Experienced researchers and development practitioners working on urban development, grassroots innovation, and sustainable cities in Africa have an opportunity to lead a six-month research study through Results for Development (R4D). R4D is inviting submissions for a Lead Researcher – Urban Development and Innovation assignment focused on examining 15–20 grassroots innovations shaping the future of African cities. The study will investigate how these initiatives emerge, operate, grow, and sustain themselves, with the research process co-produced alongside the innovators themselves. The assignment forms part of the Urban Futures track of the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA), hosted by Results for Development, with funding from IDIA and the Judith Neilson Foundation. Designed for an established researcher or practitioner with substantial experience in African urban contexts, the opportunity offers a chance to contribute to evidence that can inform urban policy, development practice, and support for locally driven innovation. The assignment is remote, with no travel anticipated, and is expected to require up to 40 working days over six months. Submission deadline: 27 October 2026. Overview of the R4D Lead Researcher Opportunity Results for Development works with local leaders and development partners to strengthen systems and support locally led solutions to complex development challenges. Through its Urban Futures initiative, the organisation is examining grassroots innovations that respond to the changing needs of African cities. These innovations may offer practical approaches to challenges involving urban livelihoods, public services, community development, inclusion, and the sustainability of urban systems. The Lead Researcher will be responsible for designing and leading a pilot study that examines a selected group of 15–20 grassroots urban innovations. Key details include: Opportunity: Lead Researcher – Urban Development and Innovation Organisation: Results for Development (R4D) Programme: Urban Futures track of the International Development Innovation Alliance Research focus: Grassroots innovation and urban development in African cities Duration: Six months Estimated workload: Up to 40 working days Work arrangement: Remote Travel: No travel anticipated Funding partners: IDIA and the Judith Neilson Foundation Submission deadline: 27 October 2026 Submission portal: https://r4d.org/ Enquiries: ATiganescu@r4d.org Applicants should download the full Request for Proposal (RFP) from the official R4D business opportunities page to review the complete scope of work, required deliverables, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions. What Will the Lead Researcher Do? 1. Design and Lead a Six-Month Research Study The selected researcher will design and lead a pilot study covering 15–20 grassroots innovations operating in African cities. The research will examine how these initiatives originate, respond to local needs, organise their activities, and develop approaches to maintaining or expanding their impact. This requires a clear research framework capable of capturing differences across initiatives while identifying common patterns and lessons. The researcher will need to establish appropriate research questions, select suitable methods, and develop a realistic plan for completing the assignment within the available time and workload. 2. Examine How Grassroots Innovations Emerge and Operate Grassroots innovations often develop in response to challenges experienced directly by communities. They may involve locally developed services, community-led enterprises, new approaches to resource management, or other practical responses to urban problems. The study will investigate how such innovations emerge and function within their social, economic, and institutional environments. Relevant questions may include how innovators identify community needs, mobilise resources, build partnerships, address implementation barriers, and adapt their approaches as circumstances change. The findings can help improve understanding of the factors that support locally driven urban solutions. 3. Investigate Growth and Sustainability The research will also explore how grassroots innovations develop over time and sustain their activities. Scaling does not necessarily mean expanding an initiative into every available location. Depending on the innovation, it may involve reaching more people, strengthening local partnerships, influencing policy, replicating a successful model, or improving the durability of an existing intervention. Sustainability may depend on financing, community ownership, institutional relationships, leadership, local capacity, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions. Understanding these factors can help development organisations and policymakers identify more effective ways to support promising urban innovations without overlooking the local conditions that make them successful. 4. Co-Produce Research With Innovators A defining feature of the assignment is its emphasis on co-producing the study with the innovators themselves. Participatory and co-produced research recognises that people directly involved in developing and implementing solutions hold important knowledge about their experiences, decisions, and challenges. Rather than treating innovators solely as research subjects, this approach can involve them in shaping questions, interpreting findings, and identifying practical lessons. The successful researcher should therefore be comfortable facilitating collaborative research processes and ensuring that different perspectives inform the final analysis. Who Should Apply? The opportunity is intended for established researchers or practitioners with substantial experience in urban development and innovation in African contexts. R4D particularly emphasises a strong record in qualitative, participatory, or co-produced research. Experience working directly with grassroots organisations is especially important. Potentially suitable candidates may include: Urban development researchers with experience studying African cities. Development practitioners who have worked with community-led initiatives. Qualitative researchers experienced in case studies, interviews, and field-based analysis. Participatory research specialists who have collaborated with grassroots organisations. Innovation researchers examining how local solutions emerge, grow, and sustain themselves. Independent consultants with experience delivering research assignments for development organisations. These examples describe potentially relevant professional backgrounds. Applicants should use the official RFP to confirm the precise qualifications, experience requirements, and evaluation criteria. What Makes This Opportunity Distinctive? A Focus on Locally Led Development The study centres on grassroots innovations rather than relying exclusively on top-down approaches to urban development. This creates an opportunity to document solutions developed in response to local circumstances and examine how community knowledge contributes to urban transformation. A Cross-Cutting African Urban Perspective Examining 15–20 innovations can help identify common experiences and differences across initiatives, providing a broader understanding of the conditions that enable grassroots solutions to thrive. The resulting evidence may inform future research, development programming, and support for urban innovation. Flexible Remote Consultancy The assignment can be undertaken remotely, with no travel anticipated. Its estimated workload of up to 40 days over six months may suit an experienced professional who can manage a defined research project alongside other commitments. However, candidates should review the full RFP for the expected schedule, availability requirements, deliverables, and proposed working arrangements. How to Submit an Application Interested researchers and practitioners should follow these steps: Visit the official Results for Development website at https://r4d.org/. Locate the business opportunity titled Lead Researcher – Urban Development and Innovation. Download and carefully review the full Request for Proposal. Prepare the submission materials specified in the RFP. Submit the required documents through the designated online submission form before the deadline. The online form requests the applicant’s name, business name, email address, information about how the opportunity was discovered, previous employment with R4D, and the required submission documents. The form accepts PPT, PDF, DOCX, XLSX, and XLS files, with a maximum file size of 20 MB per upload, according to the published instructions. For questions or difficulties submitting documents, applicants can contact **ATiganescu@r4d.org**. Deadline: 27 October 2026. Given the short application window, prospective applicants should review the RFP and begin preparing their submissions promptly. Final Thoughts The Results for Development Lead Researcher opportunity offers an experienced professional the chance to examine how grassroots innovations contribute to the future of African cities. By studying 15–20 initiatives and working collaboratively with the innovators themselves, the selected researcher will help build evidence about how locally developed solutions emerge, operate, expand, and sustain their impact. The assignment is particularly relevant to researchers who combine strong qualitative or participatory research skills with practical knowledge of urban development and grassroots organisations in Africa. For eligible professionals interested in locally led development, urban innovation, and evidence-based policy, this consultancy presents an opportunity to contribute to a focused, potentially influential research initiative. Submission deadline: 27 October 2026. Work arrangement: Remote, up to 40 working days over six months. APPLY HERE Enquiries: ATiganescu@r4d.org Interested candidates should consult the complete Request for Proposal for the authoritative application requirements and submit their materials before the deadline. 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