The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) is a civic organization committed to advancing public sector accountability, good governance, evidence-based policymaking, and active citizen engagement with governance and accountability processes. As part of its electoral accountability work ahead of the 2027 General Elections, PLSI is expanding the ÀDÉHÙN – Electoral Accountability Programme to track policy promises across 28 states. The initiative builds on the methodology previously applied in Anambra, Ekiti, and Osun States. PLSI therefore invites applications from qualified, committed, and detail-oriented individuals to serve as Policy Research Associates.
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time
Purpose of the Assignment
- The Research Associates will conduct evidence-based research on assigned states, documenting candidates, political contexts, campaign activities, and commitments, while assessing the alignment of state development priorities with the National Development Plan (NDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using the established ÀDÉHÙN methodology.
Key Responsibilities
Each Associate will be assigned a cluster of states and will be responsible for:
- Obtaining and reviewing relevant State Development Plans.
- Populating the existing ÀDÉHÙN State Development Plan Alignment Template.
- Mapping state development priorities against the NDP and SDGs.
- Profiling governorship candidates and their running mates.
- Documenting party primaries and candidate emergence processes.
- Researching and documenting the political and electoral context of assigned states.
- Monitoring manifestos, campaign rallies, debates, interview, and verified campaign statements.
- Identifying and documenting campaign promises and commitments under the six ÀDÉHÙN thematic areas.
- Capturing the source, date, and supporting evidence for campaign commitments.
- Conducting evidence and source verification.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date research records and databases.
- Supporting the development of political and electoral context briefs.
- Contributing to the consolidated ÀDÉHÙN 2027 Electoral Accountability Database.
State Allocation
The six associates will collectively cover the 28 governorship states participating in the exercise:
- Associate 1: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger 5
- Associate 2: Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Rivers 4
- Associate 3 Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Plateau 5
- Associate 4 Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe 5
- Associate 5 Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi 5
- Associate 6 Bauchi, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Zamfara 4
Expected Deliverables
By the end of the initial assignment period, associates are expected to contribute to:
- State Development Plan–NDP–SDG alignment for assigned states;
- Governorship candidate and running mate profiles;
- Party primary records;
- Political and electoral context briefs;
- A verified campaign commitment database; and
- The consolidated ÀDÉHÙN 2027 Governorship Elections Accountability Database.
Required Qualifications and Competencies
Applicants should possess:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- Prior experience in electoral research, policy analysis, journalism, political research or governance-related work will be an advantage.
- Demonstrable interest or experience in policy research, governance, elections, political accountability, public policy or civic engagement.
- Strong research, analytical and information-gathering skills.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Ability to identify, assess and verify credible sources of information.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work with structured research templates and databases.
- Ability to work independently while meeting agreed deadlines.
- Good understanding of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or relevant research and data-management tools.
Application Closing Date
20th September, 2026.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the email.
Note:
- This is a research-intensive assignment requiring commitment, accuracy, objectivity, and the ability to meet strict deadlines. Applicants should be available for the duration of the initial October–November 2026 assignment.
- Only candidates who meet the stated qualifications and requirements should apply. Unqualified candidates are strongly advised not to apply.
