National Consultant - Sierra Leone

ABOUT BODHIBodhi Global Analysis is a woman-led international development research consultancy established in London in 2017, with subsidiaries in Nairobi (2018), Singapore (2023), and Dar es Salaam (2025). We specialise in formative and evaluative research through participatory approaches, serving UN agencies, bilateral donors, INGOs, and regional organisations across fragile and conflict-affected contexts. As an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001 certified organisation, Bodhi maintains rigorous quality control across all operations.ABOUT THE ROLEBodhi is expanding its roster of national consultants in Sierra Leone to support a growing pipeline of conflict analysis, human security assessment, and resilience research assignments. We are seeking an experienced researcher based in Sierra Leone who brings deep contextual knowledge of the country's political, security, governance, and socioeconomic dynamics.You will support Bodhi's project teams in conducting desk-based research, stakeholder mapping, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and in-country field missions. The role requires someone who can navigate Sierra Leone's political landscape, engage credibly with government officials, civil society actors, security sector representatives, and community leaders, and produce rigorous analytical outputs in English.This is a consultancy roster position with an immediate deployment opportunity anticipated in the short term. Successful candidates will be added to Bodhi's consultant roster for ongoing and future assignments.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESResearch and Analysis* Conduct desk-based research on conflict dynamics, human security threats, governance trends, and resilience factors in Sierra Leone, drawing on academic literature, policy reports, media sources, and institutional data * Undertake stakeholder mapping exercises to identify and categorise actors within the peace and security architecture, government institutions, civil society, and the development community * Prepare scoping surveys and baseline analyses that inform the design of primary data collection activities * Contribute to the production of analytical reports, policy briefs, and assessment outputs that synthesise qualitative and quantitative findings into actionable recommendationsPrimary Data Collection* Plan and conduct key informant interviews with senior government officials, security actors, traditional and religious leaders (including paramount chiefs), civil society representatives, international organisation staff, and community members across Sierra Leone, including in Freetown and regional centres * Facilitate focus group discussions with diverse stakeholder groups, applying gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive approaches throughout * Support the organisation and facilitation of workshops, including inception sessions and validation exercises with national stakeholders * Ensure all data collection activities adhere to ethical standards, informed consent protocols, and safeguarding requirementsCoordination and Logistics* Support the coordination of in-country field missions, including scheduling of interviews, identification of appropriate venues, and logistical arrangements * Liaise with national authorities, research institutions, and civil society organisations to facilitate access and engagement * Provide real-time contextual and security updates to the project team, flagging risks and advising on appropriate mitigation measures * Support translation and interpretation during interviews and workshops as requiredQUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEEssential* Master's degree in international relations, political science, peace and conflict studies, social sciences, humanities, or a closely related field from a recognised university * A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in conflict analysis, human security research, political economy analysis, or resilience assessments, with a substantial portion of this experience focused on Sierra Leone * Demonstrated understanding of Sierra Leone's post-conflict peacebuilding trajectory, electoral and political tensions, youth unemployment challenges, chieftaincy and land governance dynamics, and the broader security landscape * Strong knowledge of the national peace and security architecture, including government institutions, early warning mechanisms, and civil society actors engaged in conflict prevention and peacebuilding * Proven experience conducting qualitative research, including key informant interviews and focus group discussions, with senior government officials, military and security actors, traditional leaders, and community groups * Excellent drafting, synthesis, and communication skills in English, with the ability to produce clear, well-structured analytical reports * Fluent or native English (written and spoken) * Current residence in Sierra Leone with the ability to travel to district capitals and rural areas * Established professional networks across government, civil society, academia, and the international development community in Sierra LeoneStrongly Desirable* Working knowledge of French, enabling collaboration in multilingual West African research contexts * Knowledge of Krio and its use in community-level research and engagement * Experience working with regional organisations, or familiarity with early warning and conflict prevention frameworks operating in West Africa * Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative data collection methodologies, including digital data collection platforms * Knowledge of Mano River Union dynamics and cross-border issues with Guinea and Liberia * Publications or reports on conflict, governance, or human security topics in Sierra Leone * Experience working with UN agencies, bilateral donors, or INGOs in Sierra LeoneWHAT WE OFFER* A consultancy engagement with an immediate deployment opportunity and inclusion on Bodhi's roster for future assignments * The opportunity to contribute to technically rigorous research for regional organisations, UN agencies, and development partners * Collaboration with an experienced, multidisciplinary international research team * Professional development through exposure to Bodhi's established research methodologies and quality assurance frameworksHOW TO APPLYHOW TO APPLYTo apply, please go to www.bodhiglobalanalysis.com/jobs, select this role, click on the Apply button and follow the application instructions. You will be invited to submit:* A CV demonstrating relevant research experience, thematic expertise, and fieldwork * A cover letter addressing your experience in conflict and human security research and your availability for immediate deployment * Proof of right to work in the countryApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged, as we may close the vacancy before the deadline for exceptional candidates.OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIONBodhi is a women-owned enterprise committed to gender parity at all levels of the organisation. We particularly welcome applications from women researchers and candidates who bring lived experience from the regions where we work.For more information about our organisation, please visit www.bodhiglobalanalysis.com.