IDOS Researcher Position 2027 in Water Governance and Water Security – Germany

<p>The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is inviting applications for a <strong>Researcher (m/f/diverse)</strong> position within its Research Department <strong>“Environmental Governance.”</strong> The position focuses on <strong>water governance, water security, water politics, environmental governance, and policy advice</strong>, particularly in low- and middle-income countries and potentially conflict-affected settings.</p> <p>The opportunity is particularly suited to researchers with a background in the <strong>social sciences, sustainability science, environmental governance, political ecology, or related fields</strong>, and with demonstrated research and publication experience on water security issues.</p> <p>The successful candidate will become part of the <strong>IDOS water governance team</strong>, contributing to academic research, policy advice, networking, science communication, and potentially third-party funding applications for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary projects.</p> <p>The position is based at IDOS in <strong>Bonn, Germany</strong>, is offered at <strong>50% part-time employment equivalent to 19.5 hours per week</strong>, and is initially limited to three years, with a possible extension.</p> <h2>Researcher Position at IDOS: Overview</h2> <p>The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) conducts research and provides policy advice at the intersection of <strong>development and sustainability</strong>. Its work aims to contribute to a cooperative and sustainable multipolar world through research, policy engagement, knowledge cooperation, and education.</p> <p>For this vacancy, IDOS is seeking a researcher who can contribute to its work on <strong>water governance and water security</strong>, with a particular focus on issues affecting low- and middle-income countries.</p> <h3>Position details</h3> <ul> <li><strong>Position:</strong> Researcher (m/f/diverse)</li> <li><strong>Position number:</strong> 2026-C-02</li> <li><strong>Institution:</strong> German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)</li> <li><strong>Research Department:</strong> Environmental Governance</li> <li><strong>Research area:</strong> Water governance and water security</li> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Bonn, Germany</li> <li><strong>Working time:</strong> 50% part-time</li> <li><strong>Weekly hours:</strong> 19.5 hours per week</li> <li><strong>Salary:</strong> German public sector tariff, EG13 up to EG14 TVöD Bund, depending on qualifications</li> <li><strong>Gross salary:</strong> Approximately <strong>€31,250–€48,000 for a 50% position</strong></li> <li><strong>Start date:</strong> From <strong>1 January 2027</strong></li> <li><strong>Contract duration:</strong> Three years, with a possible option for extension</li> <li><strong>Potential increase in working time:</strong> The position may potentially increase to 60% in 2028 and 2029</li> <li><strong>Application deadline:</strong> <strong>7 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST</strong></li> <li><strong>Expected interview date:</strong> <strong>3 November 2026</strong></li> </ul> <h2>About the Research Area: Water Security</h2> <p>The researcher will join the IDOS water governance team and conduct research and policy advice on selected questions relating to <strong>water politics, water policies, water governance, and water security</strong>.</p> <p>The work will focus particularly on <strong>low- and middle-income countries</strong> and may include settings affected by conflict or other forms of instability.</p> <p>Water security is understood broadly as ensuring access to an acceptable quantity and quality of water for:</p> <ul> <li>Human health</li> <li>Livelihoods</li> <li>Ecosystems</li> <li>Economic and productive activities</li> </ul> <p>It also considers the need to maintain an acceptable level of <strong>water-related risks</strong> for people, the environment, and economies.</p> <p>This broad definition means that the successful researcher could work across several interconnected dimensions of water security.</p> <h2>Key Water Security Topics</h2> <p>Research under this position may address one or more of the following areas:</p> <h3>1. Surface and Groundwater Use</h3> <p>The role may examine the governance and political dimensions of surface and groundwater resources, including:</p> <ul> <li>Overuse of water resources</li> <li>Groundwater governance</li> <li>Surface-water management</li> <li>Competition over water resources</li> <li>Institutional arrangements for water management</li> <li>Policies governing water use</li> <li>Environmental and social impacts of water exploitation</li> </ul> <h3>2. Wastewater Treatment and Reuse</h3> <p>The researcher may also investigate issues surrounding:</p> <ul> <li>Wastewater treatment</li> <li>Wastewater management</li> <li>Reuse of treated wastewater</li> <li>Governance of wastewater systems</li> <li>Environmental risks</li> <li>Policy frameworks for wastewater reuse</li> <li>Sustainable approaches to water resource management</li> </ul> <h3>3. Water-Related Extreme Events</h3> <p>Another potential area of research involves water-related risks and extreme events, such