The Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) has opened applications for a Research Officer – Critical Minerals and Green Industrialisation, offering experienced policy professionals the opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s transition toward a sustainable, climate-resilient economy.

Based in Abuja, Nigeria, the position is a full-time, 12-month renewable contract that will place the successful candidate at the centre of research and policy efforts supporting Nigeria’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

The role comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria seeks to leverage its critical minerals sector to drive industrial development, expand clean technology manufacturing, strengthen economic diversification, and enhance its competitiveness within the global green economy.

Why Is This Position Significant?

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, graphite and other strategic resources have become essential to the global energy transition, powering electric vehicles, renewable energy systems and battery technologies.

Recognising this opportunity, Nigeria has identified the development of its critical minerals sector as a key pillar of its Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and broader industrial development strategy.

APRI’s latest recruitment aims to strengthen the evidence base supporting these national priorities while helping government institutions design policies that balance climate ambitions with inclusive economic growth.

What Will the Research Officer Do?

The successful candidate will work closely with the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) and several Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to provide technical expertise, policy analysis and research support.

The position combines research, stakeholder coordination, institutional strengthening and policy engagement.

Core responsibilities include:

Conducting evidence-based research on Nigeria’s critical minerals sector and its contribution to green industrialisation.
Analysing domestic, regional and international policy developments affecting critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.
Preparing policy briefs, research reports, briefing notes, talking points, analytical memos and stakeholder updates.
Synthesising project findings into practical policy recommendations for government, industry and development partners.
Supporting institutional capacity building across climate, industrial and minerals governance agencies.
Identifying policy gaps and opportunities for improved coordination between climate, industrial, mining and energy transition strategies.
Assisting with stakeholder engagement involving government agencies, private sector organisations, civil society groups, academia and community representatives.
Coordinating preparations for a high-level stakeholder convening focused on Nigeria’s critical minerals agenda.
Documenting consultations, workshops and meetings to ensure recommendations inform future policy development.

Supporting Nigeria’s Green Economic Transformation

According to APRI, the project is designed to help Nigeria build a sustainability-driven economy that creates jobs, strengthens domestic manufacturing and promotes resilient value chains while meeting climate commitments.

The Research Officer will contribute directly to improving coordination between major institutions, including:

National Council on Climate Change (NCCC)
Ministry of Solid Minerals Development
Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment
Ministry of Power
Ministry of Environment
Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA)
Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF)

The role will also support collaboration with development partners, industry associations and community stakeholders working across Nigeria’s climate and minerals landscape.

Who Should Apply?

APRI is seeking experienced professionals with strong backgrounds in public policy, climate governance or natural resource management.

Applicants should possess:

A Master’s degree or equivalent in public policy, economics, political economy, environmental studies, energy policy, industrial policy, natural resource governance, international development or a related discipline.
At least four years of relevant professional experience in policy research, technical advisory services, programme coordination or stakeholder engagement.
A solid understanding of Nigeria’s climate governance framework, industrial policy, energy transition agenda or extractive industries.
Experience working with government institutions or supporting public sector programmes.
Strong analytical, research and technical writing skills.

Opportunity to Shape National Policy

Beyond producing research outputs, the successful candidate will help strengthen institutional coordination across government while ensuring evidence informs national decision-making.

The role also offers opportunities to engage with senior policymakers, private sector leaders, development organisations and civil society actors working to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global green economy.

Professionals with expertise in climate policy, energy transition, industrial development, mining governance or sustainable economic development may find this position particularly attractive given its strategic national impact.

Important Application Information

APRI has emphasised that applications will only be accepted through the official Google Form provided in the vacancy announcement.

Applications submitted through any other channel will not be considered.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the full role description and submit their applications through the designated online application form before the stated deadline.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) is Looking for Research Officer Role to Advance Nigeria’s Green Industrialisation Agenda: 12 Months Contract @Unknown