Social Science Research Manager

The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) is recruiting a Social Science Research Manager to coordinate social science research activities at study sites in Owo, Ondo State, and Irrua, Edo State. The role involves supervising field investigators, coordinating qualitative research, managing participant recruitment, ensuring ethical research practices, analysing qualitative data and preparing scientific reports. Applicants need a PhD in Human and Social Sciences, Public Health or Global Health, or an equivalent qualification, and at least five years of relevant experience.

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) is an international medical humanitarian organisation founded in 2009. It works to provide quality healthcare in emergencies and medical disasters and to improve humanitarian medicine through innovative programmes and medical research.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Social Science Research Manager will be responsible for organising and implementing social science research activities at two study sites in Nigeria: Owo, Ondo State, and Irrua, Edo State. The position will work under the scientific supervision of the WP7 co-principal investigators.

The role involves research-team management, participant recruitment, qualitative data collection, research ethics, data-quality assurance, qualitative analysis and the preparation of scientific reports and papers.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Manage the social science research team working across the two study sites, ensuring that research activities meet required quality standards.

2.Coordinate and supervise the implementation of WP7 research components.

3.Organise the collection of qualitative data through observations and individual interviews with community leaders and members, patients, family members, health professionals and managers involved in the trial.

4.Organise and lead training sessions on the study protocol, participant recruitment strategy and data-collection tools.

5.Supervise two social science field investigators working across the study sites.

6.Ensure that field investigators adhere to good research practices, confidentiality requirements and research ethics rules.

7.Supervise the identification and recruitment of participants to be interviewed.

8.Supervise data quality and transfer, including verification of informed consent, completeness of data-collection tools and monitoring in line with standard operating procedures.

9.Lead qualitative data analysis and interpretation of findings.

10.Lead the drafting of reports and scientific papers presenting research findings and recommendations.

11.Participate in the dissemination of study results and recommendations.

12.Participate in WP7 research-team meetings.

13.Prepare brief reports on research activities when requested by the WP7 co-principal investigators.

REQUIREMENTS:

1.A PhD in Human and Social Sciences, such as Sociology, Psychology or Anthropology, or in Public Health or Global Health, or an equivalent qualification.

2.At least five years of relevant experience.

3.Experience conducting or supervising in-depth semi-structured interviews.

4.Experience conducting or supervising interview transcription.

5.Experience implementing and evaluating interventions is an advantage.

6.Experience investigating stigma related to epidemic diseases such as lymphatic filariasis or Ebola is an advantage.

7.Strong leadership, communication, teamwork and organisational skills.

8.Good analytical and scientific writing skills.

9.Proficiency with office applications, including Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.

10.Proficiency with qualitative data-analysis software, such as MAXQDA.

11.Strong listening skills, empathy, the ability to interact effectively with others, initiative and autonomy.

12.Knowledge of Lassa disease and its impact on communities.

13.Good knowledge of the sociocultural, political, religious and epidemiological contexts of Ondo and Edo States.

14.Ability to communicate in English and the main Nigerian languages spoken in Owo and Irrua.

15.Commitment to participant confidentiality, study confidentiality and compliance with the instructions of study coordinators.

CONTRACT AND WORK ARRANGEMENT:

1.Duty station: Abuja, with research activities in Owo, Ondo State, and Irrua, Edo State.

2.Employment type: Full-time, as listed in the vacancy notice.

3.Research supervision: WP7 co-principal investigators.

4.The role requires coordination with field investigators at both research sites.

5.The vacancy notice does not specify a contract duration.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Interested candidates should submit their motivation letter and CV merged into one PDF document.

1.Prepare a motivation letter demonstrating your suitability for social science research management.

2.Prepare an updated CV highlighting qualitative research, field-team supervision and scientific-reporting experience.

3.Merge the motivation letter and CV into one PDF document.

4.Complete the online application through the application form.

5.Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete a written assessment of qualitative research skills and scientific English writing, followed by an interview.

Applications are processed in order of receipt, and ALIMA reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier if a suitable application is successful. Only full applications will be considered.

DEADLINE:

18 October 2026