West Africa Researcher - REMOTE

About ACLED

At ACLED, we provide accurate, accessible and timely data and analysis to better inform decisions that reduce violent conflict. We cover the globe with our data collection and analysis, offering local insights for global questions. We are a remote organization with researchers and partners located across all crises and conflicts.

The consultancy opportunity

ACLED is looking for a West Africa Researcher to assist in the collection, review and management of political violence and protest data across West Africa Countries, particularly the Sahel and Nigeria. The Researcher must be available for a minimum of 25 hours per week. This opportunity is fully remote and can be done from any location with reliable internet service. 

This is an entry-level, independent consultant opportunity, and may require submissions mid-week and on weekends.

This opportunity is open to nationals of any country. For more information, please review the Applicant FAQs.

Collection of data is conducted by reviewing news, international organization, NGO and security reports on a list of assigned countries, and recording the incidents of political violence into an Excel template. Researchers will focus on coding events to provide holistic coverage of current political violence, ranging from protests to battles.

Review and management of data involves ensuring the quality, consistency and reliability of the data produced. The researcher provides team members with experience conducting detail-oriented tasks, and producing and managing quantitative data.

Please note that this opportunity involves working with conflict-related media and reading about violent events.

Specific deliverables:

Candidates who are selected will undergo extensive ACLED training. The training consists of several exercises. Candidates' exercises will be scrutinized and only those who are performing at the required level will be retained as Researchers.  

For those selected, the initial consultancy period will be from May 15, 2026 to June  30, 2027. After this, continuation may be possible, pending performance and availability of funding. 

Remuneration:

Remuneration is 20 USD per hour.

Skills and competencies:

ACLED is seeking applicants who have the following skills and experience:

• University degree in international relations, political science, conflict studies, peacebuilding, international development, or related field.
• Familiarity with Excel (essential).
• Fluency in English (essential).
• Fluency in French (essential).
• Experience conducting desk-based research.
• Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision.
• A high level of attention to detail and ability to receive and incorporate feedback.
• Research focus or professional experience in conflict research or peacebuilding in West Africa, particularly the Sahel and Nigeria, is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with conflict and actors in West Africa.
• Access to a computer, a reliable internet connection, email, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Applications:

To apply for this opportunity, please submit a CV and cover letter detailing qualifications, experience and language proficiency to our career portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interested candidates are advised to apply as soon as possible. We will only review applications received through our career portal, so please make sure to use the application form on the portal. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a two-hour exercise as part of the evaluation of their coding aptitude. 

Please make sure to check your spam folder for correspondence.

Further information is available online at acleddata.com.