Are you passionate about economic development, affordable housing, urban planning, and public policy? The International Growth Centre (IGC) is inviting applications for a Research and Policy Officer position focused on affordable housing and spatial reform in South Africa. This opportunity is ideal for candidates with a background in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related discipline who want to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and sustainable urban development. The position is offered as a remote, South Africa-based consultancy running until March 2028, providing an opportunity to work with researchers, government stakeholders, and development partners on policy challenges affecting cities and communities. If you have strong research, communication, and project management skills and want to help shape policies that improve housing affordability and urban development, this could be an exciting next step in your career. Application deadline: Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM South Africa Standard Time (SAST). About the International Growth Centre (IGC) The International Growth Centre works with policymakers to promote sustainable growth through rigorous research and evidence-based policy advice. Its work brings together researchers and decision-makers to identify practical solutions to economic and development challenges. Through research partnerships and policy engagement, the organisation aims to help governments make informed decisions that improve economic opportunities and development outcomes. This Research and Policy Officer opportunity focuses on affordable housing and spatial reform, two important issues for South Africa’s cities and communities. What is the Research and Policy Officer Role About? The successful candidate will support the delivery of research and policy work related to affordable housing, urban development, and spatial reform. Working closely with the programme team and researchers, the officer will help coordinate research projects, synthesise evidence, engage with government and development partners, and translate research findings into practical policy outputs. The position combines research coordination with stakeholder engagement and policy communication. It may suit someone who enjoys working at the intersection of academic research, government policy, and economic development. International Growth Centre (IGC) is Hiring in 2026: Remote Research and Policy Officer Opportunity in South Africa: Key Responsibilities The Research and Policy Officer will contribute to several important activities. 1. Research Project Coordination The role involves coordinating research projects and supporting researchers and programme colleagues to ensure that activities progress effectively. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing deadlines will be valuable. 2. Evidence Synthesis The successful candidate will help bring together research findings and evidence relevant to affordable housing and spatial reform. This may involve reviewing research, summarising findings, identifying policy implications, and preparing accessible materials for different audiences. 3. Government and Development Partner Engagement The officer will support engagement with government institutions and development partners, helping strengthen connections between research and policy priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills will be important for working with different stakeholders. 4. Policy Communication The position will involve helping translate research findings into practical policy outputs. This requires the ability to communicate complex research clearly and explain how evidence can inform decisions about housing, urban development, and spatial planning. International Growth Centre (IGC) is Hiring in 2026: Remote Research and Policy Officer Opportunity in South Africa: Who Should Apply? The opportunity is intended for candidates with relevant academic qualifications, research skills, and an interest in development policy. Applicants should have: A degree in economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field. A master’s degree, which is preferred. Strong research and analytical skills. Good project management and organisational abilities. An interest in affordable housing, urban development, and spatial reform. The ability to work with researchers and engage with policy stakeholders. Candidates should carefully review the original vacancy announcement or contact the organisation if they require clarification about additional eligibility requirements. Location, Contract and Duration Here are the key details prospective applicants should know: Organisation: International Growth Centre (IGC). Position: Research and Policy Officer. Work arrangement: Remote consultancy. Location requirement: South Africa-based. Contract duration: Until March 2028. Focus areas: Affordable housing, spatial reform, research coordination, and policy engagement. Application deadline: 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST. Although the role is remote, applicants should note that it is specifically advertised as a South Africa-based consultancy. Candidates should confirm any residency, work authorisation, availability, or contracting requirements before applying. International Growth Centre (IGC) is Hiring in 2026: Remote Research and Policy Officer Opportunity in South Africa: How to Apply for the IGC Research and Policy Officer Position Interested candidates must submit their application by email. Prepare the following documents: 1. A one-page CV Your CV should clearly highlight your educational background, relevant research experience, project coordination skills, policy work, and any experience related to housing or urban development. 2. A cover letter of up to two pages Explain why you are interested in the position, how your qualifications match the requirements, and how your skills could contribute to IGC’s work on affordable housing and spatial reform. Where possible, include examples demonstrating your research, analytical, project management, and stakeholder engagement abilities. 3. Save both documents as PDFs Ensure that your CV and cover letter are clear, professionally formatted, and saved as separate PDF files. 4. Email your application Send your documents to: citiesthatwork@theigc.org Use the following exact email subject line: South Africa Research and Policy Officer Application Deadline Applications must be submitted by Sunday, 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their documents early and send their applications before the deadline. Tips for Preparing a Competitive Application To strengthen your application, tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific responsibilities of the role. Highlight research projects, evidence reviews, or policy reports you have contributed to. Demonstrate your ability to coordinate projects, organise information, and meet deadlines. Explain your interest in affordable housing, urban development, and spatial reform. Provide examples of translating research or technical information into accessible written outputs. Mention relevant experience engaging with government departments, development organisations, academic researchers, or other stakeholders, where applicable. Keep your application concise and follow the stated page limits. A well-targeted application should demonstrate not only your academic qualifications but also your ability to connect research evidence with practical policy decisions. Why Consider This Opportunity? Housing affordability and spatial inequality are significant development challenges. Research-informed policies can help governments understand these issues and identify practical approaches to improving urban development. This position offers candidates an opportunity to contribute to research and policy work that addresses these challenges while collaborating with researchers and development partners. For professionals interested in economic development, public policy, urban planning, and applied research, the role could provide valuable experience at the intersection of evidence and decision-making. Final Thoughts The International Growth Centre’s Research and Policy Officer consultancy is an opportunity for qualified professionals to support evidence-based policy development in South Africa. If you have a relevant degree, strong research and project management skills, and a genuine interest in affordable housing and spatial reform, consider preparing your application. Deadline reminder: 25 October 2026, at 5:00 PM SAST. Send your one-page CV and cover letter of up to two pages, both in PDF format, to citiesthatwork@theigc.org with the subject line “South Africa Research and Policy Officer.” For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisations.