This is an expression of interest for future assignments, not a guaranteed vacancy.
About the role
Research Fellows and Development Insights Contributors research and write evidence-based pieces on issues that matter to governments and donor-financed projects, from procurement and public finance to climate, energy and social protection. The opportunity suits early and mid-career researchers, postgraduates and practitioners who want published, practical work.
Risalat's insights help institutions make better decisions and shape the programmes we design. Fellows contribute research that is accurate, sourced and useful. Engagements are time-limited and agreed individually; any volunteer contribution is genuinely optional, lawful and never replaces paid client work.
Responsibilities
- Research agreed topics using original sources such as donor project documents, government reports and official statistics.
- Write clear, well-structured articles or briefs for a practitioner audience.
- Summarise reforms, regulations and project findings accurately and neutrally.
- Prepare tables or simple charts from published data, with sources.
- Check every factual claim and record the source.
- Respond to editorial feedback and revise drafts.
- Suggest new topics based on emerging policy or project developments.
- Respect copyright, data protection and research ethics.
Outputs and success measures
- Sourced articles or research briefs.
- A short source list and fact-check notes for each piece.
- Data tables or simple charts where useful.
- Topic proposals linked to current reforms or projects.
- Revised final drafts ready for publication.
What we are looking for
Essential
- A degree in economics, public policy, development studies, environment, finance or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Clear, concise writing in English.
- Careful use and citation of sources.
- Ability to work independently to agreed deadlines.
- Understanding of research ethics and copyright.
Desirable
- Familiarity with World Bank, ADB, AfDB, EU or UN project documents.
- Postgraduate study or published work.
- Data skills in Excel or similar tools.
- Knowledge of a specific region or sector.
Tools and skills
What you gain
- Published, credited work that strengthens your professional profile.
- Editorial feedback from an experienced team.
- Insight into how donor-financed projects and reforms work in practice.
- A reference for work completed, where the engagement allows.
How we work
Fellowships are time-limited and remote, with topics, deadlines and terms agreed in writing at the start. Paid research and volunteer contributions are clearly distinguished in the agreement. Volunteer contributions are optional and lawful in your country.
Assignments, working hours, fees, deliverables and location are agreed in writing before work begins. This listing does not guarantee selection, paid work or a minimum number of assignments. Applicants employed elsewhere must comply with employer policies and disclose conflicts of interest.
Selection process
- Apply online with your background and a writing sample.
- We review relevance, writing quality and research approach.
- A short call to agree topics, timing and the type of engagement.
- A written agreement before research begins.
We assess every application on relevance, demonstrated work and current project needs.
Ethics and independence
- Institutional ambassadors are knowledge and learning connectors, not undisclosed sales agents. They never seek confidential procurement information, influence tender decisions, promise selection or receive payments tied to decisions they control.
- Please disclose any public employment, procurement authority and outside-work restrictions that apply to you.
- Programme reviewers give independent technical feedback, not purchased endorsements.
- Volunteer research is always optional, lawful and never replaces paid client work.
- Contributors obtain permission before using employer titles, logos, recordings, confidential cases or institutional affiliations.
Questions
Is this paid?
Some engagements are paid research and some are voluntary contributions. The type is agreed in writing before you start, and volunteer work never replaces paid client work.
Can students apply?
Yes, postgraduate students and recent graduates are welcome if they can show strong research and writing.
Will my work be published under my name?
Usually yes, with your agreement and after editorial review.