Research and Policy Lead

About Our Client

Our client is a dynamic non-profit organization committed to advancing gender equity and eliminating sexual and gender-based violence in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. Through research, advocacy, policy reform, and survivor-centred interventions, they lead groundbreaking initiatives to drive action towards having a gender equitable society devoid of all forms of sexual and gender-based violence.

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.
  

• A PhD or Master’s Public Policy, Political Science, Gender Studies, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field.
  

• At least 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.
  

• 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).
  

In line with our client’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Policy, we encourage applications from all qualified candidates, especially women.

• Health Insurance (HMO Plan)
  

• Opportunities for Professional Development
  

• A dynamic and impactful work environment focused on empowering women
  

Why you should join our client

They are leading the fight against sexual and gender-based violence through innovation, advocacy, and survivor-centered programs. By joining this team, you’ll contribute to impactful work that shapes policy, drives systemic change, and empowers communities, especially within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

They offer a supportive, inclusive environment where your voice matters, your growth is valued, and your work makes a real difference. If you're passionate about gender justice and ready to be part of meaningful change, we’d love to have you on board.