Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) has announced a new opening for a Research Fellow under its Just Green Technology Transition Programme.

The fully remote 12-month position is open to applicants based in Kenya or South Africa and offers an opportunity to contribute to high-level research and policy engagement focused on African green industrialisation, energy transition, and international cooperation.

The role is designed for experienced researchers and policy professionals passionate about shaping Africa-centered approaches to green industrial development, energy systems transformation, and multilateral partnerships.

According to APRI, the selected Research Fellow will lead research activities, stakeholder engagement, and policy dialogue initiatives involving actors across Africa and Europe.

Advancing African Green Industrialisation

The Just Green Technology Transition Programme seeks to strengthen policy thinking and practical cooperation around sustainable industrial development and energy transition strategies in Africa.

The Research Fellow will contribute to analysis examining how international financing mechanisms, green technology partnerships, and industrial cooperation initiatives align with African economic priorities and productive sector needs.

The position places strong emphasis on ensuring that Africa’s perspectives, interests, and policy priorities remain central within global discussions on energy transition and industrial policy.

APRI noted that the fellowship combines rigorous policy research with strategic stakeholder engagement and policy-facing writing aimed at informing governments, institutions, and development actors.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will lead research on industrial and energy strategies across selected African economies, particularly in relation to green technology development and productive energy use.

Core responsibilities include analyzing policy instruments, financing frameworks, and international cooperation mechanisms connected to African industrialisation and energy transition goals.

The Research Fellow will also contribute to the development of a multi-tier analytical framework linking national policy ambitions with programme implementation realities and firm-level evidence.

Another major component of the role involves developing case studies focused on African firms, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), startups, and enterprises involved in green industrialisation and productive-use technologies.

According to APRI, these case studies will help ground policy recommendations in practical market realities and business experiences across the continent.

The role also requires leading strategic roundtables, workshops, and policy dialogues involving stakeholders from Africa, Europe, and Asia. These engagements are expected to support collaborative policy development and strengthen international partnerships focused on sustainable industrial transformation.

In addition, the fellow will draft policy reports, research publications, and actionable recommendations tailored to policymakers and practitioner audiences.

The position also involves coordinating with international research partners, maintaining expert networks, supporting project monitoring activities, and contributing to donor reporting and programme documentation.

Qualifications and Experience

APRI is seeking candidates with advanced academic training in political economy, economics, energy policy, or industrial policy. Applicants should possess either a Master’s degree or PhD, with demonstrated specialization in industrial and energy transitions in Africa.

Candidates are expected to have between four and six years of relevant professional experience in policy research, think tanks, international organizations, or related sectors connected to African economic development and sustainability policy.

The organization highlighted the importance of demonstrated expertise in African industrialisation, green technology, energy transition, and economic policy research.

Applicants should also have a strong understanding of African-European policy relations, particularly regarding energy transition, industrial cooperation, trade policy, and multilateral partnerships.

Experience conducting qualitative research, including policy analysis, document review, interviews, and case study development, is considered essential.

Strong writing skills are also required, particularly the ability to produce high-quality policy briefs, reports, and opinion pieces for policymaker and practitioner audiences.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

APRI indicated that candidates with experience working in think tanks, policy research institutes, or international organizations may have an advantage during the selection process.

Existing professional networks among government ministries, industry associations, firms, and policy actors in East or Southern Africa are also considered beneficial.

Knowledge of international green industrial partnership initiatives and their relevance to African industrial development is another desirable qualification.

Commitment to Africa-Centered Policy Dialogue

A key aspect of the role is APRI’s commitment to centering African perspectives and agency in global debates surrounding energy transition, trade, industrial policy, and geopolitics.

The organization seeks candidates capable of connecting macro-level policy frameworks with firm-level realities while working effectively within cross-regional and multi-partner research environments.

The selected candidate will be expected to facilitate interviews, workshops, and policy discussions with senior stakeholders while contributing to long-term policy dialogue networks beyond the duration of the project.

Contract Terms and Benefits

The Research Fellow position is a full-time, remote engagement lasting 12 months. The role includes travel requirements, competitive remuneration, and eligibility for 30 vacation days during the contract period.

APRI emphasized that the position offers an opportunity to work within an international, collaborative policy research environment focused on shaping sustainable and inclusive development pathways for Africa.

How to Apply

Interested applicants must complete the designated Google Form and upload all required application documents as a single PDF file.

Applications can be submitted through the official Google Form available here:

LEARN MORE HERE

Due to the expected high number of applications, APRI stated that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

The opportunity represents a significant opening for policy researchers and professionals seeking to contribute to Africa-focused research and policy development on green industrialisation, sustainable energy transition, and international economic cooperation.

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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.