8 Roles in Research, Policy, Finance and Development

African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) offers a Postdoctoral Fellowship in STI Policy and Governance, focusing on governance and financing of science and technology institutions across Africa. This fixed-term role (12 months, starting October 2026) involves rigorous research, policy engagement, and stakeholder collaboration to analyze STI frameworks, funding models, and policy alignment with continental priorities like STISA (Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa). The fellowship supports comparative research, data analysis, and translation of findings into actionable policy recommendations for governments, research institutions, and industry partners. Based in Nairobi, Kenya or Lilongwe, Malawi, the position emphasizes evidence-based advocacy and cross-country collaboration in a multicultural environment.⁠​​‌​​​‌‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌‌​‌​​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌⁠

What it offers

• A fixed-term contract for 12 months, starting October 2026, with a deadline to apply by 25 September 2026.
• Research support for a multi-country study on STI governance, financing, and policy implementation.
• Policy engagement through reports, briefs, presentations, and stakeholder dialogues.
• Cross-country synthesis of findings to identify best practices and transferable lessons.
• Professional development in evidence-to-policy translation and stakeholder collaboration.
• Opportunity to contribute to African development priorities, including STISA and Agenda 2063.

Who can apply

Applicants must hold a PhD in STI Policy, Public Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Innovation Studies, Science and Technology Studies, or a related field, completed within the past five years. Exceptional candidates nearing completion may apply if AFIDEP approves. Exceptional candidates with a PhD within the past five years are required. Demonstrated expertise in STI policy, innovation systems, and African development frameworks is essential. Excellent English proficiency (written and spoken) is mandatory; French proficiency is a plus.

What you'll do

• Design and implement research on governance, financing, and alignment of STI institutions.
• Conduct literature reviews, policy mapping, and institutional analysis of science councils, metrology systems, and standards bodies.
• Assess funding models, resource allocation, and policy implementation across African countries.
• Perform qualitative/quantitative data analysis and synthesize cross-country findings.
• Draft policy briefs, reports, and manuscripts, ensuring outputs are accessible and actionable.
• Engage with stakeholders (governments, researchers, industry) to validate findings and influence policy.
• Support fieldwork coordination and documentation of research uptake.

How to apply

1. Submit a cover letter explaining suitability and motivation.
2. Provide a current CV with publications and research outputs.
3. Include 1–2 writing samples demonstrating analytical research.
4. Attach relevant academic certificates.
5. Provide contact details for 3 professional referees.

Email applications with the subject: ‘Postdoctoral Fellow – Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy and Governance’ to Recruitment@afidep.org by 25 September 2026.

Good to know

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Lilongwe, Malawi.
• Contract type: Fixed-term, 12 months.
• Start date: October 2026.
• AFIDEP is an equal-opportunity employer and does not charge fees for recruitment.
• No prior experience in this specific role is required, but relevant research and policy engagement skills are highly valued.