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:
- A cover letter (max 2 pages)
- A CV (max 5 pages)
- A statement on a successful grant
- A policy engagement note
- 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
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