AfricaNenda seeks a Research and Advocacy Specialist: Apply for a Policy and Digital Finance Role in Africa 2026

Overview

AfricaNenda Foundation is recruiting a Research and Advocacy Specialist to help expand inclusive instant payment systems (IIPS) across Africa. AfricaNenda is an Africa-led organisation that builds expertise, coordinates stakeholders and speeds the rollout of inclusive instant payments, including for financially excluded people. The specialist reports to the Director, Advocacy and Capacity Development, and works on generating credible evidence, turning research into policy recommendations and advocacy messages, and supporting stakeholder engagement.

On the research side, duties include supporting annual and rolling evidence agendas, defining research questions, finding evidence gaps, desk research, literature and regulatory reviews, comparative and political-economy analysis, primary research through interviews, focus groups, surveys and case studies, policy scans, validating findings, and keeping sources traceable. Related areas include digital public infrastructure, digital identity, data governance, open finance, cross-border payments and responsible innovation. On the advocacy side, the specialist turns findings into advocacy plans, policy briefs, position papers, consultation responses and briefing notes, maps stakeholders, supports coalition building, policy dialogues and roundtables, and tracks outcomes. Advocacy is expected to be technically sound, non-partisan and focused on inclusion.

Requirements

Candidates need a master's degree in public policy, economics, finance, development studies, law, political science, international relations, public administration or a similar field, and at least seven years of progressively responsible experience in applied research, policy analysis, advocacy, financial inclusion, digital financial services, payment systems or digital public infrastructure. They should be able to turn research into policy recommendations, engage regulators, central banks and development partners, manage research assignments or consultants, and deliver under tight deadlines. Experience with systematic review methods, including PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-P, reference tools such as Zotero and EndNote, and qualitative coding in NVivo and ATLAS.ti is required.

Direct experience in instant payments, payment-system governance or financial regulation, work across several African countries, and relevant publications are advantageous. English is mandatory, and English-French bilingual ability is desirable.

How to apply

Applications are submitted by email and must include a cover letter, a current CV, contact details for three professional referees including a recent supervisor or client, and two publications largely written by the applicant, one research output and one advocacy or thought-leadership piece. The email subject line should read Research and Advocacy Specialist, and files should be labelled with the applicant's name. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Key dates

Applications close at the end of business East Africa Time on 5 October 2026.