Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) Young Talent Program 2026 (Paid Research Opportunity for Young Professionals)
Applications are now open for the Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) Young Talent Program 2026, a unique professional development opportunity for young professionals and recent graduates who are passionate about African policy research, international affairs, and evidence-based policymaking.
The APRI Young Talent Program is a recurring initiative that offers participants practical experience working with one of Africa’s leading independent policy think tanks. Successful applicants will contribute to research, policy analysis, communications, and stakeholder engagement while working alongside experienced researchers and policy experts.
Program Summary
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) |
| Program Type | Young Talent Program |
| Location | Remote, Berlin (Germany), or Abuja (Nigeria), depending on the role |
| Eligible Applicants | Young professionals and recent graduates worldwide |
| Duration | Varies by internship placement |
| Start Date | First cohort begins January 2027 |
| Application Deadline | 31 July 2026 |
About the APRI Young Talent Program
The APRI Young Talent Program is designed to give early-career professionals first-hand experience in policy research and think tank operations. Participants contribute to ongoing research projects while developing practical skills in policy analysis, writing, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
Each cohort is recruited according to the current needs of APRI’s research programmes, with opportunities available in areas such as:
- Geopolitics and Geoeconomics
- Just Green Technology Transition
Participants gain valuable exposure to how evidence-based research informs policy debates across Africa and Europe while working within a multicultural and collaborative environment.
Responsibilities
Selected participants may be expected to:
- Conduct policy and background research.
- Assist with data collection, analysis, and visualization.
- Support report writing, editing, and policy publications.
- Contribute to communication and advocacy materials.
- Help organize conferences, workshops, webinars, and stakeholder events.
- Assist programme teams with administrative and research-related tasks.
- Collaborate with researchers across different thematic areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants should:
- Be young professionals or recent graduates interested in African policy research.
- Hold a graduate degree (completed or recently completed) in a relevant discipline such as:
- International Relations
- Political Economy
- Development Studies
- African Studies
- Public Policy
- Economics
- Political Science
- Or another related field.
- Possess strong research and analytical skills.
- Demonstrate excellent English writing and communication skills (additional languages are an advantage).
- Be able to work independently and collaboratively within an international team.
- Have strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Be willing to work within GMT+1 (Nigeria) or GMT+2 (Germany) time zones.
Additional Requirements
- Applicants currently studying in Europe must be enrolled at a European university where the internship qualifies as a mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum).
- Applicants from Africa and other regions may apply even if they are not currently enrolled, provided they have recently graduated or are between academic programmes.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants who:
- Have completed graduate studies in a relevant field.
- Have experience in policy research or data analysis.
- Have skills in data visualization.
- Can spend part or all of the internship period in APRI’s offices in Berlin or Abuja, although remote participation is possible for many roles.
Benefits
Participants will:
- Gain practical experience in an internationally recognized African policy think tank.
- Work directly with experienced researchers and policy experts.
- Build professional research, writing, and analytical skills.
- Contribute to influential policy publications.
- Expand their international professional network.
- Receive mentorship and career development opportunities.
- Gain valuable experience for careers in research, international development, government, and public policy.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Review of submitted applications.
- A short introductory interview with the Human Resources team.
- Interview with a Programme Head or Team Lead.
- Successful candidates receive placement offers based on programme needs and thematic alignment.
Strong applicants who are not immediately placed may be retained in APRI’s talent pool for future internship opportunities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants should submit one PDF document containing:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages).
- Brief statement of interest.
- Preferred internship availability (start and end dates).
- Preferred programme area:
- Geopolitics & Geoeconomics, or
- Just Green Technology Transition.
Applicants should indicate their programme preference in the Remarks section of the application.
How to Apply
- Visit the official APRI opportunities page.
- Prepare a single PDF containing all required documents.
- Complete the online application.
- Submit your application before the deadline.
- Wait for communication from the APRI recruitment team regarding the next stage of the selection process.
Application Deadline
31 July 2026
The first successful cohort is expected to begin the programme in January 2027. Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the programme is highly competitive.
Scholarships Expiring Soon
Conclusion
The Africa Policy Research Institute (APRI) Young Talent Program 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring researchers and policy professionals seeking practical experience in African development, governance, economics, and international policy. Participants will develop valuable professional skills while contributing to meaningful research that shapes policy discussions across Africa and Europe.