as:</p> <ul> <li>Flooding</li> <li>Drought</li> <li>Water scarcity</li> <li>Climate-related water risks</li> <li>Disaster risk governance</li> <li>Institutional responses to extreme events</li> <li>Policies for adapting to changing water-related risks</li> </ul> <h3>4. Access to Sanitation Services</h3> <p>The position may also cover questions related to:</p> <ul> <li>Access to sanitation</li> <li>Sanitation governance</li> <li>Public policy</li> <li>Inequality in access to services</li> <li>Institutional challenges</li> <li>Sustainable sanitation systems</li> <li>Health and environmental implications of inadequate sanitation</li> </ul> <h3>5. Transboundary and Multilateral Water Relations</h3> <p>The researcher may conduct research on water relations that cross national borders, including:</p> <ul> <li>Transboundary water governance</li> <li>International water politics</li> <li>Cooperation between countries</li> <li>Water-related conflicts</li> <li>Multilateral water governance</li> <li>International institutions and agreements</li> <li>Political dimensions of shared water resources</li> </ul> <h2>Main Responsibilities</h2> <p>The successful candidate will have responsibilities spanning <strong>research, policy advice, networking, communication, and funding development</strong>.</p> <h3>Conducting Academic Research</h3> <p>The researcher will undertake independent and collaborative research related to water security and governance.</p> <p>The role requires the ability to identify important research questions, develop appropriate conceptual frameworks, conduct research, analyse findings, and communicate results to academic and policy audiences.</p> <p>Research may involve studying institutional arrangements, political processes, environmental governance systems, and the relationships between different levels of government and stakeholders.</p> <h3>Providing Policy Advice</h3> <p>An important part of the position is translating research into useful knowledge for policymakers and other stakeholders.</p> <p>The successful applicant should therefore be comfortable working beyond purely academic research and responding to demands for <strong>policy advice</strong>.</p> <p>This could involve:</p> <ul> <li>Developing policy-oriented research outputs</li> <li>Communicating research findings to policymakers</li> <li>Contributing to policy discussions</li> <li>Responding to emerging policy questions</li> <li>Translating complex research findings into accessible recommendations</li> <li>Engaging with stakeholders outside academia</li> </ul> <h3>Supporting IDOS Networking and Positioning</h3> <p>The researcher will also contribute to the institute&#8217;s broader networking and positioning on <strong>water security topics</strong>.</p> <p>This involves helping IDOS strengthen its profile and relationships in the field of water governance and security.</p> <p>The successful applicant is expected to engage with relevant researchers, institutions, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders.</p> <h3>Supporting Third-Party Funding Applications</h3> <p>The position also provides an opportunity to contribute to the development of externally funded research.</p> <p>Candidates are encouraged to support <strong>third-party funding applications</strong> for inter- and transdisciplinary projects related to water security.</p> <p>Experience with third-party funding acquisition is considered an advantage.</p> <p>The possibility of increasing the position to 60% in 2028 and 2029 is connected to successful acquisition of third-party funding.</p> <h2>Required Qualifications</h2> <p>Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic and research background relevant to the position.</p> <h3>Master&#8217;s Degree</h3> <p>A <strong>Master&#8217;s degree</strong> is required.</p> <p>The degree should preferably be in an area such as:</p> <ul> <li>Social sciences</li> <li>Political science</li> <li>Economics</li> <li>Human geography</li> <li>Anthropology</li> <li>Sustainability science with a social science focus</li> <li>Another closely related field</li> </ul> <h3>PhD Preferred</h3> <p>A <strong>PhD is preferably</strong> expected, although the advertisement does not state that it is an absolute requirement.</p> <p>Applicants with strong research experience and relevant publications may therefore be considered based on their overall qualifications.</p> <h3>Excellent Academic Performance</h3> <p>The position calls for candidates with <strong>excellent grades</strong> in their relevant university education.</p> <h2>Research Experience in Water Security</h2> <p>One of the most important requirements is demonstrated <strong>social science research experience in one or more of the specified water security fields</strong>.</p> <p>Candidates should be able to demonstrate their research expertise through <strong>peer-reviewed academic publications</strong>, including submissions.</p> <p>Relevant research areas include:</p> <ul> <li>Surface-water governance</li> <li>Groundwater governance</li> <li>Water overuse</li> <li>Wastewater treatment</li> <li>Wastewater reuse</li> <li>Water-related extreme events</li> <li>Sanitation</li> <li>Transboundary water governance</li> <li>Multilateral water relations</li> <li>Water politics</li> <li>Water policy</li> <li>Water security</li> <li>Environmental governance</li> <li>Political ecology</li> </ul> <p>Applicants do not necessarily need to have worked across every one of these areas. Experience in <strong>at least one</strong> of the specified water security topics can be relevant.