Local Security Audit Lead Researchers – 10 Volunteer Openings

ORGANIZATION AND ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND

Women in International Security Nigeria, hosted through Kabilun Africa Think Tank, is recruiting volunteer Lead Researchers for a Local Security Audit examining gender-based-violence protection and referral pathways in Kaduna and Kano States.

ROLE PURPOSE

Ten Lead Researchers—five in Kaduna and five in Kano—will conduct structured local security-audit activities and produce reliable, confidential evidence concerning community protection pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct assigned secret-shopper audits and field assessments.
• Review available mediation records, service pathways and referral chains.
• Conduct key-informant interviews with relevant community and institutional stakeholders.
• Record findings accurately using approved tools and procedures.
• Anonymise and securely store research data.
• Apply appropriate encryption and digital-hygiene practices.
• Participate in team debriefings and contribute to field and final reports.
• Escalate urgent ethical, safeguarding or security concerns through the approved process.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Applicant must be based in or able to operate effectively in Kaduna or Kano State.
• Background in peace and security, human rights, gender studies, monitoring and evaluation, social research or another relevant field.
• Applicants are expected to be Kabilun Africa Think Tank members and registered in the WIIS Nigeria directory.
• Experience conducting qualitative research, interviews or field assessments is desirable.
• Understanding of the northern Nigerian context is important.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Qualitative interviewing and field documentation.
• Discretion, confidentiality and responsible research conduct.
• Mobile data collection and digital hygiene.
• Ability to work independently and meet agreed timelines.
• Clear written communication and collaborative reporting.

CONTRACT DETAILS

• Engagement type: Volunteer.
• Number of openings: Ten—five in Kaduna and five in Kano.
• Remuneration: This is an unpaid volunteer assignment.
• Reimbursement: Pre-approved transport and data expenses may be reimbursed when supported by acceptable evidence.
• Benefits may include publication credit, professional networking, capacity development and a recommendation letter.
• Assignment duration: Not specified.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Researchers must protect participants’ identities, maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable research ethics and safeguarding requirements. Additional role-specific policies: Not specified.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

This is an email application. Send the requested application materials to wiisnigeria@kabilunafricathinktank.net using the subject line: LSA Lead Researcher Application – [Kaduna / Kano].

Applicants should apply before 24 August 2026. Required attachments beyond the information stated in the official notice: Not specified.