The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC) is on a mission to revolutionize economic research and policy engagement across Africa, and they're seeking a Research Consultant to join their dynamic team. This consultancy opportunity is not just about filling a position; it's about empowering a visionary individual to shape the future of economic research on the continent. So, what makes this role so captivating, and why should you consider applying?
AERC's Vision and Impact
AERC, established in 1988, is a beacon of knowledge and innovation in Africa's economic landscape. Their core mission is to strengthen local capacity for independent, high-quality economic analysis, which, in turn, informs effective economic management and sustainable development. Through an integrated model combining research, postgraduate training, and policy engagement, AERC collaborates with a diverse network of universities, researchers, policymakers, and international partners. This consultancy role is a pivotal part of their 10-Year Strategic Plan (2025–2035), aiming to enhance the impact, sustainability, and relevance of their programs in response to the ever-evolving global and regional economic dynamics.
The Consultancy Role: A Multifaceted Journey
The Research Consultant will embark on a journey that encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, all aligned with AERC's strategic priorities and research programs. Here's a glimpse into the multifaceted nature of this role:
Technical Research and Program Support
- Research Excellence: The consultant will provide high-level technical input into the development and quality assurance of research programs, ensuring that AERC's research agenda remains at the forefront of economic thinking. They will review and strengthen research proposals, working papers, and publications, guiding researchers within the AERC network to elevate the quality and relevance of their work.
- Trends and Priorities: Identifying emerging economic trends and recommending updates to research priorities will be a key focus. This involves staying abreast of the latest developments and ensuring that AERC's research agenda remains dynamic and responsive to the ever-changing economic landscape.
- Monitoring and Evaluation: The consultant will support monitoring and evaluation using established frameworks, ensuring that AERC's research impact is measured and maximized.
Resource Mobilization
- Grant Proposal Development: Leading the development and submission of competitive research grant proposals will be a significant task. This involves building and managing a pipeline of funding opportunities, preparing technical reports and concept notes for donors, and tracking funding trends to advise on strategic positioning.
- Grant Management: Maintaining records to improve grant success rates and ensuring compliance with deliverables and reporting requirements will be crucial aspects of this role.
Stakeholder and Donor Relations
- Donor Engagement: Maintaining consistent communication with donors and stakeholders is essential. The consultant will support stakeholder meetings with universities, policymakers, and partners, ensuring that AERC's research is effectively communicated and valued.
- Donor Reporting: Ensuring timely and high-quality donor reporting and contributing to donor engagement strategies and institutional partnerships will be integral to this role.
- Research Dissemination: Coordinating the dissemination of research outputs with communications teams will help amplify AERC's impact and ensure that their work reaches the right audiences.
Research Project Management
- Project Oversight: Overseeing the implementation and completion of research projects, ensuring compliance with deliverables and reporting requirements, and identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies will be a critical responsibility.
- Policy Impact Tracking: Advising on improving policy impact tracking will help AERC measure the real-world impact of their research.
Qualifications and Experience: A Gateway to Impact
The role requires a highly experienced and accomplished professional with a strong academic and policy background. Here's what you need to bring to the table:
- Academic Credentials: A PhD in Economics or a related field, with a specialization in development, macroeconomics, environmental, or labor economics, is essential. This advanced degree is the foundation for your expertise and understanding of the economic landscape.
- Experience: At least 10 years of experience in economic research, project management, and policy engagement is required. This experience should demonstrate a proven track record of peer-reviewed publications and strong analytical skills, showcasing your ability to contribute meaningfully to AERC's research agenda.
- Funding Success: Demonstrated success in securing research funding and managing grants is a must. This includes experience in donor relations, monitoring, and evaluation, highlighting your ability to navigate the complex world of research funding and ensure the successful implementation of projects.
- Policy Engagement: A strong engagement with policymakers and the ability to translate research into policy are essential. This involves a deep understanding of the policy landscape and the skills to communicate complex economic ideas in a way that resonates with decision-makers.
- Professional Networks: Extensive professional networks across Africa and globally are a significant asset. These connections can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, enhancing AERC's impact and reach.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills in English and/or French are required. This includes the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally.
Additional Technical Skills: A Bonus
While not mandatory, additional technical skills in data analysis tools such as STATA, R, MATLAB, GIS, and emerging AI/ML applications are considered a bonus. These skills can enhance your ability to analyze and interpret data, adding a powerful dimension to your contributions.
Ethical Standards: Integrity and Transparency
AERC places significant emphasis on integrity, transparency, and professional ethics. Applicants are required to declare any potential conflicts of interest and disclose prior engagements that may influence impartiality. Successful candidates must sign a confidentiality and conflict of interest declaration, protect sensitive and proprietary information, avoid activities that compromise objectivity or credibility, and refrain from unauthorized use of AERC data or outputs. Non-compliance may result in disqualification or termination of the consultancy.
Duration, Engagement, and Working Conditions: Flexibility and Impact
The consultancy is initially offered for a one-year period, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. Consultants will operate under the supervision of the Director of Research and are expected to actively engage in daily operations. The role offers flexibility, allowing remote work; however, availability during working hours and reliable internet connectivity are essential. The position also requires the ability to travel across Africa when necessary, providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant African economic landscape.
Application Process and Requirements: A Step Towards Impact
Interested applicants must submit their applications online by May 15, 2026. The application package should include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), a detailed CV (maximum 5 pages), a statement on a significant grant secured, a policy engagement note, and contact details of three referees. All documents must be compiled into a single PDF file. The selection process includes background checks, interviews, and a probationary period for successful candidates.
Equal Opportunity and Final Notes: A Diverse and Inclusive Journey
AERC is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive recruitment practices. Female candidates and applicants from underrepresented regions are strongly encouraged to apply. This consultancy represents a significant opportunity for experienced economists to contribute to shaping Africa's economic research landscape and influencing evidence-based policymaking at national, regional, and global levels.
In my opinion, this consultancy role is not just a job; it's an invitation to be part of a transformative journey. It's an opportunity to contribute to the development of a continent, to influence policy, and to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions. So, if you're an experienced economist with a passion for Africa's economic future, I encourage you to apply. Together, we can shape a brighter, more prosperous future for the continent.
