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The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) is currently offering two unique career opportunities for passionate professionals looking to contribute to Africa’s governance and development landscape. These roles offer not only a chance to be part of a high-impact, globally respected institution, but also an opportunity to directly support initiatives that promote good governance and leadership across the African continent.
As a non-profit organisation with a strong pan-African mission, the Foundation works through data-driven research, leadership development, and public discourse to improve political and economic governance. With a reputation for excellence and evidence-based policy advocacy, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is now hiring a Data Manager/Senior Data Scientist and a Junior Researcher to join its London-based team.
1. Data Manager / Senior Data Scientist
This senior-level position will be central to the design, management, and expansion of the Foundation’s data strategy, particularly in relation to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG), one of the continent’s most respected and comprehensive governance datasets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the strategic development and implementation of the Foundation’s data architecture.
- Oversee the management, validation, and updating of complex datasets, including those that feed into the IIAG.
- Manage external data providers and partnerships.
- Support internal teams and stakeholders by providing high-quality data analysis and insights.
- Ensure the accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of public-facing data tools and portals.
- Collaborate on publications, reports, and special projects, ensuring data integrity throughout.
Essential Requirements:
- A Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Quantitative Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Proven experience (5+ years) in data management and advanced analytics, preferably within international development, governance, or public policy sectors.
- High-level proficiency in data processing tools and languages (e.g., R, Python, SQL).
- Demonstrated experience working with large-scale, complex, and longitudinal datasets.
- Strong understanding of data visualisation best practices and user-facing interfaces.
- Familiarity with African governance indicators, public sector data, or socioeconomic metrics is a strong asset.
- Experience managing technical teams or coordinating with external data contractors is preferred.
This is a strategic role for someone passionate about data’s power to inform and influence governance outcomes. The ideal candidate is analytical, collaborative, and driven to create systems that support knowledge transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
2. Junior Researcher / Analyst
The Junior Researcher will support the Foundation’s small but high-impact research team, contributing directly to its core outputs and initiatives. This role is an ideal entry point for a recent graduate or early-career professional with a strong academic background and a keen interest in African governance, development, or international affairs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist in data collection, cleaning, and interpretation across various Foundation projects, including the IIAG and the Ibrahim Forum.
- Support in drafting research papers, policy briefs, and internal memos.
- Help coordinate the logistics and content development of events, roundtables, and webinars.
- Engage in quality control of outputs, ensuring factual accuracy and alignment with the Foundation’s strategic goals
Essential Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Political Science, African Studies, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, or a closely related field.
- 1–2 years of experience (including internships or academic placements) in a research or policy setting.
- Solid grounding in research methods, data interpretation, and statistical literacy.
- Strong writing and communication skills, with an ability to summarise complex information clearly.
- An interest in African political, social, and economic dynamics is essential.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written); additional languages, particularly French or Arabic, are an asset.
The Foundation is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual who thrives in a collaborative, intellectually rigorous environment. A willingness to learn, a passion for Africa’s development, and a solution-oriented mindset are key traits for success in this role.
Why Work with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation?
Founded by Dr Mo Ibrahim, the Foundation has become a global thought leader on African governance. Its flagship initiatives—the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, and the Ibrahim Governance Weekend—offer platforms for meaningful policy dialogue and accountability.
By joining the Foundation’s Secretariat team in London, successful applicants will gain access to:
- A mission-driven organisation with real-world influence.
- A collaborative, multicultural work environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and engagement in high-level regional forums.
- A front-row seat to the dynamics shaping the African continent’s future.
Application Process
For both roles, candidates are invited to download the full job descriptions and application instructions from the official Mo Ibrahim Foundation website under the Jobs section.
Applications should include:
- A tailored CV outlining relevant experience.
- A motivation letter highlighting the applicant’s interest in the role and the Foundation’s work.
- Any supporting documentation required as per the full job listing.
Application deadlines and starting dates are not explicitly stated in the preview but are likely rolling—early application is strongly encouraged. The Foundation values diversity and welcomes applicants from all African countries and the global African diaspora.
Join a Team Driving Data, Dialogue, and Development
Whether you are a senior data professional looking to build systems that shape policy, or a young researcher eager to support one of the continent’s most influential governance institutions, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation offers a meaningful career path.
This is more than a job—it is a contribution to the transformation of governance in Africa.
