UNU NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Program 2024 in Germany. The UNU NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Program 2024 offers a unique opportunity for doctoral candidates to engage in research addressing global challenges, led by the United Nations University (UNU). The program, sponsored by DAAD through the EPOS funding program, supports doctoral research aimed at advancing the Resource Nexus and Sustainable Development Goals.
Application Timeline and Details
- Host Country: Germany
- Organizer: United Nations University (UNU)
- Application Deadline: 31 May 2024
- Start Date: 1 April 2025
- Funding Type: Fully funded
- Funded by: Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
- Eligible Countries: All
- Eligible Gender: Male/Female
- Target Group: Doctoral candidates
- Focus Area: Interdisciplinary research on sustainable development and the Resource Nexus
- Study Level: Doctoral level
Benefits
Successful candidates will receive:
- A monthly stipend of EUR 1,300 for up to 42 months.
- Health insurance coverage.
- In-person German language classes.
- Allowance for travel or research.
- Tuition-free enrollment in the doctoral program.
Additionally, candidates will benefit from:
- Joint supervision from experts at Technische Universität Dresden, UNU-FLORES, and Leibniz Institute for Ecological Urban and Regional Development (IOER).
- Enrollment in Joint Doctoral Programs.
- Collaboration with the United Nations to align research with regional needs and sustainability goals.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the NEXtra Doctoral Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Open to all nationalities.
- Hold a Master’s degree with a minimum grade of 2.5 or better, according to the German system.
- Master’s degree completion should not exceed six years before the start of the doctoral research.
- Minimum two years of related work experience post-bachelor’s degree.
- Maximum stay of 15 months in Germany by the application deadline.
- Strong scientific background and methodological competencies relevant to the selected topic.
- Experience in trans-/interdisciplinary research preferred.
- Interest and prior experience in sustainability, development cooperation, or the Resource Nexus.
- Ability to handle complex tasks and strong analytical skills.
- Excellent writing, presentation, planning, and organizational skills.
- Flexibility, ability to prioritize, and work within set timeframes.
- Strong team player with multicultural sensitivity.
- Proficiency in English required; knowledge of additional languages beneficial, particularly official languages of target regions.
- Knowledge of German or other UN official languages is advantageous.
Candidates Responsibilities
- Conduct research aligned with chosen topics, utilizing robust methodologies to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to sustainability transformations.
- Engage actively within NEXtra and collaborate with the UN system, participating in workshops, information exchange, and strategic collaborations.
- Disseminate knowledge through advocacy strategies, publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentations at scientific events, and outreach efforts to local communities.
- Support capacity development by supervising Master students and organizing educational activities.
- Fulfill additional duties as assigned by the supervision team.
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely and quality project plan development and implementation.
- On-time submission and successful completion of the doctoral thesis.
- Presentation of research findings at relevant conferences and events.
- Contribution to the positive reputation of the NEXtra consortium among stakeholders.
Candidates Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion: Create an environment of dignity and respect for all, irrespective of identity.
- Integrity: Act ethically and promptly address unprofessional or unethical behavior.
- Humility: Demonstrate self-awareness and interest in learning from others.
- Humanity: Act per the United Nations peace, dignity, and equality goals.
Behaviors:
- Connect and Collaborate: Foster positive relationships and work coherently within the United Nations.
- Analyze and Plan: Utilize data to understand issues, propose evidence-based solutions, and plan action.
- Deliver Results with Positive Impact: Hold oneself and others accountable for achieving positive outcomes.
- Learn and Develop: Pursue personal learning and contribute to the development of others.
- Adapt and Innovate: Demonstrate flexibility and innovative thinking in problem-solving.
Required Documents
- Completed and signed EPOS Checklist along with specified documents.
- DAAD Application Form.
- Europass CV Template.
- Research proposal (max 13,000 characters, including spaces, plus references).
- One-page Abstract of Master thesis.
- Reference letter from an academic supervisor.
- Copy of higher secondary school certificate.
- Proofs of internships (if any).
Selection Process
Evaluation of candidates may include assessment exercises, competency-based interviews, background checks, and references. Only shortlisted candidates will receive contact for further steps.
How to Apply
- Visit the application link provided below.
- Answer tailored questions and submit required documents in a combined PDF per EPOS checklist specifications.