Research Expert I at International Alert

Location: Abuja, with frequent travel to field locations
Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension
Contract Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead

Background

The National DDR Policy Harmonisation and Community Reintegration Project aims to support the design and implementation of a nationally unified and context-responsive Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) policy and programming framework for Nigeria. The initiative emphasises strategic alignment with international DDR standards while remaining responsive to local socio-political realities and community needs.

Evidence generation is a cornerstone of this initiative, underpinning the development of harmonised strategies, informed decision-making, and adaptive programming. To this end, the project seeks a seasoned Research Expert I to lead and coordinate technical assessments and evidence-generation processes essential to the effectiveness of DDR planning and implementation.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Research Expert I will provide technical leadership in designing and executing high-quality research and field assessments that feed into both the strategic and operational pillars of the DDR initiative. This includes profiling of ex-combatants and at-risk youth, socio-economic and trauma assessments, conflict analysis, institutional capacity assessments, opportunity and livelihood mapping, and knowledge capture for adaptive learning.

The Expert will ensure the research products are methodologically rigorous, ethically conducted, policy-relevant, and programmatically actionable.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research Planning and Methodology Development

• Lead the design of a DDR-aligned research agenda and associated workplans in collaboration with the MEL and Policy Experts.
• Define key research questions and approaches to support programme implementation, including community-based reintegration and national-level DDR harmonisation.
• Develop conflict-sensitive, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and ethically sound methodologies and tools.

Field Assessments and Technical Oversight

• Lead and supervise the implementation of core assessments, including:
  • Socio-economic and trauma assessments of ex-combatants and communities
  • Profiling and classification of individuals for tailored reintegration pathways
  • Community-level opportunity and livelihood mapping
  • Risk analysis of reintegration processes and related security trends
  • Institutional capacity assessments of relevant security, justice, and reintegration actors
• Coordinate training, deployment, and quality control for data collection teams.

Analysis, Reporting and Knowledge Translation

• Lead qualitative and quantitative data analysis, drawing strategic and policy-relevant insights.
• Produce high-quality technical reports, policy briefs, and learning papers.
• Translate findings into actionable recommendations for programming, dialogue, and advocacy.
• Present findings in stakeholder validation forums and learning events.

Capacity Strengthening and Collaboration

• Mentor and build capacity of research assistants, enumerators, and implementing partners.
• Collaborate with national research institutions, DDR actors, and community platforms to enhance contextual relevance.
• Support integration of research insights into programme design, MEL frameworks, and strategic communications.

Key Deliverables and Outputs

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s or higher degree in Social Sciences, Peace & Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Public Policy, Psychology, or related field.

Experience

• At least 10 years of progressive experience in applied research, including in DDR, peacebuilding, reintegration, or post-conflict recovery.
• Demonstrated experience conducting and supervising research in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
• Strong expertise in mixed-methods research, participatory approaches, and ethical fieldwork in volatile contexts.
• Proven track record of producing high-quality research reports, policy briefs, and analytical publications.
• Familiarity with international DDR frameworks and African peacebuilding contexts is strongly desirable.

Skills and Competencies

• Advanced research design and analysis skills (quantitative and qualitative).
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Strong coordination, leadership, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• High cultural sensitivity and ability to navigate politically complex environments.
• Proficiency in English (written and oral); knowledge of local languages (e.g., Hausa, Kanuri) is an asset.

Equal Opportunity: International Alert is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Qualified female candidates, persons from affected communities, and individuals with lived experience in reintegration and peacebuilding processes are especially encouraged to apply.