Organization: The African Capacity Building Foundation
Department: Programs & Impact
Position Title: 2 Research Assistants—African School of Regulation
Duty Station: Accra, Ghana
Background/Job Purpose
The ASR aims to be a centre of excellence in energy regulation, providing practical skills built on a solid foundation, promoting independent discussion and knowledge exchange, conducting applied research to address emerging challenges, and providing a repository of resources and policy to achieve sustainable, reliable and affordable energy in Africa.
The ASR bases its intervention on lessons-learned and technical insights from actual experiences of regulatory implementation in African countries, as well as international best practices adapted to the African context.
The target audience for ASR activities are regulators, policy makers, academics, energy users and staff from utilities, mini-grid developers, solar home systems companies, consultants, investors, financial institutions and all other stakeholders working in the energy sector.
The ASR, has already organised different types of events such as: virtual conferences focusing on a single topical regulatory issue, webinars in French, a podcast series and “ASR talks” with energy sector experts. These different activities have demonstrated, firstly, the interest of African experts in the provision of regulatory capacity building on African energy issues and, secondly, the competence of the ASR team in designing and implementing these activities.
The Research Assistant will be involved in the effective implementation of ASR technical activities such as training courses or the organisation of various events (workshops, webinars, policy dialogues, conferences, etc.). S/he will support the Director and Senior Researcher and other colleagues in developing research activities and building the knowledge base platform.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Research Assistant will provide research support to the ASR Director and Senior Researcher and in the area of energy regulation and contribute to the core activities of the African School of Regulation.
- Assisting in the development of the programmed training activities – identifying and contacting instructors, helping in designing the programs, developing the educational resources, etc.
- Engaging in the preparation and execution of the ongoing and new policy dialogues;
- Designing and developing the knowledge base that will give support to other activities (reading scientific documents or reports published by other international institutions).
- Working with the ASR team to develop research projects, including proposal development, conducting research, stakeholder engagement and publication of research; and
- Supporting the general management of the ASR: identifying and contacting organisations, following-up with the contacts, preparing the inventory of educational resources, and the design of programs and action plans.
Desired Qualifications, Competencies and Experience
Essential:
- Master’s degree in Economics, Engineering or similar.
- Basic understanding of energy regulation in Africa proven by research and/or working experience.
- Proven experience in working with emerging markets.
- Demonstrated ability to work in international teams.
- Excellent writing ability.
Desirable:
- Basic understanding and/or experience of modelling tools.
Languages:
- Excellent knowledge of English is required
- Working knowledge of French is an advantage
About the African Capacity Building Foundation
The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), established in 1991, is dedicated to building human capital and institutional capacity across Africa. With 40-member states and international partners, ACBF has trained over 50,000 personnel in key public sector positions, established think tanks, and conducted pivotal policy research, cementing its position as Africa’s foremost institution for capacity development. The current ACBF strategy (2023-2027) prioritizes Climate Change and Energy, Agribusiness, Trade, and Governance.
About the African School of Regulation (ASR)
ASR is focused on building local capacity in energy regulation, advancing sound regulatory practices, and promoting a collaborative dialogue among regulators, policymakers, academics, and other energy stakeholders. Inspired by similar initiatives like the Florence School of Regulation, ASR is designed to help African countries build a sustainable energy sector. The ASR is currently being hosted by the ACBF in its regional office in Accra, Ghana.
For more information, visit the ASR website: ASR Home Page.
How to apply
Send your CV and Letter of intent to recruitment@africanschoolregulation.org.
Deadline for applications is 27th February, 2025.