</p> <h2>Conceptual and Theoretical Skills</h2> <p>The successful candidate should have strong conceptual abilities, particularly in areas such as:</p> <h3>Institutional Analysis</h3> <p>The ability to examine how institutions shape environmental and water governance processes is important for this role.</p> <h3>Multi-Level Environmental Governance</h3> <p>Applicants should understand how water-related decisions and governance operate across different levels, potentially involving:</p> <ul> <li>Local institutions</li> <li>Communities</li> <li>Municipal authorities</li> <li>National governments</li> <li>Regional organisations</li> <li>International institutions</li> <li>Other relevant stakeholders</li> </ul> <h3>Political Ecology</h3> <p>Knowledge of political ecology is also relevant, particularly for understanding the relationships between:</p> <ul> <li>Environmental resources</li> <li>Political power</li> <li>Institutions</li> <li>Communities</li> <li>Economic interests</li> <li>Inequality</li> <li>Resource access</li> </ul> <h2>Research Methodology Requirements</h2> <p>The position requires experience with <strong>qualitative research methodologies in the social sciences</strong>.</p> <p>Applicants should therefore be able to demonstrate familiarity with approaches used to investigate complex social, political, institutional, and environmental questions.</p> <h3>Mixed Methods</h3> <p>Experience with <strong>mixed-methods research</strong> is considered an additional asset.</p> <p>Candidates who can combine qualitative approaches with quantitative data, statistical analysis, surveys, or other methods may therefore have an advantage.</p> <h2>Experience in Low- and Middle-Income Countries</h2> <p>Research or professional experience in a <strong>low- or middle-income country context</strong> is specifically required.</p> <p>This is an important aspect of the position because IDOS&#8217;s work on water security focuses particularly on challenges and governance systems in such contexts.</p> <p>Relevant experience could include research, fieldwork, professional work, development projects, policy work, or other substantive engagement with low- and middle-income country settings.</p> <h2>Policy and Science Communication Experience</h2> <p>The successful applicant should be willing to engage in:</p> <ul> <li>Policy advice</li> <li>Science communication</li> <li>Research dissemination</li> <li>Stakeholder engagement</li> <li>Communication with non-academic audiences</li> </ul> <p>Previous experience in policy advice or science communication is considered an advantage.</p> <h2>Third-Party Funding Experience</h2> <p>Experience with <strong>third-party funding acquisition</strong> is an asset.</p> <p>Candidates who have participated in activities such as:</p> <ul> <li>Grant proposal development</li> <li>Research funding applications</li> <li>Consortium development</li> <li>Donor engagement</li> <li>Fundraising for research projects</li> <li>Competitive funding applications</li> </ul> <p>may therefore be particularly well positioned for the role.</p> <h2>Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Collaboration</h2> <p>IDOS is looking for someone who is eager to work in <strong>inter- and transdisciplinary teams</strong>.</p> <p>This means the researcher should be comfortable collaborating across disciplinary boundaries and potentially working with people from academia, government, civil society, development organisations, practitioners, and other stakeholder groups.</p> <h2>Communication and Organisational Skills</h2> <p>Strong skills in the following areas are expected:</p> <ul> <li>Academic writing</li> <li>Policy writing</li> <li>Professional communication</li> <li>Organisation</li> <li>Independent work</li> <li>Research planning</li> <li>Collaboration</li> <li>Time management</li> </ul> <p>The advertisement particularly emphasises the ability to work in a <strong>self-directed manner</strong>.</p> <p>The researcher should also have the flexibility to respond to changing demands for policy advice.</p> <h2>International Travel and Tropical-Country Work</h2> <p>The position requires a willingness and ability to <strong>travel abroad</strong>, including to countries with tropical climates.</p> <p>The advertisement specifically mentions “Tropentauglichkeit,” referring to the ability or suitability to work and travel in tropical-climate environments.</p> <p>Candidates should therefore be prepared for international research or professional travel where required.</p> <h1>Employment Conditions and Salary</h1> <p>The position is offered on a <strong>50% part-time basis</strong>, equivalent to <strong>19.5 hours per week</strong>.</p> <p>The salary follows the German public-sector pay system:</p> <p><strong>EG13 up to EG14 TVöD Bund</strong>, depending on the applicant&#8217;s qualifications.</p> <p>The advertised gross salary range for the 50% position is approximately:</p> <p><strong>€31,250 to €48,000 gross</strong></p> <p>The position is initially limited to <strong>three years</strong>, beginning from January 2027, with a possible option for contract extension.