CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: SHORT TERM POSITION OF SOCIAL COHESION RESEARCH FELLOWS

Who we are:

Africa Polling Institute (API) is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan opinion research think-tank, which conducts opinion
polls, surveys, social research, evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy, governance, economy, markets and public life.
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 inclusion and cohesion across Africa.

Background

API, with support from Ford Foundation, is carrying out a 2nd round of its Study on Social Cohesion in Nigeria. In 2019, API conducted
the first major study on Social Cohesion in Nigeria tagged the – Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey (NSCS2019). The survey found that
there was evidently a broken social contract between the government and Citizens, as it highlighted 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
Citizens. 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. Also, 65% 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).
Nonetheless, these opinions were found to vary significantly across the geopolitical regions of the country.
Based on this, API with support from Ford Foundation is embarking on a 2nd round of this study to 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
importantly 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 for this position.

Application Duration

This application will close 2 weeks from the day of publication. 

Monday, 24th of August – Friday, 7th September 2020.

Expectation

The Fellows will:

  1. Carryout 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 & Natural Resource Governance); and
  4. Proven record of being in a similar position, and must possess exceptional management and organizational skills.

Submission List

Applicants must submit the following:

  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.

Submission List

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

For further clarifications on this EOI, please contact Olumayowa via olumayowaola@gmail.com