Fully Funded United Nations University (UNU-FLORES) NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027

(UNU-FLORES) NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027

UNU-FLORES NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme 2027 | Fully Funded

Are you ready to drive actionable sustainability transformations on a global scale while pursuing your doctoral studies? The United Nations University (UNU-FLORES), in collaboration with TU Dresden, is offering the fully funded NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Programme in Dresden, Germany, to empower the next generation of environmental leaders. Step into a prestigious 42-month journey where your research on the Resource Nexus will directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and shape international policy.

Particulars & Details

About the Programme

The United Nations University for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES) develops strategies to resolve pressing issues in the sustainable use of environmental resources such as water, soil, waste, and energy. Under the EPOS funding programme, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides fully funded scholarships for 42 months to support doctoral research in the NEXtra Project. Successful candidates will be enrolled in a joint doctoral programme by UNU and TU Dresden, researching actionable sustainability transformations within the Resource Nexus.

Duties and Responsibilities

As a Doctoral Researcher in the NEXtra project, responsibilities are divided into three core pillars:

• Research and Innovation (80-90%): Develop a robust research approach to advance knowledge on the Resource Nexus. Produce and publish at least three mandatory peer-reviewed scientific articles, prepare a cumulative dissertation framework, and successfully defend it.
• Education and Capacity Development (5-10%): Complete the required doctoral curriculum, deliver at least one lecture annually (e.g., guest lectures at TU Dresden), create educational KARE platform modules, and support the supervision of Master's students.
• Outreach, Advocacy, and Impact (5-10%): Engage with key UN system contacts to align research with policy needs. Translate findings into actionable policy briefs, present at major scientific conferences, and maintain a regular advocacy presence on social media.

Eligibility Criteria

• Citizenship: Must hold citizenship in one of the eligible countries listed for the DAAD-EPOS scholarship.
• Educational Status: An excellent academic profile featuring a Master's degree with a grade equivalent to 2.5 or better in the German grading system.
• Degree Recency: The Master's degree must be relevant to the selected topic and preferably not older than six (6) years at the time of the application deadline.
• Work Experience: Mandatory minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional work experience acquired after the first academic degree (typically a Bachelor's). Internships and volunteer work do not count.
• Residency Constraint: At the time of the deadline, the applicant must not have resided in Germany for longer than 15 months.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies

• Language: Fluency in English is strictly required. Knowledge of German or another official UN language is an asset.
• Research Background: Sound scientific knowledge and experience in conducting trans-/interdisciplinary research, ideally related to sustainable development, development cooperation, or the Resource Nexus.
• Soft Skills: Strong analytical abilities, excellent writing and presentation skills, and the capacity to structure complex tasks efficiently.
• Cultural Competency: Must be an excellent team player capable of working in a multi-ethnic, multicultural environment with a deep respect for diversity and inclusion.

Scholarship Conditions & Benefits

• Financial Support: The DAAD-EPOS scholarship provides a monthly stipend of EUR 1,400 for up to 42 months to cover living and education expenses.
• Additional Allowances: DAAD covers health insurance and provides an additional allowance for travel and research. (Note: While tuition is free, semester enrollment fees of ~EUR 300-350 must be paid directly to TU Dresden).
• Language Training: The programme includes a mandatory, donor-covered two-month in-person German language course beginning in February 2027, prior to the official April 2027 start date.

Important Dates

• Application Deadline: 12 April 2026 (23:59 CEST).
• Mandatory Language Course Start: February 2027.
• Official Doctoral Start Date: 01 April 2027.

How to Apply

1. Navigate to the official UNU Careers portal using the link provided below. No account creation is required to apply.
2. Prepare a single PDF document (in place of the traditional P11 form) containing all required materials in the exact specified order.
3. The PDF must include: The EPOS Checklist, EPOS Application Form, Europass CV, Motivation Letter, University Degree Certificates & Transcripts (Bachelor's and Master's), Secondary School Certificate, Work Certificates (proving 2+ years of experience), two Letters of Recommendation (1 employer, 1 academic), Proof of Language Skills, a detailed Research Proposal (max 13,000 characters), and a copy of your Master's thesis (or English abstract).
4. Ensure all documents are officially translated if not in English or German, signed, and stamped where required. Incomplete submissions will be automatically rejected.

Important Links

• Apply Online: Click Here to Submit Application
• UNU-FLORES Website: flores.unu.edu

FAQs

• Is the scholarship fully funded? Yes, it provides a EUR 1,400 monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel allowances via the DAAD-EPOS programme.
• Do internships count towards the 2-year work experience requirement? No, internships and volunteer experience do not count. The experience must be professional and acquired after your Bachelor's degree.
• Where will I study? The doctoral research will be conducted on-site in Dresden, Germany, jointly supervised by UNU-FLORES, TU Dresden, and partner institutes.
• How do I format my CV? You must strictly use the Europass CV template in reverse chronological order, explaining any gaps in your timeline.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.

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