The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is inviting applications for a Researcher (f/m/diverse) position within its Environmental Governance Research Department in Bonn, Germany. The position offers an opportunity for an experienced social science researcher to conduct research and provide policy advice on water politics, water policies and water security, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries and potentially conflict-affected settings. The position is offered at 50% part-time employment, equivalent to 19.5 hours per week, under the German public sector collective agreement. Depending on qualifications, the role is classified at EG13 up to EG14 TVöD Bund, with a stated gross salary of approximately €31,250 to €48,000 for the 50% position. The position may begin on 1 January 2027 and is initially limited to three years, with a possible option for extension. In 2028 and 2029, there is also an option to increase the position to 60%. The application deadline is 7 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST. About the German Institute of Development and Sustainability IDOS conducts research, provides independent policy advice and promotes transregional knowledge cooperation and education at the intersection of development and sustainability. The institute aims to contribute to shaping a cooperative multipolar world and sustainable futures. The successful candidate will join the institute’s Water Governance Team within the Environmental Governance Research Department. Their work will combine academic research with policy engagement and knowledge exchange. The role is particularly suited to researchers interested in the intersection of water governance, environmental politics, sustainability, development and international cooperation. Research Focus: Water Security and Governance The researcher will investigate selected issues relating to water politics, policies and security. The research will focus particularly on low- and middle-income countries and may also examine settings affected by conflict. Potential areas of research include different dimensions of water security, such as: Surface water and groundwater use and overuse. Wastewater treatment and reuse. Water-related extreme events. Access to sanitation services. Transboundary water relations. Multilateral water cooperation. Environmental governance and water politics. Institutional and political dimensions of water security. The position provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to contribute both to academic knowledge and practical policy discussions surrounding water security. Key Responsibilities As part of the IDOS water governance team, the researcher will undertake social science research and contribute to policy advice. Key responsibilities include: Conducting research on selected water security issues. Producing academic research and publications. Providing policy advice based on research findings. Contributing to IDOS networking and positioning on water security. Supporting science communication and knowledge exchange. Contributing to applications for third-party funding. Participating in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research projects. Responding flexibly to emerging policy advice demands. Working with research partners and relevant stakeholders. The researcher will also be expected to work independently while contributing effectively to interdisciplinary research teams. Eligibility and Qualifications Applicants should hold a Master’s degree, with a PhD preferably completed, and have excellent academic results. Relevant academic backgrounds include: Political science. Economics. Human geography. Anthropology. Sustainability science with a social science focus. Related social science disciplines. Candidates must demonstrate previous social science research experience in at least one of the areas related to water security identified in the vacancy. This experience should be demonstrated through peer-reviewed academic publications, including submitted manuscripts. Strong conceptual skills are expected, particularly in areas such as institutional analysis, multi-level environmental governance and political ecology. Experience with qualitative social science research methodologies is also required, while mixed-methods research experience is considered an advantage. Additional Skills and Experience IDOS is looking for candidates with experience or demonstrated interest in research involving low- and middle-income country contexts. Experience in policy advice and science communication is an advantage, while previous involvement in third-party funding acquisition is also beneficial. Applicants should additionally demonstrate: Strong academic writing skills. Excellent communication abilities. Strong organisational skills. Ability to work independently. Interest in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research. Flexibility in responding to policy needs. Willingness to travel internationally. Aptitude for working in tropical climates. The institute also encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Salary and Employment Benefits The position is offered at 50% employment, equivalent to 19.5 hours per week. Depending on qualifications, the position is classified under EG13 up to EG14 TVöD Bund, with a stated gross salary range of €31,250–€48,000 for the 50% position. Additional benefits include: Flexible working hours. Mobile working from within Germany, with up to 60% home office and at least 40% presence in Bonn each week. Subsidised Deutschland-Job-Ticket. Good public transportation access. Special annual payment under TVöD Bund. Up to 30 days of annual leave plus six company vacation days. Professional development and training opportunities. Employer contribution to the VBLU company pension scheme. Additional social and financial benefits. The initial contract is for three years, with a possible extension. The position may be increased to 60% in 2028 and 2029. Application Requirements Applicants must submit their application using the official IDOS application portal and include position number 2026-C-02. Required documents include: Cover letter outlining motivation for applying. Curriculum vitae. Full publication list. Relevant academic certificates. German employment references (Arbeitszeugnisse), where available. Two letters of reference, preferably included with the application. Applications may contain a maximum of four PDF files, with a maximum file size of 10 MB per file. Applicants holding a foreign university degree should also provide the relevant Anabin database excerpt as proof of recognition of the degree where required. Application Deadline and Interview Date The application deadline is: 7 October 2026 at 23:59 CEST The expected interview date is 3 November 2026. The successful candidate is expected to begin the position from 1 January 2027. Opportunity Summary Position: Researcher (f/m/diverse) Position number: 2026-C-02 Institution: German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) Department: Environmental Governance Team: Water Governance Location: Bonn, Germany Workload: 50%, 19.5 hours per week Salary: €31,250–€48,000 gross for the 50% position Contract: Three years, with possible extension Potential increase: 60% in 2028 and 2029 Expected start: 1 January 2027 Application deadline: 7 October 2026 Interview: Expected 3 November 2026 Final Thoughts The IDOS Researcher position offers an opportunity for a social science researcher to combine academic research, environmental governance and policy advice within an internationally focused development and sustainability research institute. Candidates with expertise in water security, environmental governance, political ecology, institutional analysis or related fields—particularly those with research experience in low- and middle-income countries—may find the position especially relevant. Interested applicants should prepare their application carefully and submit all required documents through the official application portal before the 7 October 2026 deadline. APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations. 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