Chatham House’s Africa Programme is taking applications for a full-time, permanent Research Fellow (West Africa) based in London. The role centers on policy research and convening work on West Africa, with substantial attention to Nigeria, and carries an annual salary of £45,000.
Key facts
- The post sits within the Chatham House Africa Programme.
- It is a full-time, permanent position based in London.
- The annual salary is £45,000.
- The work focuses on West Africa, including significant research on Nigeria.
- The application deadline is 29 September 2026 at 23:59 BST.
What does this mean for researchers and job applicants?
The vacancy is aimed at experienced policy researchers with a substantial track record on West Africa, not entry-level applicants. Chatham House says the successful candidate will contribute to research projects, publications, stakeholder engagement, events and conferences across politics, governance, economy and trade, security, and wider regional and international relations.
Applicants are expected to bring experience developing successful research proposals, strong analytical and communication skills, policy-relevant publications, and evidence that their research has had demonstrable impact. The role is hybrid, but it is not fully remote: the successful candidate must work onsite at the London office at least two days a week.
- Location: St James’s Square, London
- Working pattern: Hybrid, with at least two onsite days each week
- Deadline: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 23:59 BST
- Support: Applicants needing adjustments can contact HR@Chathamhouse.org
What kind of research will the fellow do?
The position covers policy research on West Africa across several themes: politics and governance, economy and trade, security, regional affairs, international relations, and policy analysis. Chatham House says the role will also involve significant work on Nigeria, while leaving room for the researcher to expand regional coverage over time.
In practice, that means the fellow will not be confined to a narrow subject area. The job combines research design and delivery with the production and dissemination of findings, and it includes support for events and conferences intended to bring in a broad range of voices and perspectives.
Who is Chatham House looking for?
Chatham House says it wants an experienced policy researcher with a significant track record in West African research. The advertisement also highlights strong analytical ability, excellent writing and communication skills, experience producing work with demonstrable impact, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
The role is framed as policy-oriented rather than purely academic. Applicants are expected to show they can turn research ideas into structured projects, communicate clearly to policy audiences, and contribute to work that is relevant to policymakers and public debate.
How can applicants apply?
The application deadline is Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 23:59 BST. The vacancy information says the full job description and application process are available through the Chatham House careers portal.
Chatham House also describes itself as an equal opportunity employer and says it encourages applications from people from all backgrounds. It offers flexible working, approximately 37 days of annual leave including public holidays and closure days, a pension salary exchange arrangement, an employee assistance programme, and parental leave.
 in London for £45,000, with work on Nigeria and a 29 September 2026 deadline.){kind=link}