Research Associate At Surge Africa
Associate
Contract: 6 months (Remote; Nigeria-based preferred)
Payment: ₦1,200,000 – ₦1,500,000 total (disbursed monthly, based on expertise)
Application Deadline: 31st July, 2025
Overview
We are seeking a meticulous, self-driven Research Associate to join Surge Africa for six months. This will be a fully-remote desk research where you will deliver 20 in-depth research analyses (≥10 pages each) and 5 concise fact sheets (2–3 pages each) across thematic areas in climate finance, energy transition, resilience, and related topics. Your work will shape policy and practice across Africa’s sustainability agenda.
Thematic Areas
Your analyses and fact sheets will span, but are not limited to:
- Climate Finance and Policy: Flow of adaptation/mitigation funds, green bond instruments and budget gap assessments
- Energy Transition: Renewable energy adoption, just-transition frameworks, fossil-fuel phase-out strategies
- Resilience and Adaptation: Ecosystem-based adaptation, urban/rural resilience planning, disaster-risk financing
- Governance and Accountability: Transparency in resource-sector revenue, regulatory gap analyses, community engagement models
- Cross-cutting Topics: Gender/inclusion in energy access, youth and innovation, digital tools for monitoring
Research Associate Responsibilities
Research and Writing
- Produce 20 standalone reports (≥10 pages): each with an executive summary, methodology, findings, data visuals, and tailored recommendations.
- Draft 5 fact sheets (2–3 pages each): bullet-point format highlighting key statistics, policy gaps, and calls to action.
- Cover thematic areas including: climate finance flows; green bond instruments; renewable energy adoption; resilience planning; governance & transparency; gender and inclusion; digital monitoring tools.
Data Collection and Analysis
- Conduct literature reviews, quantitative data analysis, and qualitative interviews with stakeholders.
- Create clear charts, tables, and infographics to illustrate complex findings.
Project Management
- Agree a delivery schedule in Month 1 and meet weekly targets (~3–4 reports/month, 1 fact sheet/month).
- Track progress via weekly check-ins, incorporate feedback swiftly, and escalate blockers.
Collaboration and Quality Assurance
- Liaise with Surge Africa’s senior researchers, external experts, and partner organisations to validate data.
- Ensure all outputs adhere to Surge Africa’s style guide, citation standards, and high editorial quality.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
- Exceptional analytical and technical writing skills, with a portfolio of ≥3 comparable analytical reports.
- Strong command of English: clear, concise, engaging, and professional tone.
- Proficiency with data visualization tools (Excel, Tableau, or similar) and reference management software.
- Excellent organisation and self-management skills; ability to juggle multiple deliverables on tight timelines.
- Comfortable conducting stakeholder interviews and synthesising diverse perspectives.
- Attention to detail: rigorous fact-checking, consistent formatting, and error-free prose.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Climate Policy, Environmental Science, Economics, Energy Studies, or related field.
- Minimum 2 years’ research experience in think-tanks, NGOs, consultancies, or academia, preferably on African climate/energy topics.
- Demonstrated familiarity with Nigeria’s policy landscape and regulatory frameworks is a plus.
- Basic graphic-design skills for simple infographics are desirable.
To Apply
Please email careers@surgeafrica.org with:
- CV (max 3 pages)
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages) outlining:
○ Your relevant research experience and thematic expertise
○ Structured plan for the delivery of 20 analyses in 6 months
- Sample Deliverable: one research report (≥10 pages) and fact sheet (2–3 pages) Deadline:
Surge Africa is committed to equity and diversity. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply.
We look forward to your rigorous, actionable research driving Africa’s sustainable future!