IMPACT Initiatives is recruiting an Impact initiatives Research Manager for its PANDA portfolio in Abuja, Nigeria, beginning April 2026. This professional leadership position focuses on Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) and rapid response research for major donors like FCDO and ECHO. The role offers a monthly salary between CHF 3,180 and CHF 3,240, supplemented by a $300 monthly living allowance and full guesthouse accommodation. Eligible candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant social science field and possess at least four years of experience in humanitarian research or M&E. The application window closes on February 3, 2026. This opportunity is designed for mid-career professionals looking to lead complex data-driven humanitarian strategies in a high-impact crisis context.


IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager 2026 (Paid Humanitarian Leadership Role in Abuja, Nigeria for International Experts) Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Country | Nigeria (Abuja) |
| Contract Duration | 12 Months (Renewable) |
| Category | Professional Humanitarian Research |
| Eligible Countries | International (Global) |
| Reward | Up to CHF 3,240 Monthly + Benefits |
| Key Criteria | Master’s Degree + 4 Years Experience |
| Application Deadline | February 3, 2026 |
IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager 2026 (Paid Humanitarian Leadership Role in Abuja, Nigeria for International Experts) Details
The IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager position for 2026 represents a critical leadership opportunity within Nigeria’s humanitarian landscape. Based in Abuja, the successful candidate will oversee the PANDA research portfolio, primarily focusing on Third-Party Monitoring for the UK FCDO’s Humanitarian and Resilience Programme. This role is pivotal for humanitarian, stabilisation, and development actors who rely on IMPACT’s evidence-based data to make life-saving decisions.

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As a Research Manager, you will not only implement research strategies but also lead a multicultural team of international specialists. The 2026 portfolio is set for significant expansion with new ECHO-funded rapid response mechanisms, making this an ideal time for research leaders to join a globally recognized data provider.
Benefits of the IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager 2026 (Paid Humanitarian Leadership Role in Abuja, Nigeria for International Experts)
IMPACT Initiatives provides a comprehensive professional package that ensures experts can focus on high-quality data delivery while their welfare and security are fully managed.
Tier 1: Core Compensation and Financial Stability (Up to CHF 3,240 Monthly)
- Base Salary: A competitive monthly salary scale ranging from CHF 3,180 to CHF 3,240.
- Living Stipend: An additional monthly living allowance of USD 300 to cover local personal expenses.
- Retirement Security: Automatic enrolment in a Swiss private pension fund, ensuring long-term financial planning.
Tier 2: Mobility and Logistics Support
- Travel and Transit: Full coverage of international flight tickets every six months and all associated visa processing costs.
- Housing and Subsistence: Full accommodation in a secure guesthouse and meals are provided by the organisation in the duty station.
- Insurance Protection: Comprehensive health, life, and repatriation insurance coverage for the duration of the 12-month contract.
Tier 3: Professional Growth and Wellness
- Educational Training: Exclusive access to IMPACT’s Research Foundational Learning Programme and pre-departure security inductions.
- Annual Leave: A generous leave policy of 36 days per year plus local public holidays.
- Mental Health Support: Psychosocial support coverage is integrated into the health insurance package to support staff in complex environments.
Eligibility Requirements for the IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager 2026 (Paid Humanitarian Leadership Role in Abuja, Nigeria for International Experts)
- Academic/Leadership: Applicants must possess a Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Economics, Development Studies, or a related social research field.
- Study Status/Experience: A minimum of four years of relevant experience in humanitarian research, assessments, or M&E is mandatory, with proven management experience in an INGO setting.
- Visa/Multicultural Status: Fluency in English is required. Candidates must be able to work in complex security environments and adapt to West African operational contexts.
- Program Admission: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is required, while technical skills in data tools like R, SPSS, or STATA are considered a major asset for selection.
How to Apply for the IMPACT Initiatives Research Manager 2026 (Step by Step)
- Apply for Program: Submit your comprehensive CV and application through the official IMPACT Initiatives recruitment platform before the February deadline.
- Automatic Evaluation: Applications are screened for mandatory Master’s degree requirements and the minimum 4-year professional experience threshold.
- Eligibility Assessment: Shortlisted candidates will undergo technical assessments and interviews focusing on research design and team management skills.
- Notification of Award: Successful candidates will receive a tentative offer by March 2026, with a planned deployment to Abuja by April 1, 2026.
Application Deadline: February 3, 2026
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is this a permanent or temporary position?
It is a 12-month fixed-term contract, subject to funding confirmation and performance, with the possibility of extension.
2. What is the main focus of the research portfolio?
Initially, the focus is on Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) for the FCDO, expanding into rapid response mechanisms for ECHO.
3. Do I need to be a Nigerian citizen to apply?
No, this is an international recruitment open to all qualified global candidates who meet the Master’s and experience criteria.
4. Is the salary paid in Naira or Swiss Francs?
The base salary is based on the IMPACT Swiss salary scale and is typically quoted in CHF (Swiss Francs).
5. What are the specific software requirements for this role?
While Microsoft Office is essential, knowledge of R, SPSS, or STATA is highly preferred for data analysis tasks.
6. Is housing provided in Abuja?
Yes, IMPACT provides guesthouse accommodation and meals for the Research Manager during their assignment in Nigeria.
7. How often can I travel home?
Flight tickets are provided by the organization every six months as part of the benefits package.
8. What academic level is required for this position?
A Master’s degree in a relevant field (International Relations, Economics, etc.) is a mandatory requirement.
9. Will I be expected to travel outside of Abuja?
Yes, the role includes occasional regional travel, specifically to Dakar and other areas within Nigeria for research oversight.
10. How many days of annual leave are provided?
The contract includes 36 days of annual leave per year, in addition to recognized public holidays.









