Fully Funded PhD Opportunity 2026 at USIU-Africa – WATERSHED Project on Climate Adaptation and Flooding in Nairobi

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity 2026 at USIU-Africa | WATERSHED Climate Research Project. Apply for the fully funded WATERSHED PhD opportunity at USIU-Africa. Study climate adaptation, flooding, gender, and community resilience in Nairobi under a Danida Fellowship Centre-funded research project.

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) is inviting applications for a Fully Funded PhD in International Relations under the WATERSHED Research Project. This prestigious doctoral opportunity is designed for outstanding graduates interested in climate change, urban resilience, gender, and community-led climate adaptation in informal settlements.

Funded through the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC), the WATERSHED project explores how local communities respond to increasing flood risks in Nairobi while examining the intersection of climate justice, governance, and grassroots adaptation initiatives.

About the Fully Funded WATERSHED PhD Programme

The doctoral position is hosted by the Department of International Relations at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The selected PhD researcher will investigate flooding, climate adaptation, and gendered community responses within Nairobi’s informal settlements, contributing to an international research programme focused on strengthening climate governance and urban resilience.

Programme Overview

Details	Information
Programme	Fully Funded PhD in International Relations
Institution	United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa)
Department	International Relations
Project	WATERSHED Research Programme
Funding	Fully Funded (Danida Fellowship Centre)
Location	Nairobi, Kenya
Application Deadline	17 August 2026

About the WATERSHED Project

WATERSHED is a research initiative funded by the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC) that examines informal climate adaptation strategies in response to flooding in Nairobi.

The project explores the growing disconnect between:

Government policies
Climate interventions
Urban development practices
Community-led climate adaptation
Climate justice initiatives

While structural factors continue to increase urban climate vulnerability, local communities have developed their own innovative strategies to respond to recurrent flooding and environmental risks.

The research seeks to understand how these grassroots actions can contribute to more inclusive and effective climate governance.

Research Focus

The successful PhD candidate will conduct research on:

Flooding in Nairobi’s informal settlements
Community-based climate adaptation
Gender dimensions of climate resilience
Climate justice initiatives
Local governance and adaptation
Urban vulnerability
Climate activism
Informal settlement resilience

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

Mathare
Pumwani
Korogocho

Project Objectives

The WATERSHED programme aims to:

Investigate community perceptions of climate vulnerability.
Examine local responses to increased flooding.
Explore everyday climate justice practices.
Understand grassroots climate adaptation initiatives.
Generate evidence that strengthens climate governance.
Inform future policy and decision-making processes.
Highlight the role of community activism in addressing climate risks.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should possess a graduate degree in a relevant social science discipline.

Eligible fields include:

Political Science
International Relations
Sociology
Gender Studies
Human Geography
Anthropology
Development Studies
Other closely related social science disciplines

Applicants should also demonstrate a strong interest in climate governance, urban resilience, social justice, or community-based research.

Funding

The PhD position is fully funded through the Danida Fellowship Centre (DFC) under the WATERSHED research programme.

Successful candidates will have the opportunity to undertake doctoral research while contributing to an internationally funded project examining climate adaptation and resilience in Nairobi.

Why This PhD Matters

Rapid urbanization, increasing flood events, and climate change continue to place enormous pressure on informal settlements across Africa.

The WATERSHED project recognizes that community members are often leading innovative climate adaptation efforts that receive little attention in mainstream climate policy.

Through this research, the selected PhD candidate will contribute to evidence that supports:

Climate justice
Inclusive urban governance
Community resilience
Sustainable adaptation strategies
Policy development

Skills and Interests That Will Strengthen Your Application

Competitive applicants are likely to demonstrate:

Strong research skills
Interest in climate adaptation
Experience with qualitative or mixed-method research
Knowledge of urban development
Interest in gender and social inclusion
Passion for community engagement
Commitment to interdisciplinary research

How to Apply

Interested applicants should prepare the required application documents as outlined by USIU-Africa and submit their application before the deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to review the complete call for detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions before applying.

Important Deadline

Application Deadline: 17 August 2026

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information

For enquiries regarding the PhD position, applicants may contact:

Email: nwamai@usiu.ac.ke
Email: watershedscholar@usiu.ac.ke

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the PhD fully funded?

Yes. The doctoral position is fully funded through the Danida Fellowship Centre-funded WATERSHED project.

Where is the programme hosted?

The PhD is hosted by the Department of International Relations at United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa) in Nairobi, Kenya.

What research topics are covered?

The project focuses on flooding, climate adaptation, gender, climate justice, informal settlements, urban resilience, and community-led climate action.

Which academic backgrounds are eligible?

Applicants with graduate degrees in Political Science, International Relations, Sociology, Gender Studies, Human Geography, Anthropology, Development Studies, and related social science disciplines are encouraged to apply.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

The USIU-Africa WATERSHED Fully Funded PhD 2026 offers more than doctoral funding—it provides the opportunity to contribute to internationally recognized research addressing one of the most urgent challenges facing African cities: climate adaptation in vulnerable urban communities. Working within a multidisciplinary and policy-relevant research environment, the successful candidate will help generate evidence that can shape climate governance and strengthen community resilience.

Final Thoughts

If you are passionate about climate justice, urban governance, gender, and community-based research, the Fully Funded WATERSHED PhD Opportunity 2026 at USIU-Africa offers an exceptional chance to pursue doctoral studies while contributing to meaningful research with real-world policy impact. Prospective applicants should prepare their materials early and submit a complete application before the 17 August 2026 deadline.

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