Nextier, a multi-competency advisory firm focused on evidence-based policy and development outcomes, has opened applications for a Senior Fellow – Thought Leadership and Policy Impact, a role it describes as central to shaping ideas that influence Africa’s governance and economic trajectory.
According to the firm, the Senior Fellow appointment is reserved for an established academic, scholar, or senior policy practitioner with a proven record of intellectual leadership. The role combines deep research engagement with practical advisory influence, reflecting Nextier’s positioning at the intersection of policy analysis and real-world decision-making.
Nextier Senior Fellow Job Description
Based in Abuja with remote options available, the Senior Fellow will report directly to Nextier’s founding and executive leadership. The firm says the role is designed to strengthen its intellectual capital, deepen the quality of its advisory work, and elevate its contribution to national and continental policy conversations.
At the core of the role is thought leadership. The Senior Fellow will lead high-level research programmes, produce influential policy papers and commentaries, and help translate complex analysis into actionable insights for public- and private-sector leaders. The position also carries a strong mentoring mandate, with responsibility for guiding internal research teams and fostering a culture of analytical rigour.
Nextier emphasises that the Senior Fellow will not operate in an academic silo. Instead, the role explicitly integrates research into advisory delivery—ensuring that ideas tested in papers and policy briefs inform strategy, governance reform, and institutional decision-making. The firm also expects the appointee to represent Nextier at national and international forums, reinforcing its profile as a centre of intellectual excellence on African development issues.
Applicants are expected to hold an advanced degree, typically a PhD or equivalent, and to demonstrate a record of high-impact publications or policy outputs. Experience advising senior government officials, development institutions, or corporate leadership is considered essential, as is the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to non-academic audiences.
Describing the role, Nextier frames it as more than a conventional appointment. It positions the Senior Fellowship as a platform for shaping debates before policy is implemented, reflecting the firm’s belief that Africa’s development challenges require both global perspective and grounded local insight.
Applications, including a CV and a vision-focused cover letter, are open to candidates with strong networks across academia, policy, and development circles, and submissions are being received by Nextier’s recruitment team.
