The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) has announced two exciting opportunities for African researchers, policy analysts, and development professionals. The opportunities include Research Assistant positions based in South Africa and the newly launched UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance for Development.
These opportunities aim to strengthen research capacity, improve evidence-based policymaking, and support the development of skilled professionals working in economics, taxation, public finance, and development policy across Africa.
Research Assistant Opportunities in South Africa
UNU-WIDER is currently seeking Research Assistants to support the expansion and management of tax administrative and microdata resources at South Africa’s National Treasury Secure Data Facility (NT-SDF) in Pretoria.
The selected candidates will work closely with the Data Team and contribute to the development of high-quality datasets that support economic research and policy analysis. This opportunity is particularly suitable for individuals interested in data science, public finance, taxation, development economics, and evidence-based policymaking.
Key Responsibilities
Research Assistants will be expected to:
- Build and expand tax administrative datasets.
- Support the management and organization of large-scale microdata.
- Assist researchers and policymakers in accessing high-quality data resources.
- Contribute to projects that strengthen evidence-based economic policy formulation.
- Work collaboratively with experts involved in data infrastructure and research development.
The role offers a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience working with administrative tax data and big data systems while contributing to policy-relevant research in South Africa.
Application Deadline
- Closing Date: 9 June 2026
UNU-WIDER and African Union Launch Winter School on Public Finance
In addition to recruitment opportunities, UNU-WIDER has partnered with the African Union to launch a specialized Winter School on Public Finance for Development.
The programme is designed for African policy analysts, researchers, and professionals seeking to strengthen their expertise in public economics and fiscal policy. Participants will receive advanced training focused on the practical application of public finance tools to address development challenges across the continent.
The initiative reflects growing recognition of the importance of effective fiscal management in achieving sustainable development goals and supporting economic transformation throughout Africa.
Focus Areas of the Winter School
The training programme will cover a range of topics in applied public economics, including:
- Public finance for development.
- Quantitative methods for policy analysis.
- Fiscal policy design and implementation.
- Revenue mobilization strategies.
- Evidence-based economic policymaking.
- Public sector resource management.
- Development economics and governance.
Participants will benefit from expert-led sessions and practical learning experiences that enhance their analytical and policy evaluation skills.
Why These Opportunities Matter
UNU-WIDER is globally recognized for producing high-quality research on development economics and public policy. Through these initiatives, the institute continues to invest in African research capacity and promote stronger connections between academic research and public decision-making.
The Research Assistant positions provide early-career professionals with valuable experience working on real-world data challenges, while the Winter School equips policy practitioners with tools to improve public finance systems and development outcomes.
These opportunities are particularly relevant at a time when African governments are increasingly seeking innovative approaches to taxation, public expenditure management, and sustainable economic development.
Benefits for Successful Participants
Individuals selected for these opportunities can expect:
- Exposure to internationally recognized research networks.
- Practical experience in policy-relevant economic research.
- Skills development in quantitative analysis and public finance.
- Opportunities to collaborate with leading economists and policymakers.
- Enhanced career prospects in academia, government, and international development organizations.
Who Should Apply?
The opportunities are ideal for:
- Early-career researchers.
- Policy analysts.
- Economists.
- Public finance specialists.
- Graduate students and young professionals interested in development economics.
- Individuals seeking to strengthen their expertise in taxation, fiscal policy, and economic development.
Application Information
Interested applicants should review the detailed eligibility requirements and application procedures through UNU-WIDER’s official opportunities portal.
Important Deadlines
- Research Assistant (Administrative Tax Data | Big Data), South Africa: 9 June 2026
- UNU-WIDER/African Union Winter School on Public Finance: 7 June 2026
Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before the respective deadlines to be considered for these competitive opportunities.
As one of the world’s leading development economics research institutes, UNU-WIDER continues to create pathways for researchers and policymakers to contribute to evidence-based solutions for Africa’s most pressing development challenges.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding
