🌐 Call for Applications: UNU-IIGH Global Health PhD Fellowship Programme

Bridging Doctoral Research with Global Health Policy at the United Nations

The United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) invites current PhD candidates to apply for our Global Health PhD Fellowship. This program offers a rare opportunity to step out of the ivory tower and into the heart of the UN system, translating academic rigor into actionable global health policy.

The Fellowship Experience

Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Fellows are embedded within UNU-IIGH’s multidisciplinary research team for a duration of 6 to 12 months. This is not a passive internship; you will be an active contributor to policy-relevant research that supports UN agencies and governments worldwide.

Key Pillars of Our Work: Fellows will contribute to one of four interconnected work packages:

Gender Equality and Intersectionality
Power and Accountability
Digital Health Security and Governance
Climate Justice and Health

Our research is grounded in critical lenses including feminism, decoloniality, and power analysis.

Duties & Responsibilities

As a PhD Fellow, you will work under the mentorship of senior researchers to:

Produce High-Impact Outputs: Co-lead the development of UNU-IIGH reports, policy briefs, and peer-reviewed manuscripts.
Analyze & Synthesize: Conduct literature reviews and policy analysis within the Institute’s portfolio.
Engage in the UN System: Support project planning, event preparation, and evidence-to-policy translation.
Professional Development: Present your research in a formal seminar and meet mutually agreed-upon learning objectives in global health governance.

Eligibility Criteria

We are seeking analytical, independent, and collaborative thinkers who meet the following:

Academic Status: Currently enrolled in a PhD program (Global Health, Public Health, Health Policy, or related).
Research Progress: Must have already completed doctoral fieldwork.
Skills: Strong analytical writing skills in English and a demonstrated interest in applied research and governance.
Availability: Ready to relocate to Kuala Lumpur for the duration of the fellowship (offered under a Consultant Contract).

What We Offer

Direct exposure to UN global health policy processes.
Professional mentorship from world-class researchers.
A platform to contribute to high-visibility, high-impact policy outputs.
A vibrant, international, and multidisciplinary working environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application directly via email. Please ensure your CV highlights your research alignment with our core work packages.

📩 Submit to: unu.iigh.director@unu.edu 📄 Required Documents: Your current CV and contact details for three (3) professional/academic references.