Assistant Research and Partnerships Officer

Job Description

The Association of African Higher Education Financing Agencies (AAHEFA) is a regional organization dedicated to strengthening higher education financing systems, fostering collaboration among member institutions, and advancing research and policy development across Africa. The organization works with governments, development partners, and higher education stakeholders to improve access, quality, and sustainability of higher education financing.

AAHEFA is seeking to recruit an Assistant Research and Partnerships Officer to support its communications, research, and stakeholder engagement functions. The role is designed to strengthen the organization’s visibility and evidence-based programming by assisting in the development of communication materials, coordination of research activities, and management of institutional knowledge systems.

Responsibilities

• Draft and edit professional communication materials, including emails, reports, newsletters, meeting briefs, concept notes, and institutional updates
• Support development of content for AAHEFA’s website, social media platforms, and stakeholder engagement activities
• Assist in preparing presentations, visibility materials, and conference documentation
• Maintain organized digital archives of communication materials and institutional records
• Conduct background research, literature reviews, and data collection on higher education financing, policy, partnerships, and related thematic areas
• Prepare research summaries, briefing notes, analytical reports, and policy-related documentation
• Track institutional partnerships, programmes, conferences, and strategic engagements
• Support knowledge management processes, including documentation, filing, and information consolidation
• Assist in organizing meetings, workshops, webinars, and conferences, including agenda preparation, minute taking, participant coordination, and follow-up actions
• Support communication and coordination with member institutions, partners, consultants, and external stakeholders
• Assist in preparing official correspondence and follow-up communications
• Support coordination of programme and communication activities
• Assist with scheduling, documentation, and operational logistics where required
• Maintain organized institutional records and databases

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, international relations, development studies, public policy, research, social sciences, or a related field
• At least 1 year of relevant experience or internship exposure in communications, research, programme support, or institutional support roles (added advantage)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
• Strong report writing, presentation development, and documentation skills
• Familiarity with digital communication tools (e.g., Canva, content management systems, cloud collaboration tools) is an added advantage
• Basic research and data analysis skills are desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Strong professional writing and editing abilities
• Ability to gather, synthesize, and present information clearly and accurately
• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong coordination and documentation skills
• Ability to handle sensitive institutional information with confidentiality and professionalism
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural and professional environment

General Conditions

• Internship position based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Duration and terms of engagement as per AAHEFA internship policy
• Reporting to the designated supervisor within the research and partnerships unit
• Successful candidate must demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and commitment to organizational values
• Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-stakeholder environment is required
• Application deadline: 05 July 2026

How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application to [email protected] with a detailed CV, cover letter, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, and three referees.