Please note: this is a full-time job based in London. The advert doesn’t say whether Chatham House will sponsor a UK work visa, so applicants from Africa should check this with Chatham House before applying.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is hiring a Research Fellow (East Africa) for its Africa Programme. This is a permanent, full-time role at one of the world’s best-known independent policy institutes. It pays £45,000 a year. You’ll lead research on East Africa’s politics, governance, economy and trade, and security, and help shape how policymakers around the world understand the region.
Deadline: 14 November 2026, 23:59 GMT (00:59 on 15 November in Lagos, 01:59 in Johannesburg, 02:59 in Nairobi).
At a Glance
| Employer | Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) |
| Role | Research Fellow (East Africa), Africa Programme |
| Salary | £45,000 a year |
| Contract | Full-time, permanent |
| Location | St James’s Square, London. A hybrid role, at least 2 days a week in the office |
| Deadline | 14 November 2026, 23:59 GMT |
About the Role
The Africa Programme carries out policy research on politics, security, economies and social change across Africa, and on the geopolitics shaping the continent. As Research Fellow for East Africa, you’ll be a central member of a growing, multi-disciplinary team. Your work will include:
- designing and delivering research projects on East Africa covering governance, economy and trade, and security
- producing policy research for publication, including reports, research papers, policy papers, op-eds, expert comments and audio-visual outputs
- overseeing field research, including planning, team safety and risk assessments
- designing research events and conferences that bring in a wide range of voices and perspectives
- building partnerships with experts, institutions, businesses and other stakeholders
- helping to raise funds by drafting concept notes and proposals and engaging with donors
- briefing supporters and stakeholders, and promoting the programme’s work through the media and speaking engagements
Benefits
- A salary of £45,000 a year on a permanent contract
- About 37 days of annual leave, including public holidays and Chatham House closure days
- Pension salary exchange, an employee assistance programme and parental leave
- Flexible and hybrid working
- A role at a world-leading policy institute, with a global platform for your research on East Africa
Eligibility
Chatham House says the essential skills and experience are:
- a proven research record on East Africa covering governance, economy and trade, and security, including developing successful research proposals
- exceptional writing skills and experience producing policy-relevant analysis with demonstrable impact
- experience using a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods
- experience communicating research through different channels and formats
- experience helping to design and run research events, conferences and policy discussions
- experience supporting fundraising, such as concept notes, proposals and donor engagement
- strong analytical, fact-checking, organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work well with colleagues and external partners
The job is based in London, with at least 2 days a week in the office. Make sure you’re able to work in the UK, or confirm visa arrangements with Chatham House before you apply.
How to Apply
- Read the full job description on Chatham House’s careers site (linked below).
- Prepare a CV that highlights your East Africa research, publications, policy impact and fundraising experience.
- Click Apply for this job on the official advert and complete the online application.
- Submit before 14 November 2026, 23:59 GMT.
Apply for the Research Fellow (East Africa) role (official advert) · Full job description
Tips
- Show your East Africa portfolio. List your publications, briefings and field research on countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Somalia and South Sudan.
- Show your policy impact. Give examples where your analysis informed decision-makers, media coverage or programme design.
- Mention fundraising. Proposals you helped win are a strong advantage.
- Apply early. The deadline is close, and the advert has been open since September.
