Head of Research & Policy at a Pan-African Downstream Energy Company

We are a pan-African downstream energy initiative dedicated to business facilitation, capacity building, and evidence-based policy advocacy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Research & Policy

Location: Lekki Lagos,
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) / Executive Director

Job Brief

• The Head of Research will lead the development of high-quality industry research, insights, and thought leadership that support the organization’s mission of promoting and developing business, policy, and operational relationships across the downstream energy value chain.
• The role will drive data-driven advocacy, inform B2B and B2G engagements, and underpin the design of programmes and capacity-building initiatives, including content leadership for its annual events.

Key Responsibilities
Research Strategy & Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive research strategy aligned with the organization’s objectives.
• Identify key industry trends, challenges, and opportunities within the downstream energy sector.
• Establish the organization as a leading source of intelligence and thought leadership in the industry.

Industry Research & Insights:

• Lead the production of reports, white papers, policy briefs, and market intelligence.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, and validation to ensure accuracy and credibility.
• Translate complex industry data into actionable insights for stakeholders.

Policy & Advocacy Support:

• Provide research-backed insights to support advocacy initiatives and policy engagement.
• Track regulatory developments and assess their impact on the downstream energy value chain.
• Develop position papers and recommendations to influence policy and industry direction.

Programme & Content Development:

• Collaborate with the Business Development and Programmes team to design research-driven initiatives and capacity-building programmes.
• Lead content development for industry events, especially the annual events (e.g., agenda themes, speaker briefs, session insights).
• Ensure all programmes are grounded in credible data and industry relevance.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration:

• Engage with industry players, regulators, academia, and development partners to gather insights and validate research outputs.
• Build partnerships for joint research, publications, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
• Represent the organization in research forums, conferences, and policy discussions.

Knowledge Management & Dissemination:

• Develop systems for managing and disseminating research outputs effectively.
• Leverage digital platforms, publications, and events to amplify research visibility and impact.
• Ensure consistent branding and positioning of the organization as a thought leader.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Quality, relevance, and impact of research outputs
• Influence on policy discussions and industry decision-making
• Contribution to programme design and event content
• Stakeholder engagement and partnerships in research initiatives
• Visibility and credibility of the organization as a thought leader

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Energy Studies, Public Policy, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 7–10 years’ experience in research, policy analysis, or industry intelligence, preferably within the energy sector.
• Proven experience in producing high-quality research publications and policy papers.
• Strong understanding of the downstream energy value chain in Africa.
• Experience engaging with government, regulators, and private sector stakeholders.

Core Competencies:

• Research & Analytical Expertise
• Policy Analysis & Interpretation
• Strategic Thinking
• Data Interpretation & Storytelling
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leadership & Team Development.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Applications to: jobs@otlafrica.com using the job title as the subject of the email

Note: Only qualified candidates will be contacted.