies; or
- Another discipline that the applicant can demonstrate is relevant.
The University does not restrict applications only to the disciplines explicitly named in the notice. Candidates with another master’s degree may apply if they can explain its relevance to water governance and the proposed research.
The master’s degree must be completed by the date the position begins.
Required Personal and Professional Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- The ability to work independently;
- A disciplined and organized approach to research;
- Strong communication skills;
- Strong academic writing skills;
- Good spoken English;
- Good written English;
- The ability to work with an interdisciplinary team;
- Readiness to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders; and
- The ability to conduct long-term doctoral research.
Because the project may involve fieldwork in rural communities, candidates should also consider whether they can demonstrate:
- Cross-cultural communication;
- Adaptability;
- Ethical awareness;
- Sensitivity when working with vulnerable communities;
- Field-research readiness;
- Respect for local knowledge; and
- Ability to work in unfamiliar environments.
These additional qualities are practically relevant, although not all are expressly listed as formal requirements.
Qualifications Considered an Advantage
The following experience or knowledge will strengthen an application but is not presented as mandatory:
Knowledge of Interdisciplinary Research Methods
Applicants with experience combining different disciplinary perspectives may be better prepared for the project.
Qualitative Research Experience
Experience with interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis, case studies, stakeholder consultations or other qualitative methods will be valuable.
Policy-Analysis Experience
The project requires analysis of policies and action plans. Experience evaluating policy design, implementation or institutional performance will therefore be relevant.
Knowledge of Icelandic Development Cooperation
Applicants familiar with Iceland’s bilateral or multilateral development activities in Africa may be able to connect the proposed research more effectively with the project’s institutional context.
Experience in Rural Sub-Saharan Africa
Previous project, professional, voluntary or research experience in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa will be considered an advantage.
However, the advertisement does not make such experience compulsory.
Icelandic-Language Proficiency
Knowledge of Icelandic is an advantage but is not listed as an essential requirement. The application itself may be submitted in Icelandic or English.
Doctoral Admission Is a Mandatory Condition
Selection for the funded position does not, by itself, complete admission to doctoral studies.
Appointment is conditional upon the successful candidate:
- Formally applying to the interdisciplinary doctoral programme in Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Iceland; and
- Receiving formal admission approval.
Applicants must therefore satisfy both the employment-selection requirements and the University’s doctoral-admission rules.
The University’s regulations state that the doctoral programme is intended for candidates holding a relevant master’s qualification or an equivalent degree. The board of study assesses whether previous academic preparation is sufficient and may require additional study where necessary.
Required Application Documents
Applications may be submitted in Icelandic or English.
A complete application must contain the following documents.
1. Curriculum Vitae
The CV should present the applicant’s:
- Contact information;
- Education;
- Master’s thesis;
- Research experience;
- Employment history;
- Publications, if any;
- Conference participation;
- Policy or development-sector experience;
- Fieldwork experience;
- Research methods;
- Language skills;
- Relevant technical skills; and
- Awards or professional training.
The vacancy notice does not impose a specific CV page limit.
2. Cover Letter
Applicants must submit a cover letter of no more than two pages.
The cover letter should explain:
- How the applicant meets the advertised requirements;
- The relevance of their academic background;
- Their interest in water governance;
- Their understanding of the project;
- Their experience with research methods;
- Any relevant African field or policy experience;
- What they can contribute to the project;
- Why they want to undertake doctoral research at the University of Iceland; and
- How the position fits their long-term academic or professional objectives.
The two-page limit should be followed strictly.
3. Certified Copies of Diplomas
Applicants must provide certified copies of diplomas from:
- Undergraduate studies; and
- Graduate studies.
The notice asks specifically for diplomas rather than a general statement of qualifications. Candidates should check whether academic transcripts, translations or additional certification will be needed during the doctoral-admission stage.
4. Two Referees
Applicants must provide contact information for two referees.
Suitable referees may include:
- A master’s thesis supervisor;
- A university professor;
- A research supervisor;
- A senior professional familiar with the applicant’s work;
- A development-sector manager; or
- Another person capable of assessing the applicant’s research potential.
Candidates should obtain permission before listing a referee and ensure that the provided email address and telephone number are current.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the Icelandic State Recruitment System.
Applicants should:
- Open the official application portal;
- Change the website language to English by selecting the flag in the upper-right corner;
- Create an account if they have not previously registered;
- Sign in to the recruitment system;
- Complete all required personal and professional information;
- Upload the curriculum vitae;
- Upload the cover letter of no more than two pages;
- Upload certified undergraduate and graduate diplomas;
- Enter the contact information of two referees;
- Review all uploaded documents;
- Confirm that the submission is complete; and
- Submit before the deadline.
Applicants should not rely solely on the EURAXESS listing. The University’s State Recruitment System is the relevant application channel.
