Research Fellow Opportunity: APRI’s Just Green Technology Transition Programme

Understanding the Research Fellow Role at APRI’s Just Green Technology Transition Programme

The Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) is offering a significant opportunity for professionals interested in Africa’s green industrial future. The Research Fellow (Home Office) position is part of APRI’s Just Green Technology Transition Programme. This role focuses on connecting policy, financial strategies, and the practical realities faced by businesses in Africa’s energy transition and industrial growth. The program aims to produce high-quality research and develop actionable policy frameworks to support African-led green industrialization.

This is a full-time, 12-month engagement. APRI is an independent institute dedicated to African development issues. It contributes to policy discussions in Germany, the European Union, and Africa through various research outputs like policy briefs, analytical reports, and strategic recommendations. APRI’s core mission is to ensure African viewpoints are central to global policy conversations, particularly concerning energy transition, industrial policy, trade, and geopolitics.

Key Responsibilities for the Research Fellow

The Research Fellow will lead and contribute to important policy research and stakeholder engagement activities. The main duties include:

Policy and Strategy Research

The fellow will conduct thorough research into African industrial and energy strategies. This involves analyzing policy tools used in African economies, with a specific focus on green energy and industrial development. Additionally, the role includes studying cooperation frameworks between Africa and its global partners.

Financing and Partnership Analysis

A key part of the role is evaluating international financing methods and technology partnerships. The fellow will assess how external investments align with Africa’s industrial goals. This also involves studying the policy impacts at different levels: macro (national), meso (sectoral), and micro (firm-level).

Case Study Development

The program requires the creation of detailed case studies. These will focus on African companies, startups, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) involved in green technology. Developing these case studies will help ground policy recommendations in actual market and industry data.

Stakeholder Engagement

The Research Fellow will be responsible for organizing and leading high-level roundtables and policy discussions. This involves engaging with stakeholders from Africa, Europe, and Asia. Building cross-regional expert networks is also a goal to foster ongoing collaboration.

Research Outputs and Publications

The role includes drafting policy briefs and research publications that offer practical recommendations. Contribution to donor reporting, monitoring, and evaluation documents is also expected. Collaboration with international research partners on joint projects will be a part of the work.

Qualifications and Competencies

To be considered for this position, applicants need an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in fields such as Political Economy, Economics, Energy Policy, or Industrial Policy. They should also have 4-6 years of relevant professional experience in policy research, think tanks, or development research, with a strong focus on African economic development or energy transition.

Essential skills include proven experience in qualitative research methods like policy analysis, document review, semi-structured interviews, and case study research. Strong writing abilities for policy briefs and reports are necessary, as is experience engaging with policymakers, diplomats, or industry leaders. Fluency in English is also a requirement.

Desirable qualifications include knowledge of international green industrial and energy partnerships, experience with think tanks or international organizations, and existing networks within African ministries, firms, or industry bodies. Familiarity with EU-Africa energy and industrial policy relations is also beneficial.

Key competencies for the role include strong analytical and conceptual thinking skills, the ability to link policy frameworks with practical application, and experience working in cross-regional research settings. Effective facilitation skills for workshops and high-level discussions are important, as is a commitment to African-centered policy perspectives.

The position offers a 12-month full-time contract, with competitive pay, travel opportunities, and 30 vacation days. While no specific application deadline is listed, interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

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