Research Analyst, Economic Opportunities for Africa

About the Opportunity


The Research Analyst, Economic Opportunities for Africa, will support ONE’s mission by providing rigorous research, data analysis, and evidence-based insights to advance our advocacy and policy goals.
This role will focus on inclusive economic growth, domestic resource mobilization, innovative development finance, and the political economy in Africa. 
The successful candidate will possess strong analytical and policy research skills, the ability to distill and confidently communicate complex information into accessible formats, and the interpersonal skills to collaborate across teams.
They will contribute to shaping ONE’s Africa-focused policy agenda, helping translate research into impactful advocacy, and providing the Director, Economic Opportunities for Africa, with timely, high-quality inputs to support decision-making and strategic initiatives. 


Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

Conduct High-Quality Research & Analysis: 


Gather, analyze, and synthesize quantitative and qualitative data on Africa’s economic trends, inclusive growth, domestic resource mobilization, innovative finance, and development finance. 
Monitor policy developments, global financial reform efforts, and emerging economic issues impacting African countries. 
Prepare political economy analyses relevant to ONE’s advocacy priorities. 


Produce Clear & Impactful Outputs:


Draft policy briefs, research reports, talking points, presentations, and other materials that inform advocacy strategies and public engagement. 
Translate and communicate complex research findings into clear, compelling content for non-technical audiences, including policymakers, media, and civil society partners. 


Support Strategic Decision-Making:


Provide the Director with data-driven insights to guide strategic initiatives and policy positioning. 
Contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations for advancing ONE’s priorities on economic opportunities, domestic resource mobilization, innovative finance, and development finance in Africa. 


Engage & Collaborate: 


Work closely with ONE’s Africa team, global policy staff, and advocacy teams to align research with organizational goals. 
Participate and represent ONE in key stakeholder engagements, conferences, and forums, as required. 


Track and Communicate Trends:


Maintain awareness of geopolitical, economic, and policy developments across Africa. 
Ensure ONE remains agile and informed in responding to emerging opportunities and challenges. 


Requirements

Essential Skills and Attributes:


Strong research and analytical skills, with experience in economic, political economy, domestic resource mobilization, innovative finance, or development finance analysis. 
Ability to collect, interpret, and present data effectively, using both qualitative and quantitative methods. 
Deep understanding of Africa’s economic policy landscape and related development challenges. 
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality materials for diverse audiences. 
Critical thinking skills and the ability to approach complex issues with creativity and rigor. 
Confidence in public speaking and presenting research to varied stakeholders. 
Strong collaboration skills, able to work effectively across teams and cultures. 
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing circumstances. 


Preferred Qualifications:


Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field. 
6+ year's experience in policy research, think tanks, development institutions, or advocacy organizations. 
Familiarity with global financial architecture, domestic resource mobilization strategies, innovative finance instruments, and multilateral development finance systems. 
Experience with statistical software or data visualization tools. 


Our Culture and Values

We are a team that values: 


Continuous Learning: Seeking to expand our knowledge and skills to better achieve our mission. 
Collaboration: Working together to solve problems and achieve shared goals. 
Resilience and Adaptability: Staying effective and positive in a fast-changing environment. 
Impact Focus: Ensuring our work creates tangible benefits for the people and communities we serve. 
Humility: Recognizing that lasting change requires listening, learning, and valuing diverse perspectives.