Call For Volunteer Lead Researchers at WIIS Nigeria
WIIS Nigeria, working with Kabilun Africa Think Tank and EWEI, is conducting a technical Local Security Audit (LSA) focused on examining how Gender-Based Violence cases move through local protection, referral, mediation, and reporting pathways.
- The research seeks to assess the effectiveness and integrity of existing GBV protection mechanisms and identify potential “security leaks” where serious or potentially high-lethality violence may be diverted into informal mediation instead of appropriate formal reporting and prosecution pathways.
Role Purpose
The Lead Researchers will serve as primary field auditors during the mobilisation and field audit phase of the project.
- Selected researchers will conduct field assessments, administer technical screening tools, undertake Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), collect and manage research data, and contribute to the analysis and reporting of findings.
- Researchers will be expected to operate with a high level of confidentiality, professionalism, ethical integrity, and discretion, particularly given the sensitive nature of GBV and security-related information.
- Women in International Security (WIIS) Nigeria, in partnership with Kabilun Africa Think Tank (KATT) and Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), is seeking applications from qualified individuals for the position of Local Security Audit (LSA) Lead Researcher.
- The opportunity is open to 10 volunteer researchers, with 5 researchers to be based in Kaduna State and 5 in Kano State, Nigeria.
- The selected researchers will serve as primary field auditors for a technical Local Security Audit assessing the protection integrity of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) pathways in Northern Nigeria
Key Responsibilities
- Field Audit Execution
Lead Researchers will:
Conduct field audits and assessments across designated locations in Kaduna or Kano State.
- Carry out approved “Secret Shopper” audit activities in accordance with the project’s research methodology.
- Gather field-level information relevant to GBV protection pathways.
- Observe and document relevant processes while maintaining strict ethical and confidentiality standards.
Required Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Strong qualitative research skills.
- Knowledge of Northern Nigerian socio-cultural dynamics.
- High levels of discretion and ethical integrity.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
- Strong communication and interviewing skills.
- Attention to detail and commitment to research integrity.
Position: Local Security Audit (LSA) Lead Researcher
Locations: Kaduna & Kano State,
Slots: 10 - 5 in Kaduna & 5 in Kano
Role Type: Volunteer / Unpaid
Professional Fee: None
Field Expenses:
- Eligible transportation and communication/data expenses will be reimbursed
Duration:
- Project-based - mobilisation and field audit phase
Eligibility & Person Specification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
Location:
Must currently reside in, or be able to operate effectively within, Kaduna State or Kano State.
Relevant Background:
Applicants should have prior training with WIIS or experience/background in one or more of the following:
- Peace and Security
- Human Rights
- Gender Studies
- Monitoring and Evaluation
- Social Research
- Related fields
Interested and qualified candidates should prepare and submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Brief Cover Letter
- The cover letter should demonstrate the applicant’s suitability for the role and clearly confirm whether the applicant is based in Kaduna State or Kano State.
Deadline: Monday, 24 August 2026
Applications should be sent via email to:
wiisnigeria@kabilunafricathinktank.net
Email Subject:
LSA Lead Researcher Application - [Kaduna/Kano]
