"PhD Position Water Infrastructures, Spatial Planning, and Governance in Peri-Urban Africa"

Job Summary

Understanding and enabling equitable water access in rapidly urbanising African regions is vital for climate-safe and inclusive development. This PhD project examines how decentralised water infrastructure can be integrated into broader planning and governance systems in peri-urban Africa, contributing to debates on spatial justice, infrastructure governance, and climate adaptation.

Responsibilities

As a PhD researcher, you will: Conduct spatial and historical analysis of urbanisation and water systems; Perform policy and governance analysis; Carry out case study analyses of decentralised water systems in African cities; Engage in participatory and scenario-based research to develop climate-resilient peri-urban water futures. You will collaborate with a supervisory team and stakeholders through workshops and dialogue sessions for real-world policy impact.

Qualifications and Requirements

Requirements include: An MSc degree in a relevant field such as Urbanism, Spatial Planning, Human Geography, Water Management, Environmental Engineering, Development Studies, Political Ecology, or Public Policy; Ability to conduct rigorous analytical work combining descriptive, qualitative, and quantitative approaches; Demonstrated background or interest in the topic; Strong analytic, integrative, reflective, and systems thinking skills; Proficiency in English; Skills in geospatial analysis (e.g., GIS); Availability to travel to Africa for fieldwork. Beneficial but not required: Experience in African cities, affinity with spatial or infrastructure justice, and strong collaborative skills.

What the Employer Offers

A 4-year employment contract (initial 1.5 years with assessment, followed by 2.5 years); Salary from €3059 to €3881 per month; Enrollment in the TU Delft Graduate School; Opportunities for collaboration with researchers and policymakers; Support for relocation and dual career programs.