Assistant Research and Partnerships Officer (Internship)

Organization

Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA)

Position Details

Item	Details
Position Title	Assistant Research and Partnerships Officer
Contract Type	Internship
Duration	6 Months (Renewable)
Application Deadline	5 July 2026

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About AAHEFA

The Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies is a continental apex membership organization committed to advancing sustainable higher education financing, policy innovation, research, and institutional capacity across Africa.

Established in 2008, AAHEFA serves as a platform for information sharing, exchange of best practices, and collaboration on issues that enhance access and equity in higher education. Through partnerships with governments, higher education institutions, development partners, and the private sector, AAHEFA promotes equitable access to quality higher education, innovation, skills development, and socio-economic transformation across the continent.

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Position Summary

The Assistant Research and Partnerships Officer will support AAHEFA’s communication, stakeholder engagement, research, and knowledge management functions.

The successful candidate will assist with:

• Content development and institutional communication
• Research coordination and knowledge management
• Stakeholder engagement and partnership tracking
• Preparation of reports, presentations, concept notes, and newsletters
• Meeting documentation and conference support
• Digital communication and information dissemination

The role is designed to strengthen AAHEFA’s visibility, strategic communication, and evidence-based programming while supporting engagement with member institutions, partners, and external stakeholders.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Communication and Content Development

The Assistant will:

• Draft and edit professional communication materials, including:
  • Emails
  • Reports
  • Newsletters
  • Meeting briefs
  • Concept notes
  • Institutional updates
• Support content development for:
  • AAHEFA website
  • Social media platforms
  • Stakeholder engagement activities
• Assist in preparing:
  • Presentations
  • Visibility materials
  • Conference documentation
• Maintain organized digital archives of communication materials and institutional records.

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2. Research and Knowledge Management

The Assistant will:

• Conduct background research, literature reviews, and data collection on:
  • Higher education financing
  • Education policy
  • Partnerships
  • Related thematic areas
• Support preparation of:
  • Research summaries
  • Briefing notes
  • Analytical reports
  • Policy documentation
• Track institutional partnerships, programmes, conferences, and strategic engagements.
• Support knowledge management processes through documentation, filing, and information consolidation.

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3. Stakeholder and Meeting Coordination

The Assistant will:

• Assist in organizing:
  • Meetings
  • Workshops
  • Webinars
  • Conferences
• Support:
  • Agenda preparation
  • Minute taking
  • Participant coordination
  • Follow-up actions
• Coordinate communication with:
  • Member institutions
  • Partners
  • Consultants
  • External stakeholders
• Prepare official correspondence and follow-up communications.

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4. Administrative and Operational Support

The Assistant will:

• Support programme and communication activities.
• Assist with scheduling and operational logistics.
• Maintain organized institutional records and databases.
• Provide general administrative support where required.

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Qualifications and Experience

Education

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following areas:

• Communications
• Public Relations
• Journalism
• International Relations
• Development Studies
• Public Policy
• Research
• Social Sciences
• Any related field

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Experience

Applicants should have:

• At least one (1) year of relevant experience or internship exposure in:
  • Communications
  • Research
  • Programme support
  • Institutional support roles

Relevant experience is considered an added advantage.

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Technical Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Presentation development skills.
• Familiarity with:
  • Canva
  • Cloud-based collaboration tools
  • Content management systems (CMS)

These are considered added advantages.

• Basic research and data analysis skills are desirable.

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Required Competencies

Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong professional writing and editing abilities.

Research and Analytical Skills

• Ability to gather, synthesize, and present information accurately.
• Strong analytical thinking and attention to detail.

Organizational Skills

• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Strong coordination and documentation capabilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Professionalism and Integrity

• Ability to handle sensitive institutional information with confidentiality and professionalism.

Teamwork and Initiative

• Ability to work collaboratively within a multicultural and professional environment.

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Application Procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications via email to:

recruitment@aahefa.org

Required Documents

Applicants must attach:

1. A recent Curriculum Vitae (CV)
2. A Cover Letter
3. Copies of relevant academic and professional certificates
4. Contact details of three referees

Deadline

All applications must be submitted on or before 5 July 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted.