The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) has announced three opportunities for individuals interested in research, public policy, youth employment, women’s economic empowerment and climate financing. The opportunities include two Research Assistant Intern positions in Kenya, Accra, Ghana, and a Climate Financing Expert consultancy supporting regional climate adaptation financing research.
These opportunities are suitable for early-career researchers seeking practical experience in policy research and evidence-based development, as well as experienced professionals with expertise in climate finance and environmental policy.
Interested applicants should review the requirements for their preferred opportunity and follow the application instructions provided by AFIDEP.
Why Work with AFIDEP?
The African Institute for Development Policy is a regional non-profit research and policy institute established in 2010. Its mission is to strengthen the use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address development challenges across Africa.
AFIDEP works across five thematic areas:
- Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend
- Health and Wellbeing
- Transformative Education and Skills Development
- Environment and Climate Change
- Governance and Accountability
Joining AFIDEP through an internship or consultancy offers an opportunity to contribute to research, policy engagement and development initiatives addressing important challenges across the continent.
AFIDEP Opportunities 2026 Overview
- Organisation: African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP)
- Number of Opportunities: 3
- Opportunity Types: 2 internships and 1 consultancy
- Internship Location: Accra, Ghana
- Consultancy Location: Kenya, Malawi or remote/hybrid, subject to agreement
- Application Deadline: 16 October 2026 for all three opportunities
- Application Email: Recruitment@afidep.org
- Official Website: AFIDEP Work With Us
1. Research Assistant Intern – Youth Futures Research Project
Location: Accra, Ghana
Project: Youth Futures Project
Contract Type: Internship
Reports To: Project Manager (Ghana)
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
About the Opportunity
AFIDEP is seeking a motivated Research Assistant Intern to support the Ghana team working on the Youth Futures Research Project.
The project is an eight-country initiative examining how countries can create better pathways to decent and fulfilling work for young people. Participating countries include Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Uganda.
The initiative combines research on youth employment policies, analysis of factors affecting labour markets, modelling of future employment prospects and investment analysis to identify opportunities for improving young people’s access to decent work.
The intern will support research, policy engagement and project coordination while gaining practical experience in evidence generation and development policy.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Assistant Intern will support the following activities:
Research and Analysis
- Review literature, policy documents and reports on youth employment, skills, entrepreneurship and labour markets.
- Collect, clean and organise secondary data from sources such as the Ghana Statistical Service, labour force surveys and international databases.
- Assist with data analysis and the interpretation of research findings.
- Support qualitative research by coding interview transcripts, extracting relevant quotations and protecting respondent anonymity.
Writing and Publications
- Help draft reports, policy briefs, blogs, presentations and briefing notes.
- Proofread and format documents to meet AFIDEP’s quality standards and partner reporting requirements.
- Track documents through review, editing and publication processes.
Policy Dialogues and Events
- Support the organisation of policy dialogues, youth consultations, evidence-use workshops and meetings.
- Assist with invitations, attendance records, logistics and venue coordination.
- Prepare meeting minutes and short event reports.
Youth Research Training and Mentorship
- Help prepare training materials for youth researchers.
- Coordinate mentorship activities and maintain participant records.
- Document the outcomes of training and mentorship activities.
Project Coordination and Communications
- Track workplan progress and organise project outputs.
- Assist with administrative and financial paperwork related to project activities.
- Support communication and dissemination activities, including media content, summaries and website updates.
- Engage professionally with government officials, project partners and young people.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare the following documents:
- A cover letter of no more than one page explaining their interest and relevant experience.
- A CV of no more than three pages.
- A short writing sample, such as a dissertation section, report extract or essay.
Send the complete application to Recruitment@afidep.org using the email subject line:
Research Assistant Intern: Youth Futures Ghana
Deadline: 16 October 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
2. Research Assistant Intern – Women’s Economic Empowerment and Macroeconomic Policy Project
Location: Accra, Ghana
Project: Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) and Macroeconomic Policy Project
Contract Type: Internship
Reports To: Project Manager (Ghana)
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
About the Opportunity
AFIDEP is also recruiting a Research Assistant Intern to support its Women’s Economic Empowerment and Macroeconomic Policy Project.
The project focuses on strengthening policies, public financing and data systems that advance women’s economic empowerment in Africa. Its current work in Ghana and Kenya includes supporting gender-responsive budgeting, generating evidence on the effects of economic and fiscal policies on women, strengthening gender data systems and exploring ways to improve women’s access to finance and economic opportunities.
