Research and Policy Officer – IGC South Africa – 23 octobre 2026

Contexte

Are you passionate about economic development, affordable housing, urban planning, and public policy? The International Growth Centre (IGC) is inviting applications for a Research and Policy Officer position focused on affordable housing and spatial reform in South Africa.

This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a background in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related discipline who want to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable urban development. The position is offered as a remote, South Africa-based consultancy running until March 2028, providing an opportunity to work with researchers, government stakeholders, and development partners on policy challenges affecting cities and communities.

If you have strong research, communication, and project management skills and want to help shape policies that improve housing affordability and urban development, this could be an exciting next step in your career.

The International Growth Centre works with policymakers to promote sustainable growth through rigorous research and evidence-based policy advice.

Its work brings together researchers and decision-makers to identify practical solutions to economic and development challenges. Through research partnerships and policy engagement, the organisation aims to help governments make informed decisions that improve economic opportunities and development outcomes.

This Research and Policy Officer opportunity focuses on affordable housing and spatial reform, two important issues for South Africa’s cities and communities.

What is the Research and Policy Officer Role About?

The successful candidate will support the delivery of research and policy work related to affordable housing, urban development, and spatial reform.

Working closely with the programme team and researchers, the officer will help coordinate research projects, synthesise evidence, engage with government and development partners, and translate research findings into practical policy outputs.

The position combines research coordination with stakeholder engagement and policy communication. It may suit someone who enjoys working at the intersection of academic research, government policy, and economic development.

Missions et responsabilités

The Research and Policy Officer will contribute to several important activities.

• Research Project Coordination : The role involves coordinating research projects and supporting researchers and programme colleagues to ensure that activities progress effectively. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines will be valuable.
• Evidence Synthesis : The successful candidate will help bring together research findings and evidence relevant to affordable housing and spatial reform. This may involve reviewing research, summarising findings, identifying policy implications, and preparing accessible materials for different audiences.
• Government and Development Partner Engagement : The officer will support engagement with government institutions and development partners, helping strengthen connections between research and policy priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills will be important for working with different stakeholders.
• Policy Communication : The position will involve helping translate research findings into practical policy outputs. This requires the ability to communicate complex research clearly and explain how evidence can inform decisions about housing, urban development, and spatial planning.

Profil recherché

The opportunity is intended for candidates with relevant academic qualifications, research skills, and an interest in development policy.

Applicants should have:

• A degree in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field.
• A master’s degree, which is preferred.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Good project management and organisational abilities.
• An interest in affordable housing, urban development, and spatial reform.
• The ability to work with researchers and engage with policy stakeholders.

Candidates should carefully review the original vacancy announcement or contact the organisation if they require clarification about additional eligibility requirements.

Conditions et avantages

• Organisation : International Growth Centre (IGC).
• Position : Research and Policy Officer.
• Work arrangement : Remote consultancy.
• Location requirement : South Africa-based.
• Contract duration : Until March 2028.
• Focus areas : Affordable housing, spatial reform, research coordination, and policy engagement.
• Application deadline : 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST.

Although the role is remote, applicants should note that it is specifically advertised as a South Africa-based consultancy. Candidates should confirm any residency, work authorisation, availability, or contracting requirements before applying.

Dossier de candidature

Interested candidates must submit their application by email. Prepare the following documents:

• A one-page CV : Your CV should clearly highlight your educational background, relevant research experience, project coordination skills, policy work, and any experience related to housing or urban development.
• A cover letter of up to two pages : Explain why you are interested in the position, how your qualifications match the requirements, and how your skills could contribute to IGC’s work on affordable housing and spatial reform. Where possible, include examples demonstrating your research, analytical, project management, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Save both documents as PDFs : Ensure that your CV and cover letter are clear, professionally formatted, and saved as separate PDF files.

Comment postuler

Send your documents by email to:

• Email address : [email protected]
• Subject line : South Africa Research and Policy Officer
• Application deadline : Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and send their applications before the deadline.