Join the Volunteer Research Network
AER’s core engine is its volunteer community. Engineers, economists, policy analysts, geoscientists, data scientists, social scientists and students contribute their skills to structured research tasks. Volunteers help build the foundation of an African energy research base that is larger than any single institution.
What volunteers do
Volunteers work in small, focused teams on tasks where each project comes with a clear scope, timeline, template and expected output.
Desk research and literature review.
Country or asset-level fact sheets.
Data collection, cleaning and sanity checks.
Basic modelling and scenario comparisons.
Policy and regulatory summaries.
Synthesis of findings into concise notes.
Time and expectations
AER aims to respect volunteers’ time. Typical arrangements include:
- 3 to 5 hours per week for lighter tasks.
- 6 to 10 hours per week for more intensive projects.
- Project-by-project engagements for those with fluctuating availability.
Why volunteer with AER
Complete this form to express interest in joining the AER volunteer network. The coordination team will review your details and contact you when projects that match your profile are available.
Volunteers gain:
- A structured way to contribute to serious energy work.
- Exposure to cross-country perspectives and peers.
- Recognition as contributors or co-authors on Insights and notes where appropriate.
- A pathway into deeper involvement, including membership and leadership roles.
- Networking
- Skill Building
- Impact
- Flexibility
- Problem-solving
- Contribute to meaningful global projects
What happens next?
1
Submit your application using the form below
2
We’ll have a brief chat to discuss your interests
3
Get access to our tools and join your first project