Research Manager - MSNA for Nigeria, based in Abuja

WHAT IS IMPACT INITIATIVES ?Created in 2010, IMPACT is a Geneva-based NGO and the largest independent data provider in contexts of crisis. We aim to support a range of stakeholders in making better, more informed decisions in humanitarian, stabilisation, and development settings. We believe that a key pathway to better planning and decision-making is direct engagement.HOW DO WE WORK* IMPACT takes an initiative-based approach to structuring our programming. Each initiative has a specific aim, operational model, and portfolio of solutions. * REACH strengthens evidence-based humanitarian decision-making through efficient data collection, management, and analysis - before, during, and after an emergency. * PANDA improves the impact of humanitarian and development interventions through programme design, assessments, and monitoring & evaluation. * AGORA promotes localised and multi-sectoral aid action in support of the recovery and stabilisation of crisis-affected communities, in partnership with local stakeholdersThrough our global team of research specialists, on average IMPACT publishes more than 1,700 information products on a yearly basis.We are currently looking for a Research Manager to join our team in Nigeria.Position: Research Manager – MSNAContract 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 2026COUNTRY PROFILENigeria 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) – more popularly known as Boko Haram – has entered its twelfth year and has spawned a humanitarian crisis rendering sections of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe state inaccessible, limiting affected population`s access to basic infrastructure and services, and displacing millions. In the Northwest, a complex insurgency has emerged as a key challenge, becoming more sanguinary with every year. The high levels of crime and increased use of violence and kidnappings have led parents and authorities to pull millions of students out of school. The spotlight remains on the Northeast yet needs – both humanitarian and developmental – are rising in the Northwest, long-running discontent and militancy prevails in the Niger Delta, discontent is increasing between herders and farming communities spreading from the central belt southwards, and separatist Biafra agitations in the Igbo Southeast simmer on.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 been present in both the Northeast and Northwest of Nigeria. Thematically, across 2021 – 2023 IMPACT Initiatives fielded 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, while also playing a key role in Famine Monitoring, Nutrition and Food Security Surveillance, and the Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI).POSITION PROFILEREACH is seeking an experienced candidate who has previously managed teams and implemented aid projects in a humanitarian setting. Under the supervision of the Country Representative, they will oversee the design and launching of a Multi Sector Needs Assessment (MSNA) in order to support OCHA, the HCT in Nigeria and relevant partners during the humanitarian planning cycle (HPC) for 2026RESPONSIBILITIESThe 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 research cycle: the 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 has been 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 point) to grants management.Research Implementation* Ensure that the MSNA is planned in line with relevant project and program objectives and with global REACH guidelines; * Ensure that required secondary data analysis has been 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, project expenditure and ensure a timely completion of the project. * Be available to provide regular support and technical backstopping to the MSNA team members; * Under the direction of the Country Representative, engage in the dissemination of research products, including through articles, IMPACT social media contents, targeted e-mails, presentations, meetings, etc, in line with IMPACT Dissemination and External Communication Guidelines and Research ToRs; * Under supervision of IMPACT HQ, ensure that research products are uploaded in 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 to conduct monitoring and evaluation as specified in the research ToRs and in line with IMPACT GuidelinesTeam Management and Leadership* Ensure that all staff members understand and are able to perform their roles and responsibilities, as well as their reporting and validation duties to HQ. * Ensure that all staff members have clear and regularly updated ToRs, Workplans, and Key performance Indicators (KPIs) against which their performance will be appraised. * Promote team building, productivity, and staff welfare. * Mentor and support the team to build capacities, improve efficiency and performance. * Promote the growth and development of staff within the organisation, actively linking with HQ to provide feedback and support retention and internal mobility. Identify capacity building opportunities for growth, proactively provide high-performing staff with opportunities to surge (a short-term deployment to another mission) and develop pathways for junior staff to grow and move into management or specialist positions. * Ensure communication and linkages with HQ are made immediately in case of the occurrence of an HR-related problem.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. Proven track record in successful management of international and national teams in humanitarian contexts. * Familiarity aid system: Familiarity with the aid system, and the research community. * Communication/reporting skills: Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting, including proven experience in contributing to high level presentations/briefings. * Years of work experience: At least 4 years of relevant working experience preferably in the humanitarian and research field or proven progression within IMPACT. * Research skills: Excellent research and analytical skills. Excellent quantitative and qualitative research design, data collection, and data analysis experience required. Experience in assessments, M&E, field research, evaluations is an asset. * Software skills: Proven knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, to include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with R, SPSS and/or STATA or other statistical analysis software an asset. * Multi-tasking skills: Ability to multitask with tight deadlines, on numerous research cycles in complex environment. * Level of independence: A self-starter with a proven ability to work independently. * Cross-cultural work environment: Ability to operate in a cross-cultural environment requiring flexibility. * Experience in geographical region: Past experience in the West Africa region is desirable. * Language skills: Fluency in English required. * Security environment: Ability to operate in a complex and challenging security environmentCOMPENSATION & BENEFITS* For this position, salary between 3’180 CHF and 3’240 CHF monthly (before income tax), etc as well as a monthly living allowance of 300 USD NB - IMPACT salaries are strictly determined by our salary grid depending on the grade of the position and the level of education of staff. A location-dependent security and/or isolation adjustment is then applied as a recognition that some staff are required to work in difficult places where living and working conditions are much more difficult than elsewhere. * Accommodation and food provided in the guesthouse. * Enrolment in Swiss private pension fund (Swisslife – approx. 9.975% of staff gross salary), health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance * Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered (in-country travel costs and professional expenses are fully covered) * Contribution to the luggage transportation: between 20 and 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract (+ luggage and personal property insurance) * Annual leave of 36 days per year. Public holidays of the country of assignment. Family/compassionate leave when applicable. * Predeparture induction - 3 days at IMPACT Initiatives’s HQ in Geneva + one week pre-departure training in ACTED HQ in Paris, including a 4-days in situational security training; * Enrolment in IMPACT Initiatives Research Foundational Learning Programme within the first 3 months from the start of contract. * IMPACT prioritizes the psychological safety of its staff and the health insurance provided covers, among others, up to 1000 € per year of psychosocial counselling fees.HOW TO APPLYPlease apply directly via the following link: Research Manager – MSNA for Nigeria, based in Abuja (Link For External Applicants)