Application Deadline
The application deadline is 4 September 2026.
The University’s English notice does not state a specific closing time or time zone. International applicants should not wait until the final day because differences in time zones or technical problems could prevent successful submission.
Expected Starting Date
The expected starting date is:
1 November 2026, or another date agreed with the University.
Applicants whose degrees, immigration arrangements or existing employment obligations may affect their availability should address the issue honestly during the recruitment process.
Selection and Notification Process
The University states that all applications will receive a response and that applicants will be informed after a decision has been made.
Applications may remain valid for six months after the closing date. This means the submitted application could continue to be considered during that validity period, although it does not guarantee appointment or placement in another vacancy.
Funding and Financial Information
The project is funded for three years by the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs through the University of Iceland PhD Grants Fund.
However, the public vacancy notice does not specify:
- The gross salary;
- The net monthly salary;
- Tax deductions;
- Pension contributions;
- Tuition or registration-fee arrangements;
- Fieldwork travel allowances;
- Relocation funding;
- Housing support;
- Visa sponsorship;
- Family allowances; or
- Research-expense limits.
Applicants should obtain written clarification regarding these matters before accepting an appointment. The term “funded” should not be interpreted as confirmation that every personal, relocation, tuition or fieldwork expense will automatically be covered.
About the University of Iceland
The University of Iceland is a public research university located in Reykjavík. Established in 1911, it is the country’s largest university and one of Iceland’s largest employers.
The University offers nearly 400 programmes at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels. It has approximately 14,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students, and employs more than 1,800 staff members.
Its institutional environment emphasizes:
- Academic freedom;
- Research quality;
- Professionalism;
- International cooperation;
- Equality;
- Diversity;
- Inclusion; and
- Social impact.
The University’s doctoral programmes are designed to prepare researchers for advanced roles in universities, research institutes, government, industry and civil society.
Support for International Researchers
The University operates an International Staff Services Welcome Centre for newly recruited international researchers, teachers and doctoral students.
The centre provides practical support to incoming international employees and their families on issues connected with moving to Iceland.
International candidates can find more information through the University of Iceland International Staff Services.
This service should not be treated as confirmation that relocation expenses or immigration sponsorship will be provided. Candidates should distinguish practical relocation guidance from financial support.
Equality and Diversity
The University states that its equality policy is considered during recruitment. It seeks to maintain an international academic environment in which equality, diversity and inclusion are prioritized.
Candidates are assessed against the position’s academic, research and professional requirements. No restriction based on race, ethnicity or gender appears in the vacancy notice.
How to Prepare a Competitive Application
Applicants should tailor every part of the application to the specific water-governance project.
A strong application should:
- Explain how the applicant’s master’s degree relates to water governance;
- Describe the applicant’s master’s research or thesis;
- Identify relevant research methods;
- Demonstrate understanding of rural water-governance challenges;
- Explain any experience in sub-Saharan Africa;
- Describe policy-analysis experience;
- Demonstrate an ability to work across disciplines;
- Discuss experience engaging with communities, public institutions or development partners;
- Explain the applicant’s interest in Uganda, Malawi and Sierra Leone;
- Show how the applicant can translate research into policy-relevant findings;
- Demonstrate strong English writing and communication;
- Identify realistic contributions to the research project;
- Keep the cover letter within two pages;
- Provide properly certified academic documents; and
- select referees who can assess research ability and professional reliability.
Candidates without previous professional experience in sub-Saharan Africa should not claim experience they do not have. Instead, they should demonstrate transferable research skills, knowledge of development and water-governance literature, cultural sensitivity and readiness for international fieldwork.
Contact for Further Information
Questions about the research project or position may be directed to:
Jón Geir Pétursson
Email: jgp@hi.is
Applicants should use the contact email for substantive questions that are not already answered in the vacancy notice.
Official Links
- EURAXESS Vacancy 460279
- University of Iceland Vacancies
- Official Application Portal
- Environment and Natural Resources Programme
- University of Iceland Doctoral Studies
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Conclusion
The University of Iceland’s funded PhD position in water governance offers an important opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary research with direct relevance to public policy, sustainable development and rural livelihoods.
The project will examine how low-income African countries can strengthen the sustainability, efficiency and equity of rural water-governance systems. Its geographic emphasis on Uganda, Malawi and Sierra Leone, combined with field-based data collection and policy engagement, makes it particularly suitable for candidates interested in connecting academic research with practical development challenges.
Applicants must hold a relevant master’s degree by the starting date, demonstrate strong English communication and research skills, submit all required documents, and obtain separate admission to the University’s Environment and Natural Resources doctoral programme.
The application deadline is 4 September 2026. Because the recruitment notice does not specify a closing time or time zone, early submission is strongly recommended.
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