Deadline Extension – Call For Expression Of Interest: Short Term Position Of Social Cohesion Research Fellows

Who we are 

Africa Polling Institute is a non-profit, non-partisan independent opinion think-tank which conducts opinion poll, social research, evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy and governance through policy engagement and advocacy. Our main objective is to produce and disseminate credible opinion research data to support better decisions, public policy, practice and advocacy in sub-Saharan Africa. We were established on the belief that citizens’ participation in democratic governance can deepen the democratic process, strengthen public institutions and promote social cohesion across Africa.

Background

Africa Polling Institute (hereafter referred to as API) with support from Ford Foundation is carrying out a project on Social Cohesion in Nigeria. In 2019, API carried out the first Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey (#NSCS2019). The survey found that “Nigeria is not a socially cohesive country”, as there was evidently a broken social contract between the government and the people. It highlights the depletion of trust amongst Nigerians from various ethnic groups and religious affiliations as well as an overarching sense of social exclusion felt by many. About 70% of the survey’s respondents were of the opinion that the laws of the country do not apply to everyone equally, as there are certain persons above the law. Sixty five percent (65%) of them felt that the government was not doing enough to promote a sense of inclusion for all ethnic groups, and 45% thought that Nigeria was much more divided in 2019 than it was 5 years ago (in 2015). Even then, these opinions are found to vary significantly across the various geopolitical regions of the country. 

In 2021, API also completed work on the 2nd round of the Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey (#NSCS2021), with expanded scope to cover a few other indicators – Corruption, Impunity, Gender and Natural Resource Governance. In addition to that, the Institute organized a One-Day National Social Cohesion Dialogue in Abuja, bringing together several stakeholders to discuss the subject of Social Cohesion especially in the light of survey findings from the data. 

Based on this, API with support from Ford Foundation is embarking on the 3rd Round of the Nigeria Social Cohesion Project to yet again widen the focus and scope of social cohesion in Nigeria. The objective of this project is to measure and track the degree of Social Cohesion in Nigeria and to proffer insightful guide into public policy formulation which will help strengthen Social Cohesion in Nigeria. In view of the above, API is opening an expression of interest to recruit short term Social Cohesion Research Fellows, with Doctorate Degree with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of social cohesion in Nigeria. Candidates should be preferably from Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions, with research experience in Social Cohesion, Impunity, Social Exclusion, Natural Resource Governance and Gender. Candidates would be required to work remotely, with minimal travel. This project offers Academics and Researchers within Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions, an opportunity to enhance their research capacity especially in the area of engaging in rigorous policy-oriented research.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application Duration

Monday, January 17, 2022 – Friday, February 11, 2022.

Expectations

The Fellows will:

1. Carry out an extensive literature review on social cohesion in Nigeria;
2. Support the process of designing research methodology and developing survey instruments;
3. Publish working papers necessary from project milestones, and participate in stakeholders’ engagement;
4. Support the process of reporting and other roles within the confines of the social cohesion research project.

Qualifications

Interested researchers must possess the following:

1. Must be a PhD holder in any Social Science discipline (Preferably Sociology and Political Science);
2. Extensive knowledge and experience in the area of Social Cohesion in Nigeria;
3. Relevant publications on Social Cohesion (especially on Impunity, Social Exclusion and Natural Resource Governance) and;
4. Proven record of being in a similar position and must possess exceptional management and organizational skill.

Submission List

Applicants must submit the following with their CV:

1. Curriculum Vitae (not more than 4 pages);
2. A 1,000 Word write-up on the state of Social Cohesion in Nigeria;
3. Scanned copy of candidate’s credentials; and
4. A Letter of Motivation.

Interested applicants should submit their applications as stated in this EOI to info@africapolling.org or africapolling@gmail.com 

For further clarifications on this EOI, please contact Mr. Ekene Okonkwo via Email: eokonkwo@africapolling.org.