Africa Policy Research Institute Recruitment 2026 | Apply Now

APRI – Africa Policy Research Institute is an independent, nonpartisan think tank focused on researching key policy issues affecting the African continent. The institute aims to contribute to German and European Union policy-making processes on Africa while also providing strategic policy options to African stakeholders.

To achieve this mission, APRI draws on the expertise of African intellectuals, scholars, and professional networks, collaborating with a broad range of organizations both within Africa and internationally.

The institute conducts forward-looking policy research that challenges prevailing narratives, transcends disciplinary boundaries, and places Africa at the center of policy discussions. APRI’s outputs include reports, policy briefs, and short analyses, with plans to expand into more innovative methods of knowledge dissemination.

APRI is currently seeking a highly motivated and analytical individual to join its Climate Transition Programme as a Research Assistant.

The successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based research and policy analysis within a dynamic and fast-paced think tank environment. This role requires strong analytical, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable, and policy-relevant insights.

The Research Assistant will contribute to research and advisory work spanning climate transition, energy, governance, economic development, finance, industrial policy, and broader political economy issues across Nigeria and Africa.

Beyond traditional desk research, the role requires intellectual curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to connect developments across policy, markets, institutions, and geopolitics to support strategic analysis and decision-making.

Working closely with the Head of Programme, Research & Policy Officer, APRI fellows, and external partners, the successful candidate will support the design and implementation of research activities, monitor policy and regulatory developments, contribute to stakeholder engagements, and assist in the production of reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other knowledge products targeted at government, donor, private sector, and public audiences.

This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with real-time policy processes, high-level stakeholder engagements, and cutting-edge discussions shaping climate transition, economic transformation, and development policy in Nigeria and across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Analysis

• Conduct and contribute to research and analysis on climate, energy, governance, development, and economic transition issues, including policy, finance, geopolitics, political economy, and market dynamics.
• Review, synthesise, and critically assess policy frameworks, research reports, regulatory developments, and emerging trends at national, regional, and global levels.
• Lead and support data collection, validation, analysis, fact-checking, and quality assurance processes for research outputs and policy materials.
• Identify emerging issues, risks, opportunities, and strategic insights relevant to APRI’s work and ongoing policy engagements.

2. Knowledge Production & Content Development

• Contribute to and support the development of policy briefs, reports, presentations, concept notes, proposals, and other knowledge products through research, drafting, editing, and analytical inputs.
• Translate complex research and policy issues into clear, concise, and actionable insights tailored to government, donor, private sector, and public audiences.
• Develop and support charts, tables, data visualisations, and proper referencing/documentation of research sources.

3. Programme & Stakeholder Support

• Provide analytical and project delivery support across programme activities, stakeholder engagements, workshops, policy dialogues, and research initiatives.
• Lead or support stakeholder mapping, interviews, consultations, and documentation of key discussions, insights, and action points where necessary.
• Monitor relevant policy and regulatory developments in Nigeria and contribute to programme reporting, documentation, learning, and tracking of outputs and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, International Relations, Climate & Environmental Studies, Law, or a related field.
• Between 1–3 years of relevant experience in research, policy analysis, programme delivery, or advisory work within a think tank, research institution, NGO, academia, government, or development organisation.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear and actionable insights.
• Demonstrated critical thinking abilities and the capacity to connect policy, governance, political economy, and market dynamics across sectors.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s governance, economic, climate, or development landscape will be an added advantage.
• Basic understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, and intellectual rigour.
• The ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
• A strong interest in climate transition, energy, governance, economic policy, or sustainable development issues.

Job Information

• Location: Abuja, Nigeria
• Employment Type: Full-time

Apply here