The University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, invites applications for a fully funded International Joint PhD project titled “The Political Economy of Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Response: Labour and Housing Markets.”
This prestigious doctoral opportunity offers candidates the chance to undertake cutting-edge research on the socio-economic impacts of international peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions, while benefiting from supervision and training at two world-leading institutions.
The successful candidate will be primarily based at the University of Manchester, with a minimum 12-month research stay at the University of Melbourne.
Key Dates
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Application advertising closes: 31 March 2026
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Applicant contact: Candidates who submitted an Expression of Interest will be contacted after the advertising period closes
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Anticipated project start date: 1 October 2026
Degree Offered
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
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Joint Award (University of Manchester & University of Melbourne)
Scholarship and Financial Support
The successful applicant will receive a comprehensive, fully funded scholarship package, which includes:
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Living allowance (stipend) for the duration of the PhD
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Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
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Relocation support for international study periods
This funding ensures candidates can fully focus on their research without financial burden.
Project Description
International peacekeeping and humanitarian response missions have played a crucial role in stabilisation, reconstruction, and peacebuilding across conflict-affected societies. While these missions often deliver tangible humanitarian and security benefits, research increasingly shows that they can also generate significant unintended consequences for host communities.
This project examines the political economy effects of peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions, with a particular focus on:
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Labour markets, including the recruitment of skilled national staff into international organisations and the resulting “brain drain” from domestic institutions
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Housing and rental markets, especially inflationary pressures and unequal access caused by the presence of international personnel and organisations
Building on existing scholarship (e.g. Lemay-Hébert & Murshed; Westendorf), the research will explore how international interventions reshape local economies, exacerbate inequalities, and alter long-term development trajectories. The project aims to generate policy-relevant insights that can inform more equitable and sustainable peacekeeping and humanitarian practices.
Research Environment
This Joint PhD offers an exceptional international research experience:
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University of Manchester – primary institutional base and joint supervision
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University of Melbourne – minimum 12-month residency, access to leading expertise in political science, peace and conflict studies, and international development
Candidates will benefit from strong interdisciplinary networks, advanced research training, and exposure to global policy debates.
Supervision Team
University of Melbourne
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Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf – Principal Supervisor
School of Social and Political Sciences -
Dr Sara Meger – Internal Co-Supervisor
School of Social and Political Sciences
University of Manchester
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Professor Nicolas Lemay-Hébert – Joint Principal Supervisor
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Dr Birte Vogel – External Co-Supervisor
This supervisory team brings internationally recognised expertise in peacekeeping, humanitarianism, political economy, and post-conflict governance.
Field of Research
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4408 – Political Science
About the Institutions
The University of Melbourne acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Owners of the lands on which its campuses are situated and remains committed to reconciliation and respectful engagement with Indigenous communities.
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Contact Information
The University of Melbourne
Grattan Street, Parkville
Victoria 3010, Australia
Phone: 13 MELB (13 6352)
International: +61 3 9035 5511
