Policy and Research Associate

Full-time | Fixed Term (Renewable)

Kampala, Uganda (with potential field travel)

About the Centre

The KTA Centre for Law, Policy and Innovation Initiative (CELPII) is a think tank dedicated to shaping law and policy at the intersection of technology, governance, and sustainable development in Uganda and the broader East African region. We produce high-quality policy research, convene multi-stakeholder dialogues, and engage with government, civil society, and the private sector to advance evidence-based policy reform.

Position Overview

CELPIl is seeking a motivated, intellectually curious, and highly organised early-career professional to join its Policy and Research team as a Policy and Research Associate. This is a role that combines hands-on research support with operational and logistical coordination of the Centre’s policy activities.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior staff on research projects and policy initiatives, gaining substantial exposure to policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management. This role is ideally suited to a recent graduate who is passionate about law and policy, eager to learn, and committed to the Centre’s mission.

Approximately 60% of the role is research-focused, and 40% is coordination-focused.

Key Responsibilities

A. Policy Analysis and Research

Policy Analysis

• Conduct policy analysis using established frameworks across the Centre’s thematic areas.
• Analyse proposed legislation, regulations, policy documents, and government strategies, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for reform.
• Map and assess the legal and regulatory landscape relevant to CELPII’s focus areas, including comparative analysis of approaches in other jurisdictions.
• Identify and assess the positions and interests of key stakeholders (government, private sector, civil society, international bodies) in relation to specific policy issues.
• Produce evidence-based assessments of policy options, evaluating trade-offs, feasibility, and likely impacts on different population groups.
• Monitor ongoing policy and legislative processes, flagging developments of relevance to the Centre’s work and drafting timely analytical briefs.

Research

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research in support of the think tank’s research projects.
• Maintain a well-organised and up-to-date repository of research materials, sources, and references using appropriate tools (e.g., Zotero or similar).
• Support the design and implementation of research activities, including stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and surveys where applicable.

B. Preparation of Policy Briefs and Papers

• Prepare and contribute to policy briefs and research papers.
• Prepare written submissions to government ministries, parliamentary committees, regulatory agencies, and public consultations.
• Contribute to op-eds, blog posts, and public commentary pieces for media and digital plattorms.
• Draft research summaries, executive briefings, project reports, and donor reports.
• Support the development of the Centre’s communications content, including newsletters, social media posts, and website articles related to research findings.

C. Stakeholder Engagements & Advocacy

• Support the Centre’s engagement with government ministries, regulatory agencies, parliamentary committees, and other public institutions.
• Assist in preparing advocacy materials, talking points, and presentation decks for senior staff attending policy dialogues, public hearings, or meetings with decision-makers.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, policy roundtables, and public forums, taking notes and preparing follow-up briefs or action memos.
• Conduct stakeholder mapping exercises, identifying key actors, their interests, and their influence in relation to specific policy issues.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant policy actors, researchers, civil society organisations, and development partners under the guidance of senior staff.
• Represent the Centre at external events, conferences, and workshops as and when required.

Programme Coordination and Administration

• Coordinate the logistics of the Centre’s events, including policy dialogues, roundtables, workshops, and training sessions, including scheduling, venue, invitations, and follow-up actions.
• Track and manage project workplans, timelines, and deliverables, flagging risks or delays to the Head of Policy and Research.
• Draft and circulate meeting agendas, minutes, and action points, and follow up on outstanding items.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of donor reports, grant applications, and project proposals.
• Support financial tracking and budget monitoring for research projects in coordination with finance staff.
• Maintain and update the Centre’s project management systems and document repositories.

Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and produce clear, well-structured written work (academic work, essays, or reports will be accepted as evidence).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in standard productivity tools (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace) and internet-based research.
• High level of organisation, attention to detail, and ability to manage competing priorities.

Desirable (Not Essential)

• Prior internship, volunteer, or work experience in a law, policy, NGO, research, or government environment.
• Familiarity with Uganda’s policy and legislative landscape
• Experience using research management tools such as Zotero, Mendeley, or similar platforms.

Core Competencies