Research Assistant at Peridot Forte Solutions Consulting

Type: Contract (10 months)/Remote

Location: Ekiti State.

Job Summary

This is a remote role and the RA will support the work of REFA and will be based in Ekiti State, providing research, coordination, and fieldwork support. The RA will engage directly with students, lecturers, policymakers, community organisations, and informal economy actors. Please note that this is not a purely desk-based role: it requires intellectual rigour, cultural sensitivity, fieldwork presence, and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews and desk research on macroeconomic policy, informality, and education.
• Assist in the design and delivery of co-production workshops, focus groups, and community dialogue sessions.
• Liaise with stakeholders including university departments, NILDS, policymakers, and grassroots organisations.
• Support curriculum development through research and stakeholder input analysis.
• Collect, organise, and analyse qualitative and quantitative data (e.g., interviews, surveys, workshop outputs).
• Draft research notes, contribute to academic and policy briefs, and assist in drafting publications.
• Coordinate field logistics: scheduling meetings, workshop materials, participant engagement.
• Represent REFA professionally in all interactions and help document ongoing activities.

Requirements

• Degree in Economics or closely related field (Master’s preferred, but exceptional Bachelor’s graduates with strong knowledge and commitment will be considered).
• Solid understanding of macroeconomic and microeconomic frameworks, and awareness of their limitations in African contexts.
• Familiarity with basic research methods (qualitative and quantitative) and fieldwork practices.
• Demonstrated interest in development, economic policy, or education in African contexts.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Organised, reliable, able to work independently while being a collaborative team player.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with participatory research, informal economic systems, or educational policy.
• Yoruba language proficiency and cultural literacy in Southwest Nigeria context.
• Experience engaging with community-based organisations or policy stakeholders.
• Passionate about transforming economics education and practice for African realities.
• Sensitive and respectful in diverse cultural and institutional settings.
• Inquisitive, open-minded, willing to learn and contribute creatively.

Interested and qualified candidates should send CV and a short cover letter (max 500 words) explaining their motivation and suitability for the role to peridotforte@gmail.com using the position as the subject of the email on or before August 22, 2025.