The successful intern will support the team’s research, policy engagement and project activities, gaining practical experience in research and policy processes related to economic development and gender equality.
Duties and Responsibilities
The available job description highlights the following responsibility:
Research and Analysis
- Review and synthesise literature, policy documents, budget statements and reports relating to women’s economic empowerment, gender-responsive budgeting and macroeconomic policy in Ghana.
Applicants should consult the complete official vacancy announcement for any additional responsibilities and eligibility requirements not included in the available description.
How to Apply
Prepare the following documents:
- A cover letter of no more than one page explaining your interest and relevant experience.
- A CV of no more than three pages.
- A short writing sample, such as an extract from a dissertation, report or essay.
Email your application to Recruitment@afidep.org using the subject line:
Research Assistant Intern: Women’s Economic Empowerment Project Ghana
Deadline: 16 October 2026.
Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
3. Consultancy – Climate Financing Expert
Project: Africa Think Tanks Platform (ATTP) Project
Assignment Duration: 11 working days between October and December 2026
Duty Station: Kenya, Malawi or remote/hybrid, as agreed with AFIDEP
Application Deadline: 16 October 2026
Contract Type: Consultancy
About the Opportunity
AFIDEP is seeking an experienced Climate Financing Expert to provide technical support for the Southern Africa Climate Adaptation Financing Landscape Analysis under the Africa Think Tanks Platform project.
The assignment will involve reviewing research methods, strengthening the analysis of climate adaptation financing and contributing technical insights to policy engagement. The consultant will work closely with the designated AFIDEP team and may participate in virtual or in-person meetings, consultations and a high-level policy dialogue.
Scope of Work and Responsibilities
Technical Guidance and Research Design
- Review the study protocol, analytical framework and literature review approach.
- Recommend improvements to strengthen the methodological rigour of the study.
- Provide technical guidance on the scope, analysis and interpretation of climate adaptation financing evidence.
- Advise on identifying relevant stakeholders in climate finance, adaptation planning, public finance, development finance and policy processes.
- Review research tools and study materials, where applicable, and recommend improvements.
Climate Adaptation Financing Analysis
- Contribute technical input to the assessment of climate adaptation financing policies and mechanisms.
- Support analysis of investments, institutional arrangements and financing practices in the countries covered by the study.
- Help strengthen the evidence base used to understand climate adaptation financing in Southern Africa.
The consultant is expected to demonstrate strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet agreed deadlines.
Working Arrangements
The assignment may be undertaken from Kenya, Malawi or remotely/hybrid, subject to agreement with AFIDEP.
The consultant will collaborate with the AFIDEP team and participate in relevant meetings and consultations. Any required travel must be agreed upon and approved by AFIDEP in advance.
How to Apply
Interested individual consultants should submit:
- A current CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and professional experience.
- A technical proposal or brief statement explaining their proposed approach to the assignment.
Send the application to Recruitment@afidep.org.
Deadline: 16 October 2026.
Only complete applications received through the designated channel by the deadline will be considered.
General Application Tips
To prepare a strong application for these AFIDEP opportunities, consider the following recommendations:
- Choose the appropriate opportunity: Match your background to the Youth Futures internship, WEE internship or Climate Financing Expert consultancy.
- Follow the document requirements: The internships require a one-page cover letter, a CV of no more than three pages and a short writing sample. The consultancy requires a CV and technical proposal or statement of approach.
- Use the correct email subject: Include the exact subject line specified for the internship you are applying for.
- Show relevant experience: Highlight research, data analysis, report writing, policy engagement or climate finance experience as appropriate to the position.
- Check the full advertisement: Review AFIDEP’s official Work With Us page for the complete requirements before submitting your application.
- Submit on time: Ensure your application reaches the recruitment email address by the stated deadline.
AFIDEP is an equal opportunity employer and states that it does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
AFIDEP Application Deadline
The application deadline for all three advertised opportunities is 16 October 2026. Applicants interested in research internships or the Climate Financing Expert consultancy should review the relevant requirements and submit complete applications through the prescribed email channel.
These opportunities provide pathways for researchers and development professionals to contribute to evidence-informed policymaking, youth employment research, women’s economic empowerment and climate adaptation financing across Africa.
Visit the official AFIDEP Work With Us page for the vacancy details and application instructions.
