Chatham House, the international affairs research institute based in London, is recruiting Research Fellows to join its Africa Programme, with opportunities focusing on East Africa and West Africa.
The positions are aimed at experienced researchers with strong knowledge of African governance, political developments, economic affairs, trade and regional security.
Successful candidates will contribute to policy research, manage projects, produce publications and engage with stakeholders working on African affairs.
The advertised positions offer an annual salary of £45,000 and are based in London under a hybrid working arrangement.
Applications are scheduled to close on 14 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Chatham House Research Fellow 2026: Opportunity Overview
| Opportunity detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Chatham House |
| Programme | Africa Programme |
| Positions | Research Fellow – East Africa and Research Fellow – West Africa |
| Employment type | Full-time, permanent |
| Location | St James’s Square, London, United Kingdom |
| Working arrangement | Hybrid |
| Office attendance | Minimum two days per week |
| Annual salary | £45,000 |
| Application deadline | 14 November 2026 |
| Closing time | 23:59 GMT |
| Application method | Online |
About the Chatham House Africa Programme
Chatham House is an international affairs research institute that conducts independent research and promotes discussion on global political, economic and security issues.
Its Africa Programme focuses on developments affecting African countries and their relationships with regional and international partners.
The programme examines governance, political transitions, economic development, international trade, security and other issues shaping the continent.
Research Fellows contribute to this work by conducting research, publishing policy analysis and engaging with governments, researchers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Available Research Fellow Positions
1. Research Fellow – East Africa
The East Africa Research Fellow position focuses on political, economic and security developments across East Africa.
The successful candidate will contribute to research examining governance, economic policy, trade and regional security.
Responsibilities include conducting research, developing policy analysis, managing projects and contributing to public discussions on regional developments.
Applicants should have substantial research experience and a strong understanding of East African affairs.
2. Research Fellow – West Africa
The West Africa Research Fellow position focuses on developments across West Africa, with particular attention to Nigeria.
Research areas include governance, political developments, regional trade and security.
The successful candidate will conduct policy research, manage projects and contribute to publications addressing important developments in the region.
Knowledge of West African political and economic affairs is essential.
French-language proficiency is considered an advantage for this position.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to contribute to the Africa Programme’s research and policy activities.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Designing and managing research projects.
- Conducting qualitative and quantitative research.
- Coordinating research activities and fieldwork.
- Managing research teams and field operations.
- Preparing risk assessments for research activities.
- Writing policy reports, research papers and expert commentary.
- Producing articles, opinion pieces and other public-facing analysis.
- Contributing to audio and visual research content.
- Preparing research proposals and concept notes.
- Supporting fundraising activities and grant applications.
- Building relationships with research partners, policymakers and donors.
- Presenting research findings to relevant audiences.
The positions require candidates who can manage research activities independently while collaborating with colleagues and external partners.
Minimum Requirements and Candidate Profile
The advertised opportunities are intended for experienced researchers rather than applicants seeking their first research position.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Relevant post-qualification research experience.
- Strong knowledge of East African or West African affairs, depending on the position.
- Experience using qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Excellent analytical and policy-writing abilities.
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Experience producing research publications or policy analysis.
- Ability to manage research projects and meet deadlines.
- Confidence engaging with policymakers, researchers and other stakeholders.
For the West Africa position, French-language proficiency may strengthen an application.
Applicants should consult the individual vacancy advertisements for the complete qualification and experience requirements.
Salary and Employee Benefits
The advertised annual salary for the Research Fellow positions is £45,000.
The supplied recruitment information also identifies employee benefits that may include:
- Approximately 37 days of annual leave.
- Pension salary-exchange arrangements.
- Parental leave benefits.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
Applicants should confirm the complete benefits package and employment conditions with Chatham House before accepting an offer.
Are These Opportunities Open to South Africans?
South African researchers with relevant experience in African political, economic and security affairs may wish to explore these positions.
However, the vacancies are based in London, United Kingdom.
Applicants should check the official advertisements for nationality restrictions, eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and whether visa sponsorship is available.
The supplied information does not confirm that visa sponsorship is offered for these permanent Research Fellow positions.
Candidates should not assume that the immigration and relocation benefits available under Chatham House’s separate academic fellowship programmes also apply to these jobs.
How to Apply for the Chatham House Research Fellow Positions
Applications are submitted online through the official Chatham House careers platform.
Interested candidates should:
- Visit the relevant Research Fellow vacancy page.
- Read the complete job description.
- Check the required qualifications and research experience.
- Review the location and employment eligibility requirements.
- Prepare an updated professional CV and any other requested application documents.
- Complete the online application process.
- Submit the application before the deadline.
Research Fellow – East Africa
CLICK HERE TO APPLY – EAST AFRICA
Research Fellow – West Africa
CLICK HERE TO APPLY – WEST AFRICA
Application deadline: 14 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Applicants should confirm that the vacancy remains open on the official careers platform before submitting their applications.
Chatham House Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship
Researchers who are interested in a temporary academic fellowship rather than permanent employment may also explore the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship hosted by Chatham House.
This is a separate programme from the Research Fellow employment opportunities.
The fellowship is aimed at eligible early-to-mid-career professionals from African countries, including individuals working in academia, government, civil society, non-governmental organisations and the media.
What Does the Mo Ibrahim Fellowship Offer?
According to the supplied programme information, the fellowship provides:
- A 10-month residency.
- A monthly stipend of £2,565.
- Visa sponsorship.
- Relocation support.
- Research expenses.
- Participation in the Leadership Masterclass Programme.
- A five-year post-fellowship Chatham House membership.
The fellowship’s activities are structured around:
- 60% of the programme dedicated to an independent research project.
- 20% dedicated to leadership development.
- 20% supporting Chatham House research activities.
The fellowship has its own eligibility requirements, application process and deadlines.
Students and professionals should not confuse the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship with the permanent Research Fellow vacancies.
Official fellowship information:
Chatham House – Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship
Why These Opportunities Matter for African Researchers
Research opportunities at international policy institutions can allow African researchers to contribute to discussions about governance, development, economic policy and security.
The Chatham House Africa Programme positions offer experienced professionals an opportunity to apply their regional expertise through research publications, policy engagement and international collaboration.
For researchers specialising in East Africa or West Africa, the positions may provide a pathway to contribute to policy analysis within an established international research institution.
However, applicants should carefully consider the experience requirements and UK-based working arrangements before applying.
Closing Date
Applications for the Research Fellow positions are scheduled to close on 14 November 2026 at 23:59 GMT.
Candidates interested in either position should review the relevant official vacancy page and submit their applications before the deadline.
Sources and Verification
The information in this article is based on the supplied Chatham House recruitment details and programme descriptions. Applicants should verify current vacancy availability, employment eligibility and application requirements directly through the official Chatham House websites.
Official sources:
- Chatham House Africa Programme
- Chatham House Careers – Research Fellow East Africa
- Chatham House Careers – Research Fellow West Africa
- Mo Ibrahim Foundation Academy Fellowship
Final Thoughts
The Chatham House Africa Programme Research Fellow vacancies offer experienced researchers an opportunity to contribute to international policy research focusing on East Africa and West Africa.
With permanent employment, a £45,000 annual salary and a hybrid working arrangement in London, the positions may interest professionals with established research experience and expertise in African affairs.
Applicants should review the official vacancy requirements, confirm their eligibility to work in the United Kingdom and submit their applications before 14 November 2026.
This content was checked and verified by professional auditors and Admin Staff.
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