Research and Policy Lead at LOPTERRA

Location: Guzape, Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

• The Research and Policy Lead will oversee the organization’s efforts in policy development, research, and advocacy to promote gender equity and end sexual harassment in tertiary institutions.
• This role will involve policy design and implementation, high-level research, stakeholder engagement, and internal capacity building.

Job Description

• Lead the design, review, and implementation of policies and strategies related to higher education institutions.
• Shape and drive the organization’s policy agenda in alignment with strategic advocacy goals.
• Develop and disseminate high-quality, evidence-based policy documents, including position papers, policy briefs, and factsheets.
• Support and participate in advocacy campaigns that promote the adoption of gender-transformative policies and challenge harmful gender norms.
• Conduct and oversee research initiatives related to gender inequality and sexual harassment in higher education.
• Provide in-depth, data-driven analysis to inform policy positions and organizational programming.
• Make evidence-based recommendations on legislative and institutional reforms.
• Strengthen the internal research and policy capacity of the organization through training and knowledge sharing.
• Provide technical assistance to tertiary institutions in designing and implementing anti-sexual harassment policy frameworks.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of institutional policies, offering feedback and support for continuous improvement.
• Lead or support the development of research and program proposals in alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Perform other related tasks

Requirements

• A Ph.D or Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
• 6 - 8 years of experience in research, policy analysis, advocacy, or program development preferably within NGOs, think tanks, or development organisations.
• Strong understanding of Nigeria’s policy landscape, legislative processes, and key stakeholders in government and civil society.
• Proven ability to design, conduct, and analyse qualitative and quantitative research, and translate findings into clear policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials.
• Experience leading or supporting advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagements, and policy dialogues at community, state, or national level.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage timelines, coordinate research teams, and deliver high-quality outputs.
• Strong writing and communication skills, capable of producing evidence-based content and engaging diverse audiences with clarity and influence.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and analytical mindset, with a passion for gender equity, social justice, and driving evidence-based policy change.

Tools & Technical Competencies:

• Data Analysis Tools: SPSS, Stata, R or Python (basic statistical use), Excel (advanced).
• Qualitative Analysis Tools: NVivo, ATLAS.ti, Dedoose.
• Research & Documentation Tools: Google Scholar, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, SurveyMonkey, KoboToolbox, ODK.
• Project Management Tools: Notion, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, or similar.
• Writing & Presentation Tools: MS Word, PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Canva (for visual summaries).
• Monitoring & Evaluation Familiarity: Logical frameworks, theory of change, indicators, and impact assessment methodologies (preferred but not mandatory).

Remuneration and Benefits

• Salary: N500,000 - N600,000 / Month.
• Health Insurance (HMO Plan)
• Opportunities for Professional Development
• A dynamic and impactful work environment focused on empowering women