Job Opportunity for RESEARCHERS
WOMEN IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY (WIIS) NIGERIA
In Partnership with Kabilun Africa Think Tank (KATT) & Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI)
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: LOCAL SECURITY AUDIT (LSA) LEAD RESEARCHERS
Job Title: Local Security Audit (LSA) Lead Researcher
Locations: Kaduna State (5 slots) & Kano State (5 slots), Nigeria
Total Openings: 10 Volunteer Positions
Role Type: Project-Based Volunteer / Unpaid (Eligible field expenses reimbursed)
Application Deadline: Monday, 24 August 2026
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Women in International Security (WIIS) Nigeria, alongside Kabilun Africa Think Tank (KATT) and the Empowering Women for Excellence Initiative (EWEI), is conducting a technical Local Security Audit (LSA). This initiative examines how Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cases move through local protection, referral, mediation, and reporting pathways in Northern Nigeria.
The audit aims to evaluate the integrity of existing GBV protection mechanisms and identify critical “security leaks”—instances where high-lethality violence is diverted into informal mediation rather than appropriate formal reporting and prosecution channels. Findings will generate actionable evidence to inform policy, peace, security, and protection frameworks across the region.
ROLE PURPOSE
Lead Researchers will act as primary field auditors during the project’s mobilisation and field audit phases. Operating in designated communities across Kaduna or Kano States, researchers will perform field assessments, execute technical screening tools, conduct Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), and secure sensitive research data. Due to the sensitive nature of GBV and security assessments, candidates must maintain the highest standards of discretion, ethics, and professional integrity.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Field Audit Execution
Conduct field audits and assessments across assigned locations in Kaduna or Kano State in line with project methodology.
Execute approved “Secret Shopper” audit activities to observe and document protection processes directly.
Gather accurate, field-level data while adhering strictly to ethical and confidentiality guidelines.
2. Lethality Screening & Pathway Auditing
Review local referral and reporting channels to identify protection gaps, systemic attrition, and “Security Silence.”
Evaluate local mediation processes regarding confidentiality, handling procedures, and proper escalation of GBV cases.
3. Key Informant Interviews (KIIs)
Plan and conduct structured KIIs with key stakeholders, including local service providers, community focal points, and institutional gatekeepers.
4. Data Management & Digital Security
Securely upload, manage, anonymise, and encrypt qualitative and quantitative data.
Follow established digital hygiene and data sovereignty protocols to guarantee the absolute confidentiality of field research.
5. Technical Reporting & Analysis
Participate in project debriefing sessions and assist in synthesizing field findings.
Provide primary qualitative/quantitative input for the upcoming Security Leak Technical Report and Northern Sensitivity Scorecard.
REMUNERATION & EXPENSES
This is a volunteer, unpaid role without a monthly salary or professional service fee. However, the project ensures researchers do not incur out-of-pocket costs. Eligible transportation and communication/data expenses incurred during approved fieldwork will be reimbursed at a standardized organizational rate, subject to verification and proof of expense.
BENEFITS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Publication Recognition: High-performing researchers may receive formal co-contributor or lead auditor attributions in the final global publication and associated policy briefings.
Global Networking: Direct engagement with the WIIS global network, KATT, EWEI, and broader African peace and security coalitions.
Capacity Building: Advanced training in Local Security Audit methodologies, hard security frameworks, lethality screening tools, and secure data handling.
Letters of Recommendation: Formal recommendation letters from WIIS Nigeria leadership upon successful completion of the audit to required standards.
ELIGIBILITY & PERSON SPECIFICATION
Requirements
Residency: Must currently reside in or be fully able to operate within Kaduna State or Kano State.
Membership: Candidates must be active members of Kabilun Africa Think Tank (KATT) and registered in the WIIS Nigeria Member Directory (unregistered candidates should complete membership prior to applying).
Academic/Professional Background: Prior training with WIIS or background in Peace & Security, Human Rights, Gender Studies, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E), or Social Research.
Competencies & Skills
Strong qualitative research and interviewing skills.
In-depth understanding of Northern Nigerian socio-cultural dynamics.
Basic technical proficiency with mobile data collection tools and secure digital data practices.
High level of personal discretion, analytical precision, and research ethics.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit the following documents in a single email:
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Brief Cover Letter (explaining suitability and explicitly confirming your current base location: Kaduna or Kano State).
Email Address: wiisnigeria@kabilunafricathinktank.net
Subject Line Format: LSA Lead Researcher Application – [Kaduna / Kano] (Select your state)
Deadline: Monday, 24 August 2026
Note: Complete Terms of Reference (TOR) details are available upon request for shortlisted candidates.
