Apply for APRI EU Senior Fellow Role: Shape Africa–EU Policy and Research

APRI is seeking an EU Senior Fellow to strengthen its analytical work on Europe’s role in Africa–EU relations. This position offers a unique opportunity for policy professionals to bridge African perspectives and European policymaking, leading research, producing high-quality outputs, and contributing to strategic debates on geopolitics, geoeconomics, and global governance.

About the Program

The EU Senior Fellow role is designed to enhance APRI’s capacity to provide African-informed insights into European policy debates. The Fellow will lead research projects on Europe’s evolving strategies toward Africa, focusing on geopolitical and geoeconomic dynamics, critical raw materials, climate, and global governance.

The role involves drafting policy briefs, research reports, background notes, talking points, and commentary pieces aimed at advancing APRI’s thought leadership. Fellows will also collaborate with the wider APRI team to integrate European insights into Africa-led narratives, ensuring that African priorities are central in policymaking discussions.

In addition to research, the Fellow will represent APRI in Brussels, engaging directly with EU institutions, think tanks, civil society, and the private sector. Responsibilities include organizing policy dialogues, roundtables, and high-level events in Brussels and Berlin, and supporting media engagement to disseminate APRI’s work effectively.

The position is funded by Stiftung Mercator GmbH as part of APRI’s Geopolitics and Geoeconomics of Africa–Europe Relations Project, offering a 2-year contract with a gross salary of €58,000–€64,000, commensurate with experience.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Europe–Africa relations are at a critical juncture, shaped by complex geopolitical, economic, and environmental trends. High-quality, African-informed policy research is essential to ensure that Europe’s engagement with Africa is mutually beneficial, equitable, and strategically effective.

This role provides a platform to influence policy debates at the EU level, translating African perspectives into actionable insights for European decision-makers. By joining APRI, the Fellow will contribute to shaping Africa–EU cooperation, improving understanding of African priorities, and promoting evidence-based policy solutions that strengthen partnerships between the continents.

For professionals seeking to make a tangible impact on global policy, this position offers a rare opportunity to combine rigorous research, strategic engagement, and public representation in a high-profile, policy-oriented environment.

What Participants Will Gain

EU Senior Fellows at APRI will:

• Lead influential research on geopolitics, geoeconomics, and Africa–EU relations
• Produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, and commentary pieces
• Build and expand professional networks within Brussels policy circles
• Represent APRI at policy dialogues, roundtables, and high-level events
• Contribute to toolkit development for monitoring Africa–EU partnerships
• Gain experience translating complex policy trends into actionable insights

The role also provides professional visibility, strengthened analytical skills, and opportunities to influence decision-making processes at the intersection of African priorities and European policymaking.

Who Can Apply

Applicants should have:

• 5–7 years of relevant experience in EU institutions, think tanks, academia, or policy advisory roles
• Established networks within Brussels policy circles, including EU institutions, member states, and civil society
• Strong expertise in Europe–Africa policy dynamics and EU policymaking processes
• Outstanding written and spoken English and French (German is an asset)
• Eligibility to work in Belgium and be based in Brussels

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to conduct rigorous research, engage strategically with stakeholders, and produce high-quality outputs that advance APRI’s mission. APRI particularly welcomes applicants from underrepresented perspectives in policy debates to foster a diverse and inclusive team.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications are submitted through the APRI jobs portal as a single PDF including:

1. A CV (maximum 3 pages) with two references
2. A cover letter (maximum 2 pages) detailing three examples of professional collaborations with EU stakeholders
3. A short writing sample (policy brief or op-ed aimed at European policymakers)

In the “remark” section, indicate whether you hold a Belgian work permit. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 6 April 2026

Learn more and apply on the offical APRI job portal.

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