Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is Hiring a West Africa Researcher (Remote Consultancy Role) – 20 USD Hourly Rate

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) is offering a remote consultancy opportunity for a West Africa Researcher within its GDC Africa team. The position supports ACLED’s global mission of producing accurate, timely, and accessible data on political violence and protest activity worldwide.

ACLED operates as a fully remote research organisation, with contributors based across multiple conflict-affected regions. Its work informs policymakers, researchers, and humanitarian actors seeking to better understand and respond to violent conflict dynamics.

Organisational Purpose

ACLED specialises in collecting and analysing data on political violence, demonstrations, and armed conflict events. The organisation compiles structured datasets that provide granular insights into global insecurity trends, with a strong emphasis on real-time reporting and local context.

Its core objective is to improve decision-making processes that contribute to conflict reduction and more effective peacebuilding strategies.

Role Overview

The West Africa Researcher will focus on data collection, validation, and management related to political violence and protest events across West African countries, with particular attention to the Sahel region and Nigeria.

This is an entry-level independent consultancy position requiring a minimum commitment of 25 hours per week. The role is fully remote and can be performed from any location with stable internet access.

The consultancy is open to applicants of any nationality.

Key Responsibilities

The role involves structured research and data management tasks centred on conflict event coding and verification.

Data Collection

• Review and analyse multiple sources, including:
  • News media reports
  • NGO publications
  • International organisation reports
  • Security briefings
• Identify incidents of political violence and protest activity
• Code events into structured datasets using Excel templates
• Ensure comprehensive coverage of assigned West African countries

Data Review and Quality Assurance

• Verify accuracy, consistency, and reliability of coded data
• Ensure adherence to ACLED’s methodological standards
• Incorporate feedback from senior researchers and team leads
• Support continuous improvement of dataset quality

Research and Analytical Support

• Conduct detailed desk-based research on conflict events
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail in data entry and classification
• Support quantitative dataset development for analysis and reporting

Work Conditions and Expectations

The consultancy involves working with sensitive and sometimes distressing content, including reports of violent conflict. Researchers are expected to maintain professionalism and emotional resilience while handling conflict-related material.

The role may require flexibility, including availability for mid-week and weekend submissions depending on workload and reporting cycles.

Training and Performance Evaluation

Selected candidates will undergo a structured training programme conducted by ACLED. The training includes multiple practical exercises designed to assess:

• Data coding accuracy
• Understanding of conflict event classification
• Ability to apply methodological guidelines

Only candidates who meet required performance standards during training will continue in the consultancy role.

Contract Duration and Renewal

• Initial consultancy period: 15 May 2026 – 30 June 2027
• Continuation: Subject to performance and funding availability

This structure allows for performance-based continuation within the organisation’s research framework.

Compensation

The role is compensated at:

• USD 20 per hour

Payments are based on hours worked and verified task completion.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong academic and technical competencies relevant to conflict research and data management.

Education

• University degree in one of the following or related fields:
  • International Relations
  • Political Science
  • Conflict Studies
  • Peacebuilding
  • International Development

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (essential)
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to manage structured datasets accurately

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English (essential)
• Fluency in French (essential)

Research and Professional Experience

• Experience in desk-based research
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail and ability to incorporate feedback
• Familiarity with West African conflict dynamics is a strong advantage
• Prior exposure to conflict analysis or peacebuilding contexts preferred

Additional Requirements

• Access to a reliable computer and stable internet connection
• Ability to work remotely and communicate via email and digital platforms

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through ACLED’s official career portal by submitting:

• A CV
• A cover letter detailing:
  • Academic qualifications
  • Professional experience
  • Language proficiency

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a two-hour assessment exercise designed to evaluate data coding aptitude.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submission is strongly encouraged.

Organisational Values

ACLED is committed to producing high-quality, transparent, and reliable conflict data to support global peace and security efforts. The organisation values:

• Precision in data collection
• Methodological consistency
• Global inclusivity and remote collaboration
• Evidence-based conflict analysis

Conclusion

This consultancy role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to global conflict monitoring and analysis through structured data collection and research. By supporting ACLED’s West Africa coverage, the researcher will play a critical role in documenting political violence trends and informing international understanding of conflict dynamics in the region.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.