1. Introduction and Project Overview
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Roskilde University (Denmark) and the University of Miami (USA), invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for three fully funded PhD scholarships under the ReVIGA research project. ReVIGA is a five-year interdisciplinary research project that investigates how the implementation of climate-resilient water and wastewater infrastructure affects vulnerability, inequality, and adaptation among marginalised urban populations in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA). The project adopts a socio-technical systems approach to examine the interactions among governance systems, infrastructure, and everyday lived experiences in contexts of rapid urbanisation and climate stress. The project seeks to generate new theoretical and empirical insights, inform policy, and strengthen research capacity through collaborative, multidisciplinary research.
2. PhD Positions, Thematic Areas and Programme of Study
Three (3) fully funded PhD positions are available under the ReVIGA project. Each successful candidate will be assigned to one of the following thematic areas (Work Packages):
- Politics of Service Provision: Examines how political and institutional dynamics shape decision-making, resource allocation, and governance of water and wastewater systems.
- Policy Implementation: Analyses how climate-resilient infrastructure policies are implemented in practice and their implications for inclusion, exclusion, and vulnerability.
- Local Practices and Contestation: Investigates how marginalised communities access water and sanitation services and how infrastructure interventions reshape local practices, adaptation strategies, and contestation.
Applicants must clearly indicate the thematic area they are applying for.
Successful candidates will be enrolled in a PhD programme at the University of Ghana in one of the following departments, depending on their academic background and research focus:
- Department of Geography and Resource Development (PhD in Geography and Resource Development)
- Department of Public Administration, University of Ghana Business School (PhD in Public Administration and Policy Management)
The duration of the scholarship is four (4) years, commencing 1 September 2026.
3. Eligibility Criteria:
Applicants must:
- Be Ghanaian citizens
- Bachelor’s degree (with a minimum of an Upper Second Class or its equivalent) and a good Master’s degree (MA, MPhil, or MSc) in a relevant field (e.g. Geography; Public Policy, Public Administration; Political Science; Development Studies; Development Economics; Urban Studies; or a closely related discipline)
- Knowledgeable in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods (e.g., interviews, surveys, focus groups)
- Demonstrate strong research and analytical skills
- Be proficient in English (written and spoken)
- Demonstrate commitment to pursuing doctoral studies and contributing to collaborative research
Other Desirable Qualifications include:
- Knowledge of urban governance, climate change, vulnerability, or informality
- Understanding of Ghana’s socio-political and institutional context
- Knowledge of local languages (e.g., Ga, Dangme, Twi) is an added advantage for fieldwork.
- In line with the commitment of the ReVIGA project and the University of Ghana to equal opportunity and diversity, qualified women and individuals with disabilities and people from disadvantaged backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
4. Roles and Responsibilities of PhD Candidates
Successful candidates will:
- Develop and implement an independent PhD research project aligned with their thematic area
- Conduct fieldwork and participate in qualitative and quantitative data collection in selected communities within Greater Accra
- Contribute to collaborative publications and project outputs
- Participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences (local and international)
- Engage with stakeholders, including policymakers and community actors
- Submit progress reports in line with the University of Ghana’s requirements for doctoral studies.
5. Application Process and Submission Details
Applicants are required to submit the following in a single file by 10th June 2026:
- A motivation letter (maximum 1.5 pages)
- A detailed CV (including publications, if any)
- A 2-page PhD concept note, outlining: proposed research topic (aligned with one thematic area); research problem and questions; methodology and study plan
- Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates for bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
- Applications should be submitted by email, with all the addresses listed below copied:
Professor Martin Oteng Ababio (moteng-ababio@ug.edu.gh); Professor Abdul Gafaru Abdulai (agabdulai@ug.edu.gh); Associate Professor Paul Stacey (pas@ruc.dk); Professor Richard Grant (rgrant@miami.edu); and Associate Professor Nina Torm (ninatorm@ruc.dk).
Any enquiries regarding this call may also be directed to any of these contacts. - Subject line of email: REVIGA PhD Application – [Chosen Thematic Area]
6. Other Important Information and Guidelines:
- Applicants can submit only one application and must select the thematic area that best aligns with their expertise and research interests.
- Applicants must secure admission and satisfy all entry requirements of a relevant PhD programme at the University of Ghana (Department of Public Administration or Department of Geography and Resource Development) before they can be considered for the scholarship.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- For more details on the project, please consult the project team or read the project summary at https://drp.dfcentre.com/project/reducing-vulnerability-through-climate-resilient-water-and-wastewater-interventions-in-greater-accra-reviga/ or contact any of the above researchers.