The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy institute dedicated to bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice in Africa’s development efforts. Our mission is to institutionalize the use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address Africa’s most pressing challenges.
We focus on five key thematic areas:
- Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend
- Health and Wellbeing
- Transformative Education and Skills Development
- Environment and Climate Change
- Governance and Accountability
AFIDEP is registered as a Non-Governmental Organization in Kenya and Malawi (where it has offices) and as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the USA.
We are looking for a highly motivated expert to join our research and policy teams as a Post-Doctoral Fellow in Education and Skills Development or Trade and Industrial Development.
Position Details
- Job Title: Post-Doctoral Fellow – Education and Skills Development / Trade and Industrial Development
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Lilongwe, Malawi
- Employment Type: Full-Time
- Category: Research & Policy Development
- Application Deadline: 5th February 2025
Job Description
The Post-Doctoral Fellow will be responsible for conducting research and policy analysis to accelerate development progress in Africa. The role will involve investigating how education, trade, industrialization, and job creation policies can help Africa leverage the ongoing demographic transition, the 4th industrial revolution, and the evolving digital economy to create meaningful and dignified employment for youth.
Key Responsibilities
1. Research & Policy Analysis
- Conceptualize, design, and implement research, capacity strengthening, and policy engagement programs.
- Conduct systematic reviews and data analysis on education, trade, industrialization, and job creation policies.
- Develop policy briefs, scientific journal articles, research reports, and blogs to disseminate findings.
- Translate research findings into policy recommendations and engage with key decision-makers.
2. Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Development
- Organize policy dialogues with government officials and other stakeholders at regional and national levels.
- Build partnerships with government agencies, development partners, and private sector actors to ensure research uptake.
- Conduct capacity-building activities to strengthen the use of evidence in decision-making.
- Support knowledge translation efforts to enhance policymakers’ understanding of research findings.
3. Project Management & Fundraising
- Contribute to proposal writing and fundraising to support research and policy initiatives.
- Manage and coordinate research programs and partnerships.
- Track and evaluate program impact to ensure effective monitoring and learning.
4. Strategic Thought Leadership
- Stay informed on emerging issues in education, trade, and industrial development in Africa.
- Provide thought leadership by engaging in policy debates, forums, and conferences.
- Adapt research strategies based on shifting development priorities and policy landscapes.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- PhD in Education and Skills Development, Industrial Development, Trade and Investment, or a related field.
- At least 2 years of relevant research experience in a related discipline.
- Expertise in quantitative research approaches, data analysis, and systematic reviews.
- Strong writing skills, with a track record of peer-reviewed journal publications.
- Experience in managing research programs, partnerships, and monitoring and evaluation.
- Ability to work in multidisciplinary teams and conduct policy engagement at national and regional levels.
- Strong interpersonal skills, team management, and strategic thinking.
Key Competencies
- Excellent analytical skills for conducting policy-oriented research.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work in dynamic environments.
- Effective communication and presentation abilities.
- Ability to translate complex research findings into actionable policy insights.
- Strategic leadership and the ability to work with government stakeholders and development partners.
Why Join AFIDEP?
- Work with a leading policy research institute dedicated to accelerating Africa’s development.
- Engage in high-impact policy research that shapes national and regional policy decisions.
- Collaborate with renowned researchers, policymakers, and development organizations.
- Opportunity to contribute to evidence-based governance and sustainable development.
How to Apply
If you are a passionate and experienced researcher, we invite you to apply for this exciting role.
Application Deadline: 5th February 2025
Submit your application via email to including:
- A detailed CV with three relevant referees.
- A cover letter outlining your experience and motivation for applying.
- Ensure the email subject reads: “Post-Doctoral Fellow – Education and Skills Development / Trade and Industrial Development”.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
AFIDEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
For more details about AFIDEP, visit www.afidep.org.
