Senior Behavioural Scientist at Policy Innovation Centre

The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) is the first national institutionalised behavioural initiative in Africa supporting government and stakeholders to make behaviourally informed decisions and generate evidence for impact driven interventions in critical thematic areas (Governance, Health, Gender & Social Inclusion, Education, Digital & Financial Inclusion). The PIC is positioned to support the delivery of better policies and innovative solutions for high impact interventions across Africa. The PIC is an initiative of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG), a leading think tank in Africa redefining evidence based policy advocacy.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Senior Behavioural Scientist

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

Job Description

• The Policy Innovation Centre (PIC) seeks to hire a Senior Behavioural Scientist who will lead and contribute to innovative research and the application of behavioural science principles to inform decision-making, policies, and strategies. Collaborating with interdisciplinary teams in the Behavioural Innovation Lab and Policy Innovation Centre, the Senior Behavioural Scientist will design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and implement evidence-based solutions to address complex business, social, and organizational challenges.

Responsibilities
Behavioural Research and Analysis:

• Design and implement advanced behavioural research projects, including experiments, surveys, and observational studies.
• Use qualitative and quantitative methods to understand user, consumer, employee, or stakeholder behaviour.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify patterns and generate insights that drive decision-making.

Strategy Development and Application:

• Apply behavioural science frameworks (e.g., behavioural economics, psychology, behavioural public policy and cognitive science) to real-world problems.
• Work closely with program partners, implementers, business leaders and stakeholders to translate research findings into actionable strategies.
• Develop and recommend interventions that enhance user experience, improve decision-making, or drive behavioural change.

Leadership and Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor a team of junior behavioural scientists and researchers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., marketing, design, policy, data science) to integrate behavioural insights into product development and business strategies.
• Communicate research findings clearly and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders.

Thought Leadership and Innovation:

• Stay up to date with the latest trends and advancements in behavioural science.
• Lead thought leadership initiatives within the PIC by contributing to white papers, reports, and presentations.
• Promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making within PIC.

Project Management:

• Manage and oversee multiple research projects, ensuring timely delivery, quality results, and budget management.
• Develop project timelines, monitor progress, and ensure alignment with PIC objectives.

Policy and Ethical Considerations:

• Ensure that all research and interventions adhere to ethical guidelines and respect participant rights.
• Provide guidance on the ethical application of behavioural insights in policy development and organizational change.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Behavioural Science, Psychology, Economics, Sociology, Neuroscience, or related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in a behavioural science-related role, ideally in a senior capacity.
• Proven track record of applying behavioural science to drive business impact or policy change.
• Experience with designing and leading experimental research and data analysis.
• Advanced proficiency in statistical analysis and data visualization (e.g., R, Python, SPSS, or similar tools).
• Strong knowledge of behavioural science theories, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Ability to translate complex research findings into practical business or policy recommendations.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with experience communicating research to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in managing and mentoring teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

Application Closing Date
10th February, 2025.

How to Apply

Please send your CV on no more than 2 A4 pages (Minimum font size 10) AND an accompanying covering letter of no more than 2 pages (Minimum font size 10) answering the following questions to https://tinyurl.com/PIC-JobApplication

• What is your motivation for wanting to join the PIC?
• What are the top three key attributes you would bring to the PIC?

Note

• Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
• PIC may be unable to notify every applicant of the result of their application. If you have therefore not been contacted within 8 weeks of the closing date, then you should assume that your application has been unsuccessful. However, we may retain your data and contact you for future openings that match your skills and competencies.
• Equal employment opportunity statement: PIC is an equal employment employer. We do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, colour, religion, gender, disability, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable laws.