</p> <p>There is also an opportunity for the position to increase to <strong>60% in 2028 and 2029</strong>, depending on successful third-party funding acquisition.</p> <h1>Benefits and What IDOS Offers</h1> <p>IDOS lists a range of employment and social benefits for the successful candidate.</p> <h2>Flexible Working Hours</h2> <p>The role provides flexible working arrangements within the 50% working-time framework.</p> <p>The standard working week is:</p> <p><strong>19.5 hours per week</strong></p> <h2>Mobile Working</h2> <p>The position offers the possibility of mobile working from within Germany for up to <strong>60% of the working time per week</strong>.</p> <p>At least <strong>40% of working time per week must be spent in person in Bonn</strong>.</p> <p>This means candidates should be prepared to work from the IDOS workplace in Bonn for the required proportion of their working time.</p> <h2>Public Transportation Benefits</h2> <p>Employees can make use of a subsidised <strong>Deutschland-Job-Ticket</strong>, supporting access to public transportation.</p> <p>The institute also highlights good access to public transport.</p> <h2>Special Annual Payment</h2> <p>Employees receive a special annual payment in accordance with the <strong>TVöD Bund collective agreement for the German federal government</strong>.</p> <h2>Annual Leave</h2> <p>The position includes:</p> <ul> <li>Up to <strong>30 days of annual vacation</strong></li> <li>An additional <strong>6 days of company vacation</strong></li> </ul> <h2>Professional Development</h2> <p>IDOS offers training opportunities intended to support employees&#8217; continuing professional development.</p> <p>These may help researchers strengthen their academic, professional, methodological, and organisational skills.</p> <h2>Pension Scheme</h2> <p>The employer contributes to the company pension scheme through <strong>VBLU</strong>.</p> <h2>Additional Benefits</h2> <p>IDOS also notes that employees can receive additional social and monetary benefits beyond those specifically listed in the vacancy announcement.</p> <h1>Diversity and Equal Opportunity</h1> <p>IDOS explicitly states that it actively promotes <strong>equality between women and men and diversity</strong> within the institute.</p> <p>The organisation welcomes applications from people of different backgrounds and explicitly states that it welcomes:</p> <ul> <li>People of colour</li> <li>People of all nationalities</li> <li>People of all religions and beliefs</li> <li>People of different sexual orientations</li> <li>People of all gender identities</li> <li>People across all age groups</li> <li>People with disabilities</li> <li>People with a family migration history</li> </ul> <p>Therefore, the vacancy is not limited to applicants from Germany or Europe on the basis of nationality.</p> <p>Qualified applicants from <strong>Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Oceania, and other regions</strong> can apply, provided they meet the academic, research, professional, and other requirements of the position.</p> <h2>Recognition of Foreign University Degrees</h2> <p>Applicants who obtained their university degree outside Germany have an additional documentation requirement.</p> <p>They should attach the relevant <strong>Anabin database excerpt</strong> to their application documents as evidence of recognition of the foreign degree by the <strong>Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)</strong> of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK).</p> <p>International applicants should therefore pay particular attention to this requirement before submitting their applications.</p> <h1>Who Should Apply?</h1> <p>This opportunity is particularly relevant for researchers who have a combination of:</p> <ol> <li>A Master&#8217;s degree or preferably a PhD in a relevant social science or sustainability field.</li> <li>Strong academic performance.</li> <li>Research experience related to water security.</li> <li>Peer-reviewed publications or submissions demonstrating relevant research experience.</li> <li>Experience with qualitative social science research.</li> <li>Research or professional experience in a low- or middle-income country.</li> <li>Knowledge of institutional analysis, environmental governance, or political ecology.</li> <li>An interest in water politics, water policy, and water governance.</li> <li>Strong academic and professional writing skills.</li> <li>An interest in policy advice and science communication.</li> <li>An ability to work independently.</li> <li>An interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research.</li> <li>Willingness to travel internationally, including to tropical countries.</li> </ol> <p>Experience with mixed methods and third-party research funding is an additional advantage.</p> <h1>Application Requirements</h1> <p>Applicants must submit their application through the <strong>IDOS application portal</strong>.