Research Assistant for SGI Office of Sustainable Africa

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Position Summary:
1. The expected final output is a report that informs stakeholders at SGI, as well as its sponsors and partners, about increasing access to fintech solutions for the African population, especially the access to financial services by youth and women 
2. The RA is expected to: 
-Engage with partners and collaborators to help define common goals for the project.  
-Conduct research on current practices and available innovative payment systems and access to financial services more broadly, focusing on Ghana and Nigeria. 
3. The project will benefit from academic oversight and the SGI team’s connections with relevant stakeholders

Qualifications:
- Enrolled as student at McGill University during the period of this research assistantship work, and available to work from the end of Winter term 2026 through the Fall term 2026 (ending Dec 2026)..
- Strong interest in innovation in African markets.
- Technical background or curiosity and willingness to develop an understanding of key technologies related to payment solutions (and related developments).
- Innovative and proactive mindset.
- Prior coursework or experience in fintech-related topics is a plus. 

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Hourly Salary:

$25.00

Hours per Week:

5 (Part time)

Location:

Bronfman Building

Supervisor:

Associate Professor

Position Start Date:

2026-05-04

Position End Date:

2026-12-31

Deadline to Apply:

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].