AfricaNenda seeks a Research and Advocacy Specialist: Apply for a Policy and Digital Finance Role in Africa 2026. The opportunity is aimed at experienced professionals in research, policy, advocacy, financial inclusion, and digital financial services.
Background & Job Description
AfricaNenda Foundation is an Africa-led organisation working to accelerate inclusive instant payment systems (IIPS) across Africa and expand access to inclusive digital payment systems.
The organisation is seeking a Research and Advocacy Specialist to strengthen its evidence-generation and advocacy work. The role sits at the intersection of research, policy and influence and reports to the Director, Advocacy and Capacity Development.
Tasks
The Specialist will:
- Develop research and evidence priorities.
- Conduct policy, regulatory, literature and comparative research.
- Support qualitative and quantitative research, including interviews, surveys and case studies.
- Analyse developments affecting inclusive instant payment systems.
- Research related areas such as digital public infrastructure, digital identity, data governance, open finance and cross-border payments.
- Translate research findings into policy recommendations and advocacy messages.
- Prepare policy briefs, position papers, regulatory analyses and executive briefings.
- Support stakeholder engagement, policy dialogues and consultations.
- Monitor policy developments and advocacy outcomes.
Qualifications
Education and Certification
Applicants should have a master’s degree in public policy, economics, finance, development studies, law, political science, international relations, public administration, or a relevant discipline.
Experience
Candidates should have at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as:
- Applied research and policy analysis
- Advocacy
- Financial inclusion
- Digital financial services
- Payment systems
- Digital public infrastructure
Experience producing policy briefs and research reports, engaging policymakers and regulators, managing research assignments, and understanding African digital financial services policy environments is required.
Applicants should also have experience with PRISMA 2020, PRISMA-P, Zotero, EndNote, NVivo and ATLAS.ti. English proficiency is mandatory, while English-French bilingual ability is desirable.
Additional Information
Experience in instant payments, interoperability, payment-system governance, financial-sector regulation or digital public infrastructure is desirable.
Experience working across multiple African countries or regions, political-economy analysis, and relevant research or policy publications will also be advantageous.
Application deadline: 5 October 2026, close of business EAT.
How to Apply
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter.
- A current CV with contact details for three professional referees, including a recent supervisor or client.
- Two substantially authored publications: one research output and one advocacy/thought-leadership output.
Applications should be emailed to applications@africanenda.org with the subject line “Research and Advocacy Specialist.” Incomplete applications will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a practical written assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AfricaNenda Research and Advocacy Specialist role?
It is a research and policy-focused role supporting evidence generation, advocacy strategy and stakeholder engagement around inclusive instant payment systems in Africa.
How much experience is required?
The Terms of Reference require at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant research, policy, advocacy, financial inclusion, or digital finance fields.
What degree is required?
A relevant master’s degree is required.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by 5 October 2026, close of business EAT.
Final Thoughts
The AfricaNenda Research and Advocacy Specialist opportunity is designed for experienced professionals who can connect research, digital finance policy and advocacy and translate evidence into practical recommendations for African payment ecosystems.
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