Independent Researchers – Cultural Mobility Funding Guide

On the Move (OTM), the international network specialising in information and advocacy on artistic and cultural mobility, is seeking eight (8) independent researchers to support the full update of its Cultural Mobility Funding Guide - Focus on Africa , last published in 2019.

The updated guide will map regular mobility funding schemes available at country, regional and international levels for incoming and outgoing mobility across the 54 countries of Africa .

The guide is intended to serve both as a practical information resource for artists and cultural professionals and as an advocacy instrument for policymakers and funders, including in relation to Article 16 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.

Each researcher will be responsible for one of eight geographic clusters.

Job Summary

• Employer: on-the-move
• Job Type: Contract
• Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
• Category: Research
• Salary: €2,050 lump-sum fee (for Southern Africa II cluster including Zimbabwe)
• Closing Date: 2026-10-16

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying and documenting regular mobility-related funding schemes at country level, including ministries, arts councils, cities, festivals, residencies, private-sector funders and philanthropic foundations.
• Identifying relevant funding schemes provided by international and regional bodies, including UNESCO, that can benefit artists, cultural professionals and organisations in the assigned cluster.
• Listing additional resources, including information platforms, guides and tools covering administrative and visa-related issues, as well as support organisations for at-risk and displaced artists and intra-mobility where relevant.
• Identifying schemes relevant to Article 16 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention.
• Flagging funding schemes that support gender equality, environmental sustainability, access costs and digital formats of mobility.
• Completing OTM's structured research template within the shared digital workspace.
• Participating in monthly online coordination meetings and providing written progress updates.
• Contributing a concise contextual note on trends and gaps in the assigned cluster, covering policies, measures supporting mobility, structural gaps and barriers, recent positive developments and potential financial and non-financial solutions.

Requirements

• Be based on the African continent, ideally within or with demonstrated knowledge of the assigned cluster and its cultural ecosystem, institutional landscape, mobility context and funding environment.
• Have prior experience in research, mapping, data collection, documentation or comparable assignments, preferably within cultural and creative sectors, cultural policy, international mobility, funding or related fields.
• Have experience conducting multi-source and/or multi-country research.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, assess, cross-check and reference information from authoritative sources.
• Have strong written and spoken English skills.
• French-speaking researchers are particularly sought after, especially for Francophone clusters.
• Have working knowledge of French, Arabic, Portuguese and/or relevant national or regional languages where required by the assigned cluster.
• Demonstrate strong organisational skills and the ability to work independently, follow a common research methodology, manage a defined workload and meet strict deadlines.
• Be comfortable working remotely and using shared online tools, including Word-based research templates, shared documents and Zoom.
• Have an existing track record of working directly with artists, cultural professionals, cultural organisations or mobility initiatives, including at policy level, which will be an asset.
• Be available throughout the full research period from mid-November 2026 to March 2027 , including coordination meetings, review rounds and incorporation of feedback.

Salary

€2,050 lump-sum fee (for Southern Africa II cluster including Zimbabwe)

How to Apply

To apply, please visit: form.jotform.com