Research Expert II at International Alert

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with limited travel, as necessary)
Duration: Up to 3 months with possibility for extension
Contract Type: Consultancy
Reports to: National Team Lead

Background

The National DDR Harmonisation Project aims to develop a comprehensive, nationally aligned, and internationally consistent DDR framework for Nigeria. The initiative supports the design and implementation of inclusive, evidence-informed policies and practices that respond to the needs of disengaged individuals, affected communities, and the broader peace and security architecture.
A critical component of the project is the generation of robust, actionable evidence through strategic assessments—including socio-economic profiling, trauma mapping, reintegration readiness, opportunity analysis, and conflict sensitivity reviews. These assessments will feed directly into policy dialogue, programme design, and adaptive learning processes.
To strengthen the strategic research function, a Research Expert II is required to support the overall design, interpretation, and translation of research findings—ensuring their relevance to policy and programming. The expert will serve as a key advisor and backup to the Research Expert I, contributing high-level inputs across the research cycle.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Research Expert II will play a senior, strategic role in supporting the conceptualisation, interpretation, and utilisation of research and assessment findings within the DDR harmonisation agenda. The expert will ensure that research products are aligned with international DDR standards, gender-responsive, and policy-relevant. S/he will also stand in for the Research Expert I as needed in high-level meetings, stakeholder engagements, and technical discussions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Research Oversight and Design Support

• Provide technical support in the design and conceptual framing of all DDR-related research streams (e.g., socio-economic assessment, trauma impact study, reintegration opportunity mapping).
• Ensure research designs are fit-for-purpose, gender-responsive, inclusive, and grounded in international DDR principles.
• Contribute to the development of research frameworks that support analysis of both individual-level and systemic reintegration challenges.

Interpretation and Strategic Analysis

• Interpret research findings, ensuring analysis aligns with national priorities, field realities, and global best practices.
• Develop strategic insights and high-level synthesis that can inform policy dialogue, programming direction, and technical assistance.
• Review and strengthen the validity, credibility, and ethical integrity of research outputs.

Knowledge Translation and Policy Engagement

• Translate research findings into policy-relevant guidance notes, strategy briefs, and high-level recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based policy options for reintegration, trauma recovery, and socioeconomic support pathways.
• Represent the research function in high-level consultations, technical meetings, and inter-agency dialogues when delegated by the Research Expert I.

Technical Leadership and Quality Assurance

• Provide quality assurance of research reports, technical summaries, and knowledge products.
• Support harmonisation of research evidence with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) frameworks and programme indicators.
• Guide the alignment of national-level evidence generation with international DDR guidelines (e.g., IDDRS).

Key Outputs and Deliverables

Output Description

• Strategic Research Briefs High-level synthesis of research findings with policy and programming implications
• Research Framework Reviews Technical inputs into design and logic of research methodologies
• Quality Assurance Memos Review notes and guidance on research products
• Stakeholder Inputs Technical inputs to policy discussions and reintegration strategies

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD preferred) in Social Sciences, Peace and Conflict Studies, Public Policy, International Development, Psychology, or related discipline.

Experience

• At least 10 years of progressively senior experience in applied research, policy analysis, and programme strategy—preferably in DDR, peacebuilding, or post-conflict recovery.
• Demonstrated experience providing technical or strategic research leadership in complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Prior engagement in DDR contexts or large-scale reintegration programmes (national or international) required.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong grasp of DDR frameworks, conflict sensitivity, trauma-informed research, and socio-political dynamics of reintegration.
• Proven ability to synthesise technical research into strategic and policy-relevant recommendations.
• Exceptional writing, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation capabilities; ability to represent the project at high-level technical meetings.
• Fluency in English required; working knowledge of relevant local languages is a plus.

Equal Opportunity

We welcome applications from qualified professionals regardless of gender, background, or origin. Individuals with lived experience in conflict-affected settings or with professional ties to peacebuilding or reintegration processes are especially encouraged to apply.