Institute Directors - Health & Education Institutes at Athena Centre for Policy & Leadership

Athena Centre for Policy & Leadership is a leading Nigerian think tank committed to rigorous research, evidence-based policy, and ideas that shape national debate. Our work influences governance, leadership, and public discourse in Nigeria and across Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Institute Directors - Health & Education Institutes 

Location: Abuja (FCT) 
Work Style: Onsite or Hybrid (remote-only applications will not be considered)

Role Summary

• Institute Directors provide intellectual leadership and delivery discipline for Athena’s research institutes.
• They are responsible for setting research agendas, leading flagship publications, mentoring researchers, and ensuring that Athena’s work shapes policy thinking and public debate.
• This is a working intellectual leadership role, not a ceremonial position.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and drive the institute’s annual research agenda in line with Athena’s priorities
• Lead or co-author major publications, including:
• Athena Perspectives
• Monthly Policy Pulse
• Governance Insights
• Supervise institute staff:
• Senior Researcher
• Research Assistant
• NYSC Research Assistants
• Ensure minimum quarterly outputs:
• 3–4 Athena Perspectives
• Monthly Pulse contribution
• Governance Insight (lead or co-lead)
• Integrate visiting fellows into active, output-driven research
• Represent Athena in policy engagements, briefings, and public forums
• Contribute to grant proposals, donor engagement, and institutional reporting where required.

Profile & Qualifications

• Advanced Degree (Master’s minimum; PhD preferred).
• 8–15 years’ experience in policy research, academia, public service, or development work.
• Strong publication record (policy briefs, reports, op-eds, journals).
• Experience leading research teams or programmes.
• Deep understanding of Nigerian and African policy environments.
• Proven intellectual independence, delivery discipline, and mentoring capacity.
• Director Athena Confidential
• (Premium, Fee-Paying Intelligence Product)

Application Closing Date
27th February, 2026.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: careers@athenacentre.org using the Job title as the subject of the email.