Consultancy Offer: Call for Scientific Mentors

Programme

What Works for Young Women and Marginalised Youth: Review of Inclusive Youth Employment Policies & Interventions in Africa 

Programme webpage
 

Background

PEP, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is implementing a multi-country research initiative to generate actionable, youth-centred evidence on inclusive youth employment policies and programmes. The project focuses on rural young women, youth with disabilities, and refugees/internally displaced persons (RDPs/IDPs) across 10 African countries.

We are now seeking Scientific Mentors to provide high-level technical guidance, quality assurance, and mentorship to National Research Teams (NRTs) in the 6 deep-dive countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, DRC, Burkina Faso, Niger) and 4 desk review countries (Rwanda, Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria).

A mentor is expected to support research in up to two countries.
 

Role Overview 

Scientific Mentors will offer strategic and methodological support to ensure rigorous, ethical, and contextually grounded research. This includes:

• Advising on research design, tools, sampling, and analysis (qualitative and participatory methods)
• Providing quality assurance and peer review of key deliverables (desk reviews, emerging findings briefs, country reports, policy briefs)
• Mentoring junior researchers and NRT members, with emphasis on capacity building
• Supporting intersectional and youth-centred approaches (co-creation with YABs, inclusion of marginalised voices)
• Offering guidance on policy relevance and uptake (political economy considerations, stakeholder engagement)
   

Commitment & Duration

• Part-time consultancy (estimated 5–10 days per quarter, flexible)
• Duration: March 2026 – June 2028 (with possibility of extension)
• Remote, with occasional virtual/in-person participation in Advisory Board meetings or inception events
• Remuneration: Competitive daily rate + travel reimbursement (if required)
   

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

Essential Requirements

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant field: Sociology, Political Science, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Anthropology, or related social science.
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in policy-oriented research, preferably in youth employment, inclusion, gender, disability, or displacement
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative/participatory research methods and political economy analysis
• Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals or policy reports
• Proven mentoring or capacity-building experience with research teams in Africa
• Fluency in English and in the local language that the researcher would aim to mentor (French/Arabic/other local languages an advantage)
• Commitment to ethical research, safeguarding, and inclusion of marginalised groups
• Familiarity with the local context of at least two of the countries of this study.

Desirable Qualities

• Experience working in one of the 10 focus countries (or similar fragile/conflict-affected contexts)
• Familiarity with youth co-creation and participatory approaches
• Track record of translating research into policy influence (e.g., engagement with governments, UN agencies, or development partners)
• Availability for regular virtual check-ins and occasional travel
   

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit:

1. CV (max 3 pages) highlighting relevant experience and publications
2. Cover letter (1 page) explaining 
   1. Brief motivation to participate in this initiative:
   2. Profile’s fit with the project objectives: thematic and policy relevance
   3. Familiarity with at least two countries, 
   4. Approach to mentoring diverse teams.
3. Submission by email to: aissatou.diop@pep-net.org with the subject line: “Scientific mentor Application – [Your Full Name]”
    

Timeframe

Deadline: 11 March 2026 
Shortlisting & Interviews: Mid-March 2026 
Expected start: Late March / early April 2026

PEP is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented groups or the focus countries.

We look forward to your applications and to building a strong advisory team together.