Research Assistant - Research and Policy

Position: Research Assistant - Research and Policy 

Location: Abuja (Full-time)

Remuneration: N200,000 - N250,000

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 Assistant - Research and Policy  will support the design and implementation of research initiatives, policy analysis, evidence generation, and knowledge management across the organization's thematic areas. The Research Assistant will contribute to producing high-quality research outputs that strengthen advocacy, influence policy, support organizational learning, and generate evidence for impactful interventions.

This role is ideal for an individual with a strong research background, excellent analytical and writing skills, and a passion for advancing evidence-informed policy and practice in the development sector.

Job description

• Conduct desk reviews, literature reviews, environmental scans, and evidence syntheses on thematic areas relevant to the organization's work.
  

• Support the design and implementation of research studies, assessments, surveys, and learning initiatives.
  

• Assist in developing research protocols, methodologies, data collection tools, and study documentation.
  

• Support qualitative and quantitative data collection, management, and basic analysis using appropriate research methods and tools.
  

• Conduct research on social norms, attitudes, beliefs, myths, misconceptions, and emerging issues relating to gender equality, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, online safety, digital rights, masculinity, and youth development.
  

• Monitor emerging research, policy developments, legislation, public discourse, media, and digital conversations relevant to the organization's thematic priorities, identifying trends, misinformation, and opportunities for evidence-informed advocacy.
  

• Conduct policy analysis and prepare policy briefs, evidence summaries, technical papers, research reports, manuscripts, abstracts, and other knowledge products.
  

• Translate complex research findings into clear, accessible, and evidence-based materials for diverse audiences, including programme teams, policymakers, donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
  

• Support stakeholder mapping, policy engagement activities, and the development of advocacy materials, fact sheets, briefing notes, and evidence summaries.
  

• Conduct background research and evidence synthesis to support concept notes, grant proposals, donor reporting, and technical submissions.
  

• Document research findings, lessons learned, best practices, and emerging evidence while maintaining an organized repository of research resources, publications, datasets, and knowledge products.
  

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure the production of high-quality research outputs that strengthen organizational learning, policy engagement, and strategic decision-making.
  

• Perform other research and policy-related responsibilities as assigned by the Research and Policy Unit.
  

• Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Development Studies, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Gender Studies, Public Health, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.
  

• 2–3 years of relevant experience in research, policy analysis, evidence generation, academia, think tanks, nonprofit organizations, or development institutions.
  

• Demonstrated experience conducting literature reviews, evidence synthesis, policy analysis, and technical writing.
  

• Good understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  

• Knowledge of research ethics and ethical data management practices.
  

• Familiarity with gender equality, safeguarding, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, digital safety, youth development, or related thematic areas is an advantage.
  

• Excellent analytical, organizational, and critical thinking skills.
  

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
  

• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.
  

Technical Competencies

• Evidence synthesis and systematic literature reviews.
  

• Policy analysis and policy brief writing.
  

• Research design and technical report writing.
  

• Quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  

• Basic data analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel.
  

• Proposal and concept note development.
  

• Stakeholder mapping and policy research.
  

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.
  

• Academic referencing and citation tools (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote) is an added advantage.
  

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)
  

• Hybrid work structure
  

• 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.