High-Level Research Consultancy Opportunity in Africa: Apply for the AERC Research Consultant Role 2026

The African Economic Research Consortium has officially announced a prestigious call for applications for its Research Consultant position (2026–2027). This opportunity is designed for highly experienced economists and research professionals who are passionate about shaping Africa’s development through evidence-based policy and high-quality research.

According to the official call document , the AERC is a leading public not-for-profit institution established in 1988 with a mission to strengthen local capacity for independent economic analysis across Africa. Through research, postgraduate training, and policy engagement, the organization plays a critical role in informing economic decision-making across the continent.

About the Opportunity

The AERC is seeking to recruit an experienced Research Consultant to support its Director of Research (DOR). This role can be full-time or part-time, and in some cases, two consultants may be appointed on a shared basis.

The consultant will play a central role in:

• Designing and implementing research programmes
• Supporting policy engagement across Africa
• Managing research projects and partnerships
• Driving resource mobilization and donor relations

This position is part of AERC’s broader 10-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2035) aimed at enhancing the relevance and impact of research across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Research and Programme Support

The selected consultant will:

• Provide technical oversight for ongoing and new research programmes
• Review and improve research proposals, working papers, and publications
• Guide researchers within the AERC network
• Identify emerging trends in African economic research
• Support monitoring and evaluation of research outputs

2. Resource Mobilization

A major component of the role involves securing funding:

• Lead the development and submission of grant proposals
• Identify funding opportunities aligned with AERC priorities
• Prepare technical reports for donors
• Track funding trends and maintain proposal records

3. Stakeholder and Donor Engagement

The consultant will act as a key liaison by:

• Maintaining communication with donors, policymakers, and institutions
• Supporting stakeholder meetings and follow-ups
• Representing AERC in strategic forums
• Ensuring timely reporting and evaluation

4. Research Project Management

Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring project implementation and deliverables
• Advising on research quality and policy impact
• Managing risks and ensuring timely completion of projects

5. Policy Engagement

The consultant will:

• Engage with policymakers and regional institutions
• Translate research into actionable policy recommendations
• Represent AERC at conferences and high-level forums
• Monitor policy developments across Africa

Qualifications and Experience Required

To qualify for this role, applicants must meet strict criteria:

Educational Requirements

• A PhD in Economics or a related field
• Specialization in areas such as development economics, macroeconomics, or environmental economics

Professional Experience

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in:
  • Economic research
  • Project management
  • Policy engagement

Key Competencies

• Strong publication record in reputable journals
• Proven success in securing research grants
• Experience working with donors and policymakers
• Advanced data analysis skills (e.g., STATA, R, MATLAB, GIS)
• Excellent communication skills in English or French

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment
• Willingness to travel across Africa
• Strong professional networks within Africa and globally

Ethics and Confidentiality

The AERC emphasizes transparency and integrity. Applicants must:

• Declare any conflicts of interest
• Maintain strict confidentiality of organizational data
• Avoid activities that compromise research independence

Failure to comply may result in disqualification or contract termination .

Duration and Benefits

• Initial contract: 1 year (renewable)
• Flexible work arrangement (remote possible)
• Competitive remuneration based on experience
• Opportunity to influence policy across Africa

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit:

1. A cover letter (max 2 pages)
2. A CV (max 5 pages)
3. A statement on a successful grant
4. A policy engagement note
5. Three professional referees

All documents must be combined into a single PDF before submission.

Deadline

The deadline for applications is:

15th May 2026 at 12:00 PM (EAT)

Applications should be submitted online via the official AERC portal.

Why You Should Apply

This opportunity offers:

• A chance to work with one of Africa’s leading research institutions
• Direct involvement in shaping economic policy
• Access to a vast network of researchers and policymakers
• Career advancement at a continental level

Click here to learn more about this opportunity

Discover more global job opportunities on OFY here