</p> <p>Applications must include the following documents:</p> <h3>1. Cover Letter</h3> <p>A cover letter outlining the candidate&#8217;s:</p> <ul> <li>Motivation for applying</li> <li>Interest in the position</li> <li>Relevant qualifications</li> <li>Research background</li> <li>Suitability for the water governance team</li> </ul> <h3>2. Curriculum Vitae</h3> <p>The CV should include:</p> <ul> <li>Academic background</li> <li>Professional experience</li> <li>Research experience</li> <li>Relevant skills</li> <li>Publications</li> <li>Other relevant qualifications</li> </ul> <p>The CV should contain a <strong>full publication list</strong>.</p> <p>Applicants should also provide their relevant academic certificates.</p> <h3>3. Employment References</h3> <p>German employment letters, known as <strong>Arbeitszeugnisse</strong>, should be provided where available.</p> <h3>4. Two Letters of Reference</h3> <p>Applicants should also provide <strong>two letters of reference</strong>, preferably together with the application.</p> <p>If this is not possible at the application stage, shortlisted candidates may be permitted to submit the reference letters at a later stage.</p> <h1>File Submission Requirements</h1> <p>There are specific restrictions on the number and format of files that can be uploaded.</p> <p>Applicants should note that:</p> <ul> <li>A maximum of <strong>4 files</strong> can be attached.</li> <li>All files must be submitted in <strong>PDF format</strong>.</li> <li>Each file can have a maximum size of <strong>10 MB</strong>.</li> </ul> <p>Applicants should therefore organise their documents carefully so that all required materials can be submitted within the four-file limit.</p> <h1>Why This Opportunity May Be Valuable for Researchers</h1> <p>This IDOS position provides an opportunity to combine <strong>academic research with policy engagement</strong>.</p> <p>Unlike a position focused exclusively on academic publication, the role brings together several dimensions of research and development work, including:</p> <ul> <li>Water security research</li> <li>Environmental governance</li> <li>Water politics</li> <li>Policy advice</li> <li>Science communication</li> <li>International research</li> <li>Networking</li> <li>Interdisciplinary collaboration</li> <li>Third-party funding development</li> </ul> <p>The position may be particularly attractive to researchers interested in understanding how water-related challenges are shaped not only by environmental conditions but also by <strong>institutions, political systems, policies, power relations, and governance structures</strong>.</p> <p>The focus on low- and middle-income countries also makes the position relevant for researchers whose academic or professional work has involved development, sustainability, international cooperation, environmental policy, or governance challenges in these contexts.</p> <p><a href="https://www.idos-research.de/en/about-us/career-internships/job-advertisement-researcher-f/m/diverse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click HERE</strong> </a>to read more and apply.</p> <h1>Final Summary</h1> <p>The <strong>German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)</strong> is recruiting a <strong>Researcher (m/f/diverse)</strong> for its Environmental Governance Research Department, with a focus on <strong>water governance and water security</strong>.</p> <p>The researcher will contribute to research and policy advice on issues including groundwater and surface-water governance, wastewater treatment and reuse, water-related extreme events, sanitation, and transboundary or multilateral water relations. The work will particularly focus on <strong>low- and middle-income countries and potentially conflict-affected settings</strong>.</p> <p>The position is offered at <strong>50% part-time employment, equivalent to 19.5 hours per week</strong>, with a salary of approximately <strong>€31,250–€48,000 gross for the 50% position</strong>, depending on qualifications and the applicable TVöD classification. The contract is initially for <strong>three years</strong>, with a possible extension and potential increase to 60% in 2028 and 2029 based on successful third-party funding acquisition.</p> <p>Candidates should have a relevant <strong>Master&#8217;s degree and preferably a PhD</strong>, strong academic performance, demonstrated social science research experience in water security, relevant peer-reviewed publications, qualitative research experience, and experience in a low- or middle-income country context. Knowledge of institutional analysis, multi-level environmental governance, and political ecology is particularly relevant.</p> <p>The application deadline is <strong>7 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST</strong>, and the expected interview date is <strong>3 November 2026</strong>.</p> <p>Overall, this is a strong opportunity for an experienced social science or sustainability researcher seeking to work at the intersection of <strong>water security, environmental governance, international development, academic research, and policy advice</strong> in an internationally oriented research institution in Germany.</p> <p><a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/?s=job#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Click HERE</strong> </a>for more job opportunities.</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/09/13/idos-researcher-position-2027-in-water-governance-and-water-security-germany/">IDOS Researcher Position 2027 in Water Governance and Water Security – Germany</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>