Nala Center Launches Associate Fellows Programme for Policy Researchers Across Africa
NAIROBI, Kenya – June 11, 2026 – The Nala Center, a research and policy institution dedicated to driving transformative change across Africa, has opened applications for its Associate Fellows Programme, inviting motivated individuals to contribute to rigorous research, policy engagement, and public dialogue.
The programme offers a voluntary, non-remunerated engagement for researchers, policy enthusiasts, and practitioners who wish to advance evidence-based dialogue shaping governance, security, and development outcomes across the African continent.
Five strategic focus areas
Nala Center’s work spans five critical areas that address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges. These include:
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Peace and Security – Examining conflict dynamics, peacebuilding mechanisms, and security architecture across the continent.
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Democracy, Governance and Civic Innovation – Exploring democratic institutions, governance reforms, and innovative civic engagement models.
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Economic Systems, Equity and Inclusive Development – Analysing economic policies, inequality, and pathways to sustainable and inclusive growth.
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Sustainable Energy and Climate Resilience – Investigating clean energy transitions, climate adaptation strategies, and environmental sustainability.
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Migration, Mobility and Human Rights – Studying population movements, displacement, and the protection of migrant rights.
Associate Fellows are expected to contribute their time, expertise, and insights to research and policy work within one or more of these focus areas.
Nature of the role
The Associate Fellows Programme is a voluntary, non-remunerated engagement. There is no salary, stipend, or other financial compensation attached to the role. Associate Fellows contribute on a pro bono basis, dedicating their expertise to advance the centre’s mission of driving meaningful and lasting change through transformative research, strategic insights, and inclusive dialogue.
Benefits of becoming an Associate Fellow
Despite the voluntary nature of the role, Associate Fellows stand to gain significant professional benefits that can enhance their careers in research, policy, and academia.
Publication and amplification – Fellows receive opportunities to publish and promote their research through Nala Center’s platforms and networks, increasing the reach and impact of their work.
Policy influence – The programme offers direct contribution to evidence-based dialogue shaping governance, security, and development outcomes across Africa, allowing Fellows to see their research inform real-world decision-making.
Professional visibility – Associate Fellows are recognised on Nala Center’s website, publications, and communications, enhancing their professional profiles and credibility.
Networking – Participants gain access to a growing ecosystem of researchers, policymakers, and practitioners across Africa and beyond, building valuable connections that can support future collaborations and career opportunities.
Collaboration – Fellows engage with a peer community committed to rigorous, impact-driven research and policy work, fostering intellectual exchange and mutual support.
Eligibility criteria
Nala Center has established five key criteria for prospective Associate Fellows.
Applicants must hold a university-level qualification or possess equivalent professional experience in a field relevant to the centre’s work. They must demonstrate a proven interest or experience in one or more of Nala Center’s five focus areas.
Strong written proficiency in English is required, as English serves as the working language of the centre. Candidates must also show genuine commitment to advancing research and policy, along with a willingness to dedicate the necessary time and effort to contribute meaningfully.
Finally, applicants must uphold strong ethical values, including integrity, humility, openness, and respect for diverse perspectives – principles that underpin the centre’s approach to inclusive dialogue.
Application process and deadline
Interested individuals are invited to complete a detailed application through Nala Center’s website. The centre emphasises that applications should be completed carefully and thoroughly, reflecting the rigorous standards of the programme.
The application deadline is July 8, 2026, at 23:59 East Africa Time (EAT) .
For more information about the programme, prospective applicants can visit Nala Center’s official website at www.nalacenter.org. For any issues with the application form, inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
A mission-driven opportunity
The Nala Center describes itself as an institution dedicated to driving meaningful and lasting change through transformative research, strategic insights, and inclusive dialogue for a sustainable future. The Associate Fellows Programme reflects this mission by bringing together a community of researchers and practitioners committed to impact-driven work.
While the role offers no financial compensation, the professional visibility, publication opportunities, policy influence, and networking access make it an attractive option for early-career researchers, academics seeking to expand their policy engagement, and experienced practitioners wishing to contribute their expertise to Africa’s development challenges.
