APRI – Africa Policy Research Institute is an independent, nonpartisan institute researching key policy issues affecting the African continent. Its goals are to provide input to the German and EU policy-making processes on Africa and options on key policy issues to African stakeholders.

To achieve this, APRI taps into the expertise of African intellectuals, scholars, and networks, collaborating with a wide range of organizations at home and abroad to conduct policy research that looks beyond prevailing narratives and transcends disciplinary hegemonies to center Africa. Its outputs include reports, policy briefs, and short analyses, with the goal of expanding to other innovative ways of disseminating its work.

The Research Assistant will support the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based research and policy analysis across APRI’s Climate Transition Programme. Working within a fast-paced and dynamic think tank environment, the role requires strong analytical, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable, and policy-relevant insights.

The successful candidate will contribute to research and advisory work spanning climate transition, energy, governance, economic development, finance, industrial policy, and broader political economy issues in Nigeria and across Africa. The role goes beyond traditional desk research and requires an individual who is intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and capable of connecting developments across policy, markets, institutions, and geopolitics to support strategic analysis and decision-making.

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

The 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 relevant 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 help lead 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. Program & 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 required.
Monitor relevant policy and regulatory developments in Nigeria and contribute to programme reporting, documentation, learning, and tracking of outputs and outcomes.

Required Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Political Science, Public Policy, Development Studies, International Relations, Climate & Environmental Studies, Law, or a related field.
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, concise, and actionable insights.
Demonstrated critical thinking skills and the ability to connect policy, political economy, governance, and market dynamics across sectors.
Familiarity with Nigeria’s policy, governance, economic, climate, or development landscape is an advantage.
Basic understanding of qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies and data analysis.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, and intellectual rigour.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively within a fast-paced team environment.
Demonstrated interest in climate transition, energy, governance, economic policy, or sustainable development issues.