Opportunities

PhD Student - Poverty and Water Security REACH Programme (Kenya)

Title: PhD Student
Based at: University of Nairobi
Institute/Department: Department of Geography & Environmental Studies or Institute for Development Studies
Location: Nairobi, with fieldwork visits to Turkana and Kitui
Stipend: £400 per month
Hour: Full time
Contract type: Fixed-term (3 years)
Restrictions: Open to Kenya citizens only
Reporting to : Dr. Maggie Opondo
Starting Date: 1 February 2017

Additional information:

The REACH Programme will offer supervision and all operational costs directly related to the research work. The position is supported by a grant from the UK’s Department for International Development (DfID).

The student will be based in University of Nairobi and will be engaged in the following research activities:

• Assembly, review and analysis of existing information and data on poverty assessments and monitoring. 
• Carry out well-designed socio-economic and poverty baseline surveys to gain a better understanding of the poverty-climate change-water insecurity nexus. 
• Using a suite of socio-economic and cultural scenarios affecting water insecurity. 
• Contributions to and authorship of top-quality peer reviewed manuscripts in leading journals. 
• Disseminate research findings by presenting results at conferences, participating in workshops or exhibiting work at other appropriate events, and providing material for the project web site and the sponsors, DFID.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Hold a relevant BA/BSc. and MA/MSc. degree that is admissible in the University of Nairobi's Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, or the Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation 
• Knowledge of socio-economic and poverty baseline surveys 
• Proven research skills in analysis of poverty-climate change-water insecurity nexus 
• Desire to learn and explore new intellectual territory 
• Motivation and ability to work collaboratively in a large transdisciplinary project including multiple disciplines, cultures, languages and environments 
• Demonstrated strong communication skills, both oral and written 
• Ability to work with minimum supervision 

Desirable:
• Experience of reporting and presenting research findings to a variety of audiences 
• Familiarity with multidisciplinary/transdisciplinary approaches to research

How to apply: 

Applications should include the following: (1) cover letter, (2) a 500 word motivation statement related to the proposed studentship research theme (3) A two page CV (4) certified copies of BA/BSc and MA/MSc degree certificates, (5) two academic and one non-academic references.

Applications should be submitted and received on or before midnight (East African Time) on Friday 6th January 2017 and should be sent by email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Applications should be addressed to:
Country Director - REACH Programme,
Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation (ICCA),
University of Nairobi
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Women are encouraged to apply.

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted and interviewed on a date to be specified to them in January 2017 at the REACH (Kenya) Office, University of Nairobi.