2026 Global Health PhD Fellowship Programme at the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health

Overview

The Global Health PhD Fellowship Programme at the United Nations University International Institute for Global Health (UNU-IIGH) offers doctoral candidates a unique opportunity to engage directly with global health policy processes within the United Nations system. This competitive fellowship enhances academic training through applied research, policy analysis, and real-world knowledge translation, embedding fellows within UNU-IIGH’s research teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and policy analysis.
• Prepare draft reports, policy briefs, or peer-reviewed manuscripts.
• Contribute to applied research within UNU-IIGH’s global health portfolio.
• Co-lead (with supervision) the development of a UNU-IIGH report, a policy brief, and/or a peer-reviewed journal article.
• Ensure alignment between fellowship outputs and doctoral research.
• Assist with project planning, reporting, and coordination.
• Support communications and event preparation.
• Engage in thematic areas such as global health governance, health policy and systems, and evidence-to-policy translation.
• Deliver a seminar presentation and submit a short reflective piece at the end of the placement.
• Maintain effective communication with supervisors and deliver outputs on time.

Requirements

• Currently enrolled in a PhD programme in Global health, Public health, Health policy, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and academic writing skills in English.
• Show clear interest in global health policy and governance.
• Capable of working independently and collaboratively in an international, multidisciplinary environment.
• Must have completed their doctoral fieldwork prior to the fellowship.

Benefits

• Direct exposure to global health policymaking within the UN system.
• Hands-on experience in policy-relevant research.
• Mentorship from senior UNU-IIGH researchers.
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact reports and publications.
• Practical insight into knowledge translation and global health diplomacy.

Location

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to Apply

Submit a current CV and contact details for three references via email to the UNU-IIGH Director. Apply via the provided link.

Deadline

Not specified