Description

King’s Trust International (KTI) and the University of East Anglia (UEA) are delighted to offer a unique PhD opportunity focused on strengthening the evidence base for ‘what works’ in transforming the lives of NEET ( Not in Education, Employment or Training) and at risk young people in Barbados. 

This fully funded PhD will be based at UEA, with joint supervision from leading academics in behavioural economics and international development, and will include a secondment within KTI’s Impact Team. We are seeking an exceptional candidate to lead the design and delivery of high-quality research on the long-term impact of our flagship Team Programme, delivered by our partner the Barbados Police Service since 2016.  

Team is a full-time, 12-week personal development and employability programme for young people facing challenges such as low confidence, limited motivation, and a lack of employability skills. The programme combines outdoor and community projects with classroom-based learning, fostering teamwork and progressively building essential core skills such as communication, reliability, confidence, motivation, and resilience. 

This post will be based in the UK and is open to national and international applicants.  

For more information on KTI’s activities including Team Barbados please visit our website: 
https://kingstrustinternational.org/our-programmes/self-development
https://kingstrustinternational.org/2025-impact-report
 
For a flavor of the programme from our partner’s perspective, please see this short video by the Caribbean Broadcast Corporation: King’s Trust giving a second chance to at risk youth 
 
As a PhD student on this project, you will: 

• Contribute to global evidence on effective interventions for ‘at risk’ and NEET youth in the Caribbean.
• Travel to Barbados to work directly with partners and young people.
• Gain visibility as a thought leader on youth development, employability, and crime reduction.
• Have the opportunity to share your work and engage with policymakers at the highest level, including the UN, World Bank, and national governments.
• Develop versatile skills in data analysis, research design, and policy influence.
  
  

This is an ideal pathway for candidates aspiring to careers in: 

• International Development
• Advocacy & Public Policy
• Consulting & Organisational Development
• Data Analytics 
  
  For more information on the PhD opportunity and how to apply, please visit the SENSS website

Requirements

Essential

• Bachelors or Masters in a relevant subject with a strong quantitative component (e.g. economics, psychology, public policy, international development)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Desirable 

• Experience of conducting research (e.g. dissertation, research assistance work)
• Knowledge of the Caribbean and/or youth development programmes