Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) Institute Research Fellowship Program 2025

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) Institute is at the forefront of a transformative movement to connect rigorous academic research with practical policymaking. As Africa's leading think tank, we understand that solving the continent's most pressing challenges requires innovative, evidence-based solutions. The PIC Institute is our answer to this need, creating a vibrant ecosystem where research meets action.

The PIC Institute serves as a nexus for academics, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to fostering sustainable development in Africa. Leveraging the strengths of interdisciplinary research and real-world policy application, the institute champions innovative and impactful solutions across health, education, economic development, governance, and more.
We are driven by a vision to address Africa’s complex societal challenges through collaboration, ensuring that policies are well-informed, human-centered, locally relevant, and grounded in robust evidence.

Applications are invited for:

Title: Research Fellowship Program

Location: Abuja (FCT)
Employment Type: Full-time

Overview of the Fellowship

• The PIC Institute’s Research Fellowship aims to develop a cadre of thought leaders dedicated to addressing Nigeria's most pressing social and economic challenges.
• Fellows will conduct innovative, policy-oriented research that enriches academic discourse and drives real-world change. They will engage in independent and interdisciplinary projects, collaborating with PIC experts, government bodies, development partners, and other stakeholders.
• This work will focus on shaping policies that promote equity, resilience, and sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on gender equity and socio-economic advancement.
• In addition to conducting impactful research, fellows will have the unique opportunity to present their publications at conferences, including Africa's Largest Gender and Inclusion Summit, hosted by the Policy Innovation Centre.
• They will also participate in regular seminars and workshops, benefiting from the PIC Institute's vibrant intellectual community and extensive international networks. This comprehensive support structure will enhance their capacity to drive transformative solutions.

Fellowship Position
The program is seeking postdoctoral researchers for the following specialised roles:

• Social Sciences and/or Humanities
• Demography and Statistics
• Gender Equity & Social Inclusion
• Social Epidemiology
• Public Health/Epidemiology
• Behavioral Science and Innovation
• Governance
• Agriculture and Food Security
• Economics

Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows will engage in both independent and collaborative research, applying diverse quantitative and qualitative methodologies to address critical socio-economic and gender-related challenges in Nigeria. Specific responsibilities include:

• Research Design and Implementation:
  • Developing comprehensive research frameworks that align with the Institute's thematic priorities.
  • Designing robust data collection tools, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussion guides, tailored to various socio-cultural contexts.
  • Conducting rigorous data analysis using statistical and qualitative analysis software to generate actionable insights.
• Fieldwork and Community Engagement:
  • Planning and executing field studies in selected Nigerian states, ensuring culturally sensitive and ethically sound research practices.
  • Engaging with diverse communities to gather context-specific data, fostering trust and collaboration among stakeholders.
  • Applying participatory research approaches to amplify community voices, particularly those of marginalised and underrepresented groups.
• Knowledge Synthesis and Dissemination:
  • Translating research findings into clear, evidence-based policy recommendations that address pressing societal challenges.
  • Producing high-quality reports, academic publications, and policy briefs that contribute to national and international discourses on gender equity and socio-economic development.
  • Presenting research outcomes at conferences, seminars, and workshops to diverse audiences, including policymakers, development partners, and community stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Collaboration and Advocacy:
  • Partnering with government bodies, NGOs, and community leaders to co-create strategies aimed at shifting harmful social norms and promoting inclusive development.
  • Facilitating dialogue sessions and capacity-building workshops to foster mutual understanding and drive community-led initiatives.
  • Advocating for policy changes and programmatic interventions that enhance adolescent well-being, gender equity, and socio-economic inclusion.
• Strategic Contribution and Innovation:
  • Identifying emerging trends and challenges within the Institute’s focus areas, proposing innovative research directions and interventions.
  • Mentoring early-career researchers and contributing to a collaborative, knowledge-sharing environment within the Institute.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, such as Public Health, Demography, Statistics, Gender Studies, Social Epidemiology, Behavioral Science, Governance, Agriculture and Food Security, Economics, or other Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines.
• Fellowship candidates must have obtained their doctoral degrees within the last five years at the time of application.
• Expertise in research design, data analysis, and evidence-based policy recommendations

Application Closing Date
5th January, 2025.