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AFIDEP is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute whose mission is to institutionalize a culture of consistent use of evidence in public policy formulation and implementation to address various development challenges in Africa. Our work focuses on five thematic areas namely: Population Dynamics and Demographic Dividend, Health and Wellbeing, Transformative Education and Skills Development, Environment and Climate Change, and Governance and Accountability. The Institute is registered as a Non-Governmental Organization in Kenya and Malawi where it has offices and in the USA as a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Research and Policy Associate – Evidence Uptake

The African Institute for Development Policy (AFIDEP) is a regional non-profit research and policy Institute established in 2010 to help bridge the gaps between research, policy and practice in development efforts in Africa. Our primary purpose is to contribute to sustainable development through the use of evidence and advocacy to strengthen political commitment and resource allocation for development issues; informing the design and implementation of effective interventions; and strengthening governance and accountability structures for tracking development challenges in Africa. For further details about AFIDEP and its work, please refer to www.afidep.org.

AFIDEP is seeking a Research & Policy Associate to support and coordinate the implementation of an evidence uptake project. The role provides an exciting opportunity for a professional with strong qualitative research skills to contribute to strengthening the use of evidence in policy and practice across African contexts.  The successful candidate will hold a Master’s degree with a strong focus on qualitative research methods and have at least three years of experience in qualitative research experience. The position will be based in AFIDEP’s Kenya Office.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of the project
  • Conduct primary data collection, collation of secondary data, data analysis and report writing
  • Contribute to writing policy briefs, research briefs, and scientific journal papers
  • Support ongoing engagement of relevant government officials and other stakeholders, and planning and organising workshops and dialogues with them to facilitate uptake of evidence produced by the project in policy decision-making
  • Support the wide dissemination of the research outputs
  • Contribute to writing progress and final reports

Qualifications and Requirements

  • A Master’s degree in the social sciences or humanities, with a strong qualitative research background such as sociology, anthropology, education, psychology, public health/health sciences, or international development.
  • At least 3 years of qualitative research experience with strong hands-on skills in conducting rigorous, high-quality small-N qualitative research.
  • Experience in project planning and management.
  • Experience conducting policy research and/or engaging government and other key stakeholders, including organising policy dialogues, is desirable.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues to a range of audiences.
  • Evidence of scientific writing and publications.
  • Experience producing non-academic documents and articles is a plus.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, as well as independently with minimal supervision.
  • Demonstrable expertise using relevant research software and tools
  • Fluent in English, with proficiency in French desirable.

Application Process

To apply for this position, please submit a detailed CV and cover letter to recruitment@afidep.org  including the position title “Research and Policy Associate – Evidence Uptake” on the subject of the email by 5th January 2026. In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and qualifications, and explain why you are best suited for this position. Your CV should include three relevant referees. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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