PhD Position: Emerging Donors and Global Development Finance (Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences) Erasmus University Rotterdam in Netherlands

The Erasmus School of Social and Behavioural Sciences (ESSB) at Erasmus University Rotterdam invites applications for a PhD position focused on the transformation of global development finance. This research project investigates how emerging donors—including China, India, Brazil, South Africa, and Gulf states—are reshaping development cooperation, global governance, and responses to transnational challenges such as gender equality, climate change, and sustainable development. The project aims to fill gaps in current research, which often centers on China and overlooks the diversity of practices among other emerging donors.

Key research questions include: the alignment or divergence of emerging donors’ practices with international norms (such as SDGs, Paris Agreement, OECD-DAC principles); the institutional models favored by these actors (bilateral finance, policy banks, South–South cooperation platforms, multilateral development banks); and the integration of gender equality into development cooperation. The PhD candidate will contribute to building a novel cross-donor dataset, enabling systematic comparison between emerging and traditional donors and identifying patterns of convergence, divergence, and coalition formation in a multipolar development landscape.

The position is embedded within the interdisciplinary Policy, Politics & Society (PPS) team, which emphasizes academic and societal impact, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. The candidate will be expected to contribute to quantitative data analysis, code and analyze project-level data, conduct comparative analysis, lead a sub-project (with a preferred focus on gender equality, climate change, or human rights), present findings at academic conferences, and engage with policy debates.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in political science, international relations, development studies, economics, or a related field. Strong quantitative research skills (or willingness to develop them), experience with statistical software (R, Stata, Python), and excellent English communication skills are required. The ability to work independently and collaboratively in an international environment is essential. Experience with large datasets, data coding, and knowledge of development finance institutions or OECD-DAC frameworks are advantageous.

The position offers a competitive salary (€3,059–€3,881 gross per month, full-time, 38 hours), a one-year contract extendable for three years, 41 days paid leave, holiday and end-of-year bonuses, pension contributions, travel and home internet compensation, and discounts on collective insurances. Additional benefits include partial parental leave, additional birth leave for partners, relocation support, and eligibility for the Dutch 30%-ruling for international hires. The start date is 1 September 2026.

ESSB is a diverse faculty combining public administration, pedagogical sciences, psychology, and sociology, with a strong focus on interdisciplinarity and societal impact. The Department of Public Administration and Sociology (DPAS) and the PPS team provide a stimulating environment for academic development and engagement with complex policy topics.

To apply, submit a motivation letter, CV, and a writing sample (Master thesis or publication) before the closing date. The selection process includes two interviews, expected in the first week of June. For further information, contact Dr. Clara Egger or Dr. Saliha Metinsoy via email. Erasmus University Rotterdam is committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.

For more details and to apply, visit the official vacancy page.