Researchers with expertise in West Africa can apply for the Chatham House Research Fellow (West Africa) – Africa Programme position in London, United Kingdom.
The full-time, permanent opportunity is aimed at experienced policy researchers with a strong background in West African affairs and the ability to produce high-quality research that informs policy and engages decision-makers.
The successful candidate will join the Chatham House Africa Programme, contributing to research and convening activities covering issues including governance, politics, economy and trade, and security, with significant work focused on Nigeria.
The position offers a salary of £45,000 per year and is based at St James’s Square in London. The application deadline is Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 23:59 BST.
About the Chatham House Research Fellow Position
The Research Fellow will become part of the Chatham House Africa Programme, which conducts policy research on issues affecting African states and their regional and international relationships.
The role provides an opportunity for a researcher specialising in West Africa to contribute to a range of thematic research areas while potentially expanding their regional coverage over time.
The successful candidate will work on research projects designed to support the strategic goals of the Africa Programme and Chatham House. They will also contribute to stakeholder engagement, research events and innovative projects intended to strengthen understanding of developments across the region.
The position is particularly relevant to researchers with established knowledge of West African political, economic and security issues and experience translating research into policy-relevant outputs.
Key Responsibilities
The Research Fellow will contribute to the development and delivery of research and convening activities focused on West Africa.
Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and delivering research projects aligned with the strategic priorities of the Africa Programme and Chatham House.
- Conducting policy research on West Africa.
- Producing high-quality research that is relevant to policymakers and other stakeholders.
- Researching issues across politics and governance, economy and trade, and security.
- Contributing to significant research work focused on Nigeria.
- Designing and supporting research events and conferences.
- Helping create events that incorporate diverse voices, expertise and perspectives.
- Engaging with stakeholders as part of research and convening activities.
The role combines independent research with collaboration, stakeholder engagement and event-related responsibilities.
Who Can Apply?
Chatham House is seeking an experienced researcher with a significant track record of policy research on West Africa.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate experience developing successful research proposals and producing policy-relevant publications.
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- Significant experience conducting policy research on West Africa.
- Strong knowledge of regional political, governance, economic, trade or security issues.
- Experience developing research proposals.
- Exceptional analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- A strong record of producing policy-relevant publications.
- Evidence that their research has achieved demonstrable impact.
- Strong organisational and project-management abilities.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- A proven ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines.
Candidates should also be comfortable working across different thematic issues and contributing to collaborative research and convening activities.
Research Focus: West Africa and Nigeria
The position covers a broad range of issues affecting West Africa. The successful Research Fellow will contribute to work spanning governance, economy and trade, and security.
Nigeria is expected to be a significant area of focus within the role.
This broad remit means the position may be relevant to researchers whose expertise crosses multiple areas rather than being limited to a single policy field. Chatham House also indicates that there is scope for the successful researcher to expand their regional coverage over time.
The Research Fellow will contribute to research intended to provide useful analysis for decision-makers and other stakeholders interested in developments across the region.
Salary, Contract and Location
The Chatham House Research Fellow position offers a salary of £45,000 per year.
The position is:
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: St James’s Square, London
Working arrangement: Hybrid
On-site requirement: At least two days per week, with additional flexibility around event requirements
Chatham House also lists a range of employee benefits, including approximately 37 days of annual leave, including public holidays and Chatham House closure days.
Other benefits include pension salary exchange, an employee assistance programme, parental leave and flexible working arrangements.
Benefits of Working at Chatham House
The Research Fellow will work within an environment focused on independent policy research and international engagement.
Chatham House describes its working environment as professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating. The role provides opportunities to contribute to research with international relevance while engaging with researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders.
The organisation is also an equal opportunity employer and states that it values diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. Applications are encouraged from people from all backgrounds.
Application Requirements
Prospective applicants should review the full Research Fellow job description before applying.
The detailed job description provides additional information about the role, requirements and application process. Candidates should ensure that their application demonstrates their experience in West Africa-focused policy research, proposal development, analytical work and policy-relevant publications.
Applicants should also highlight evidence of research impact and their ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Chatham House Research Fellow (West Africa) – Africa Programme position is:
Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 23:59 BST.
Candidates should submit their applications before the stated deadline and review the full vacancy information carefully to ensure they meet the requirements.
Have You Applied?
Researchers with substantial experience in West Africa policy research who are interested in governance, politics, economy and trade, security and regional affairs can review this opportunity and assess their eligibility.
The role offers a full-time, permanent position in London within the Chatham House Africa Programme, with a hybrid working arrangement and a salary of £45,000 per year.
Applicants should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their regional expertise, research record, proposal-development experience, analytical abilities and evidence of policy impact.
