AFRALTI (African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute) is hiring a Research Officer based in Nairobi. If you hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field, have at least three years of independent research experience, and can lead cross-sector ICT research and impact evaluations, this role is worth your attention. The Research Officer AFRALTI Nairobi 2026 deadline is Wednesday, 20 May 2026 — read the full details below and apply before the closing date.
About This Role
AFRALTI’s Research Officer position is a senior technical role responsible for driving the Institute’s research agenda from proposal development through to publication and dissemination. You will not be doing routine administrative research — this role expects you to identify funding opportunities, build institutional partnerships, design studies, and deliver credible findings that influence ICT policy and practice across Africa.
The position sits at the intersection of research, donor engagement, and institutional strategy. You will work with government bodies, academic institutions, development partners, and private sector stakeholders to produce research that is rigorous, relevant, and actionable. A background in ICT research combined with strong quantitative and mixed methods skills is central to what AFRALTI needs in this hire.
This role suits someone who is independently motivated, has a track record of winning research funding, and can manage multiple projects simultaneously without losing quality. If you have a PhD or are working towards one, that strengthens your application further.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop research objectives and proposals and drive partnership research programmes with institutions and donors
- Build and manage strategic relationships with research institutions, academic partners, and funding organisations
- Identify and secure research funding opportunities to support the Institute’s research pipeline
- Design and conduct cross-sector ICT research projects and impact evaluations from inception to completion
- Analyse research trends and produce evidence-based insights to support institutional and policy decision-making
- Publish and disseminate research findings and recommendations through appropriate channels and platforms
- Support new initiatives and strategic projects of the Institute as directed by management
Required Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Business Management, or a related field
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline
- At least 3 years of proven experience conducting independent research
- At least 2 years of proven experience leading quantitative and mixed methods research studies
Desirable:
- PhD in a relevant field — this is an added advantage and will strengthen your application
- Prior experience working in an ICT policy, telecommunications, or development research environment
- Demonstrated track record of successful research proposal development with a high funding win rate
Skills and Competencies
- Proven ability to develop research proposals that win competitive funding
- Strong data analysis skills including proficiency in GIS and statistical software tools
- Excellent report writing and academic communication skills — you produce clear, credible, well-structured outputs
- Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships across government, academia, and the private sector
- Strong planning and task management — able to prioritise and deliver across multiple concurrent projects
- Sound judgement and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision
What AFRALTI Offers
Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. AFRALTI is a regional institution with Pan-African reach, offering its staff meaningful exposure to high-level ICT policy research, regional partnerships, and development sector networks. This is a strong career-building role for an ambitious research professional looking to work at the intersection of technology and development in Africa.
About AFRALTI
AFRALTI — the African Advanced Level Telecommunications Institute — is a regional centre of excellence for ICT training, research, and consultancy headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. The Institute was established under the auspices of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and serves member states across Africa by building ICT capacity through training programmes, applied research, and technical consultancy.
AFRALTI works closely with governments, regulatory bodies, telecommunications operators, and development partners to deliver research and capacity-building programmes that advance digital development across the continent. The Institute has a strong reputation in the East African ICT training and research space and continues to expand its research portfolio and regional partnerships.
How to Apply
Send your application directly to AFRALTI’s recruitment team by email. Follow these steps:
- Prepare an updated CV clearly showing your research experience, qualifications, and any funded research projects you have led
- Write a tailored cover letter addressed to the AFRALTI recruitment team, explaining why you are the right fit for this role
- Email both documents to recruitment@afralti.org
- Use a clear subject line such as: Application – Research Officer – [Your Full Name]
- Check the AFRALTI website for any additional application instructions before submitting
Application Deadline
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Documents Required
- Updated CV highlighting research experience and qualifications
- Cover letter tailored to the Research Officer role
- Copies of academic certificates (Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees)
- Any supporting documents demonstrating funded research or published work (optional but advantageous)
