Career Position for Social Science Research Manager
Job Opportunity: Social Science Research Manager
Organization: Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA)
Location: Abuja, FCT, Nigeria (with research activities in Owo, Ondo State, and Irrua, Edo State)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 18 October 2026
About ALIMA
The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) is an international medical humanitarian organization founded in 2009. We deliver high-quality healthcare to communities affected by emergencies and health crises while advancing humanitarian medicine through cutting-edge research and innovation. In Nigeria, ALIMA provides vital healthcare and nutrition services, responds to disease outbreaks, and supports specialized treatment and research—such as our work tackling Lassa fever in Ondo State.
Position Overview
ALIMA is seeking a qualified Social Science Research Manager to coordinate and oversee social science research activities across our study sites in Owo (Ondo State) and Irrua (Edo State).
The successful candidate will lead field investigators, drive qualitative research operations, ensure strict adherence to research ethics, conduct qualitative data analysis, and contribute directly to scientific reports and publications.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the social science research team across study sites in Ondo and Edo States.
Supervise qualitative data collection, including observations and in-depth semi-structured interviews.
Coordinate protocol training, participant recruitment, and the deployment of data-collection tools.
Oversee participant identification, recruitment, and informed consent procedures while ensuring strict confidentiality.
Lead qualitative data analysis, interpret findings, and spearhead the preparation of scientific reports and research papers.
Actively participate in research meetings, dissemination activities, and regular progress reporting.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education: A PhD in Human and Social Sciences (e.g., Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology), Public Health, Global Health, or an equivalent qualification.
Experience: At least 5 years of relevant professional experience, including designing or supervising qualitative data collection and transcription.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in MS Office (Word, PowerPoint) and qualitative data analysis software (such as MAXQDA).
Contextual Knowledge: Familiarity with Lassa fever, epidemic-related stigma, and the sociocultural, political, religious, and epidemiological contexts of Ondo and Edo States.
Communication: Excellent English proficiency and the ability to communicate fluently in the primary Nigerian languages spoken in Owo and Irrua.
Core Competencies: Strong leadership, teamwork, exceptional scientific writing abilities, and an unwavering commitment to research ethics.
Note: Experience implementing/evaluating interventions or researching epidemic-related stigma is a distinct advantage. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Procedure
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may close early if a suitable candidate is found. Ensure your application is complete before submission.
Prepare Documents: Update your CV to highlight your research, qualitative data analysis, and team-supervision experience, and write a motivation letter detailing your suitability.
Merge Files: Combine your motivation letter and CV into a single PDF document.
Submit: Complete your application via the official ALIMA Application Form.
