AfricaNenda Foundation Research and Advocacy Specialist Job 2026: Remote Africa Opportunity

AfricaNenda Research and Advocacy Specialist Job 2026 | Remote Africa

AfricaNenda Foundation is hiring a Research and Advocacy Specialist for an Africa-focused role in digital financial services and inclusive instant payments. Apply by October 5, 2026.

The AfricaNenda Foundation Research and Advocacy Specialist Job 2026 offers an opportunity for an experienced professional to support research, policy analysis and advocacy focused on inclusive instant payment systems across Africa.

The role combines research, evidence generation, policy engagement and stakeholder advocacy, with the position listed as remote across Africa.

AfricaNenda Foundation is an Africa-led organisation working to accelerate the development and adoption of inclusive instant payment systems (IIPS) across Africa.

Its work includes policy and regulatory advocacy, technical support, capacity development, stakeholder coordination, knowledge sharing and thought leadership.

About the Role

The Research and Advocacy Specialist will support the organisation’s evidence-to-influence work, from identifying research priorities and conducting analysis to developing policy products and supporting advocacy initiatives.

The role reports to the Director, Advocacy and Capacity Development.

Key Responsibilities

The Specialist will:

Support evidence-generation and advocacy priorities.
Conduct policy, regulatory and comparative research.
Develop research frameworks, methodologies and evidence matrices.
Analyse issues affecting inclusive instant payments.
Prepare policy briefs, position papers, research reports and executive briefings.
Translate research findings into policy and advocacy recommendations.
Support policy dialogues, consultations and stakeholder meetings.
Engage policymakers, regulators, development partners and private-sector stakeholders.
Track policy developments and advocacy opportunities.
Support cross-country and regional research activities.
Maintain accurate sources and ensure research findings are verifiable.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should have:

A Master’s degree in public policy, economics, finance, development studies, law, political science, international relations, public administration or a related field.
At least 7 years of relevant professional experience.
Experience in research, policy analysis, advocacy, financial inclusion, digital financial services, payment systems or related areas.
Experience producing policy briefs, research reports and stakeholder materials.
Experience working with policymakers, regulators, central banks, development partners or private-sector institutions.
Experience managing research assignments or consultants.
Knowledge of African digital financial services policy and regulation.
Ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines.

Technical experience with PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-P, Zotero, EndNote, NVivo and ATLAS.ti is also listed.

English proficiency is mandatory, while English-French bilingual ability is desirable.

Location and Salary

Location: Africa, location not specified
Work arrangement: Remote
Experience: 7+ years
Salary: Not disclosed
Deadline: October 5, 2026, close of business EAT

The vacancy focuses on candidates able to work across African policy and digital financial services environments.

Application Requirements

Applicants should submit:

A cover letter.
A current CV with three professional referees.
Two publications substantially authored by the applicant:
- One research publication.
- One advocacy or thought-leadership publication.

Shortlisted candidates may also be asked to complete a practical written assessment.

How to Apply

Applications should be emailed to:

applications@africanenda.org

Use the following email subject:

Research and Advocacy Specialist

Applications must be submitted by October 5, 2026, COB EAT.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AfricaNenda Research and Advocacy Specialist role?

It is a research and advocacy position focused on inclusive instant payment systems, digital financial services, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement across Africa.

How much experience is required?

The vacancy requires at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant research, policy, advocacy or financial/digital services fields.