Research & Innovation Fellowship
Shaping Africa’s Future with Evidence, Equity, and Innovation for Impact
ACSPR Research & Innovation Fellowship Programme (ACSPR-RIF)
2026 Cohort | March – August 2026 (6 Months)
Theme: Evidence-driven research, ethical data use, knowledge translation, and innovation for inclusive development across Africa.
The ACSPR Research & Innovation Fellowship Programme is an intensive six-month capacity-building and applied research programme for early-to-mid-career African researchers, practitioners, and policy enthusiasts. It is not only training—it is an immersive, mentored experience where fellows work on real ACSPR programmes/projects and develop practical research or innovation outputs aligned with ACSPR's focus areas.
This fellowship responds to gaps in structured mentorship, applied research opportunities, data and analytics capacity, knowledge translation, and the responsible use of digital tools for public good by building practical, ethical, and locally grounded research leadership.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Across Africa, decision-making is increasingly expected to be evidence-driven, inclusive, and digitally enabled—yet gaps persist in structured mentorship, applied research opportunities, data and analytics capacity, knowledge translation, and the responsible use of digital tools for public good. This fellowship responds by building practical, ethical, and locally grounded research leadership, aligned with the SDGs, the UN Pact for the Future, and Africa's national and regional priorities on youth empowerment, inclusion, climate resilience, and accountable institutions.
Fellowship Tracks / Streams
Applicants may indicate one preferred track (and an optional second choice):
Research & Policy Track
Applied research, policy engagement, and evidence translation.
Typical outputs: research tools/protocols, report sections, policy briefs, stakeholder packs.
Data & AI Track
Data management, analysis, visualization/dashboards, and responsible AI concepts for development.
Typical outputs: cleaned datasets/codebooks, analysis memos, dashboards/prototypes, data/AI ethics notes.
Communications & Knowledge Translation Track
Public-facing writing, storytelling, packaging evidence, and dissemination.
Typical outputs: blogs/explainers, infographics, brief packaging, dissemination plans.
Operations & Partnerships Track
Coordination, stakeholder engagement, and proposal/programme support.
Typical outputs: stakeholder maps, coordination trackers, partner meeting notes, proposal components.
Note: To ensure consistent quality across diverse tracks, all fellows regardless of stream will participate in a set of core seminars covering: research ethics and safeguarding, research in African contexts, evidence-based programming, data literacy, and knowledge translation. Track-specific sessions will then build advanced competencies relevant to each stream.
Fellows Will Strengthen Competencies In
Research design and implementation (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods)
Data management, analysis, and visualization
Ethical research practice, safeguarding, and do-no-harm
Knowledge translation, policy engagement, and communications
Responsible data use, digital governance, and AI-for-development concepts
Duration: March 2026 – August 2026 (6 months)
Time commitment: 8–12 hours per week (part-time)
Eligibility Criteria (Minimum)
Be a citizen of an African country and residing on the continent.
Demonstrate interest in social research, population studies, public policy, health, education, climate, humanitarian response, or digital governance.
Be an early-career professional, final-year undergraduate, postgraduate student, or recent graduate (preferred).
Demonstrate commitment to ethical research and community engagement.
Submit a concept note (approx. 500 words) aligned with one ACSPR focus area. The concept note should demonstrate the applicant's research interests and problem-solving approach.
Be proficient in English.
Have reliable internet access and a computer for virtual sessions.
Be able to commit time consistently throughout the fellowship (8–12 hours/week recommended).
Note: Selection will be competency-based (skills, portfolio, concept feasibility, and commitment), not only academic qualifications.
What Fellows Will Gain
Practical Training
Comprehensive training across research, data, policy, and innovation
Mentorship
Guidance from ACSPR staff and affiliates
Real Project Experience
Participation in real projects with opportunities to contribute to publications
Resources & Tools
Access to ACSPR tools, templates, and learning resources
Showcase Opportunities
Fellows Spotlight features, newsletter highlights, blog publication opportunities through ACSPR platforms
Alumni Network
Membership in a growing alumni network and community of practice
Publishable Article
Each fellow will produce one well-researched article for potential ACSPR website/blog publication
Funding note: Any stipends, research facilitation support, travel/fieldwork costs, or software access are subject to funding availability and donor conditions and will be communicated clearly to selected fellows.
Fellowship Outputs & Expectations
Fellows are expected to:
Participate actively in trainings and mentorship sessions
Maintain professional conduct and comply with safeguarding and data protection requirements
Contribute to at least one programme/project deliverable
Produce one well-researched article (blog-style or commentary/insight piece) based on fellowship work
Present work during midline and endline learning events
All public outputs will follow ACSPR quality standards, ethics, and publication approval processes.
Key Dates
Call Opens
Applications open for RIF 2026 Cohort
Application Deadline
Final date for submitting applications
Shortlisting & Interviews
Review and interviewing of shortlisted candidates
Results Notification
Successful applicants will be notified
Fellowship Starts
Orientation and programme commencement
Fellowship Ends
Completion and graduation ceremony
Ready to Apply?
Join the 2026 cohort and contribute to evidence-driven development across Africa.
Application Package Required:
- Completed online application form
- CV (max 2–3 pages recommended)
- Motivation statement (500–800 words)
- Concept note (approx. 500 words) aligned to one ACSPR focus area
- Two referees (names and contacts)
- Optional: writing sample / portfolio / code sample (track-based)
Application deadline: 28th February 2026
Equal Opportunity Statement
ACSPR is an equal opportunity organisation. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, disability, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic background. Selection will be based on merit, programme fit, and commitment to ethical and inclusive practice. We particularly encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, refugees, and individuals from marginalized communities.
Programme • Research & Innovation Fellowship