Research Manager - MSNA for Nigeria at IMPACT Initiatives

Job Title: Research Manager - MSNA for Nigeria at IMPACT Initiatives

Date Posted: 17th February, 2026.

Expiry Date: N/A

About the Job

We are currently looking for a Research Manager to join our team in Nigeria.

Position: Research Manager – MSNA

Contract Duration: 11 months (subject to funding confirmation)

Starting Date: 1 April 2026 (tentative)

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with occasional regional travel to Dakar)

Deadline to Apply: 26th February 2026

Country Profile

Nigeria is confronted by multiple security challenges. The insurgency of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād (JAS), commonly known as Boko Haram, has entered its twelfth year and has generated a humanitarian crisis. This has rendered parts of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states inaccessible, limited access to basic infrastructure and services, and displaced millions of people.

In the Northwest, a complex insurgency has emerged as a significant challenge, becoming increasingly violent each year. Rising crime, violence, and kidnappings have forced parents and authorities to withdraw millions of students from schools. While attention remains focused on the Northeast, humanitarian and development needs are also increasing in the Northwest.

Long-standing militancy continues in the Niger Delta, tensions between herders and farming communities are spreading from the central belt southwards, and separatist Biafra agitations persist in the Igbo Southeast.

Against this backdrop, IMPACT Initiatives has developed a wide range of research cycles to provide an evidence base for the humanitarian community. Historically, IMPACT Initiatives has operated in both the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria.

Between 2021 and 2023, IMPACT Initiatives conducted Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessments (MSNAs), Hard-to-Reach (H2R) assessments, Area-Based Assessments (ABA), Rapid Overviews of Areas of Return (ROAR), Thematic Assessments (TA), Rapid Assessments (RA), and WASH Infrastructure Mapping. The organisation also contributed to Famine Monitoring, Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance, and the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI).

Position Profile

REACH is seeking an experienced candidate with a proven track record of managing teams and implementing aid projects in humanitarian contexts. Under the supervision of the Country Representative, the successful candidate will oversee the design and launch of a Multi-Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) to support OCHA, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) in Nigeria, and relevant partners during the 2026 Humanitarian Planning Cycle (HPC).

Your Job Description

Responsibilities

The Research Manager responsibilities will include:

External Engagement on the MSNA

Work closely with OCHA management and relevant partner focal points throughout the MSNA process, to ensure that relevant partners are consulted and involved at all stages of the research cycle: design and preparation of activities; data collection; joint data analysis processes; review of research products; product dissemination; and lessons learnt.
Ensure that external communications with partners and key stakeholders, including relevant UN agencies, local and national government, and NGOs, are conducted and documented as appropriate.
In coordination with the Country Representative, represent REACH/IMPACT in strategic and/or technical external engagements related to the MSNA.
In coordination with the Country Representative, present research findings to relevant third parties to enhance their use and impact.
Support the IMPACT Country Representative in external engagement in relation to REACH/IMPACT strategy or, when requested and with focal points, grants management.

Research Implementation

Ensure that the MSNA is planned in line with relevant project and program objectives and global REACH guidelines.
Ensure that required secondary data analysis is conducted in preparation for activities.
Ensure relevant stakeholders and partners are engaged in assessment design, planning, and joint analysis.
Keep track of all progress and delays throughout the MSNA.
Monitor output achievement and project expenditure, ensuring timely project completion.
Be available to provide regular support and technical backstopping to MSNA team members.
Under the direction of the Country Representative, engage in the dissemination of research products through articles, social media content, targeted emails, presentations, and meetings, in line with IMPACT Dissemination and External Communication Guidelines and Research ToRs.
Under supervision of IMPACT HQ, ensure that research products are uploaded to relevant data portals as specified in Research ToRs.
Ensure that lessons learned are gathered and documented at the end of each research cycle.
Support the Country Representative in conducting monitoring and evaluation as specified in Research ToRs and in line with IMPACT Guidelines.

Team Management and Leadership

Ensure that all staff members understand and can perform their roles and responsibilities, including reporting and validation duties to HQ.
Ensure that all staff members have clear and regularly updated Terms of Reference, workplans, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Promote team building, productivity, and staff welfare.
Mentor and support the team to build capacity, improve efficiency, and enhance performance.
Promote staff growth and development within the organisation, liaising with HQ to provide feedback, support retention, and encourage internal mobility.
Identify capacity-building opportunities, provide high-performing staff with surge opportunities, and develop career pathways for junior staff.
Ensure timely communication and coordination with HQ in the event of any HR-related issues.

The Job Requirements

Requirements

Academic: Excellent academic qualifications, including a master’s degree in a relevant discipline (International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Research, Economics, Development Studies, or similar).
Management experience: Previous experience in a management role in an INGO at field level, with a proven track record of successfully managing international and national teams in humanitarian contexts.
Familiarity with aid system: Familiarity with the aid system and the research community.
Communication and reporting skills: Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting, including proven experience contributing to high-level presentations and briefings.
Years of work experience: At least 4 years of relevant work experience, preferably in the humanitarian and research field, or proven progression within IMPACT.
Research skills: Excellent research and analytical skills, including quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis. Experience in assessments, M&E, field research, and evaluations is an asset.
Software skills: Proven knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Familiarity with R, SPSS, STATA, or other statistical analysis software is an asset.
Multi-tasking skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines across numerous research cycles in complex environments.
Level of independence: A self-starter with the ability to work independently.
Cross-cultural work environment: Ability to operate effectively in cross-cultural settings requiring flexibility.
Experience in geographical region: Previous experience in the West Africa region is desirable.
Language skills: Fluency in English is required.
Security environment: Ability to operate in complex and challenging security environments.

Compensation & Benefits

Monthly salary between 3,180 CHF and 3,240 CHF (before income tax), plus a monthly living allowance of 300 USD, determined according to IMPACT’s salary grid and staff education level. Location-based security or isolation adjustments may apply.
Accommodation and food provided in the guesthouse.
Enrolment in a Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approximately 9.975% of gross salary), including health insurance, life insurance, and repatriation assistance.
Flight tickets every 6 months and visa fees covered. In-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered.
Contribution to luggage transportation between 20 and 100 kg, depending on contract length, including luggage and personal property insurance.
Annual leave of 36 days per year, plus public holidays of the country of assignment and family or compassionate leave when applicable.
Pre-departure induction comprising 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives’ headquarters in Geneva and one week of pre-departure training at ACTED headquarters in Paris, including a 4-day situational security training.
Enrolment in the IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first three months of contract.
Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including up to €1,000 per year for psychosocial counselling, reflecting IMPACT’s commitment to staff psychological safety.

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