Exciting Career opportunity at ACLED

Posted 2026-04-21 13:00:09

Exciting Career opportunity at ACLED

ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) is seeking a West Africa Researcher to join our remote team. If you hold a university degree in a relevant field, possess fluency in both English and French, and want to collect and manage data on political violence across the Sahel and Nigeria, this entry level consultancy offers the perfect opportunity to apply your skills while working remotely from anywhere with reliable internet.

Why ACLED?

ACLED provides accurate, accessible, and timely data and analysis to better inform decisions that reduce violent conflict. We cover the globe with our data collection and analysis, offering local insights for global questions. We operate as a remote organization with researchers and partners located across all crises and conflicts. As a West Africa Researcher, you will not simply read news reports; you will systematically record incidents of political violence, from protests to battles, into structured data that policymakers and practitioners rely on. Moreover, you will work with a global team dedicated to transparency, rigor, and impact.

Your Mission

You will assist in the collection, review, and management of political violence and protest data across West African countries, with particular focus on the Sahel and Nigeria. Your work will involve reviewing news articles, international organization reports, NGO publications, and security documents. You will then record incidents of political violence into an Excel template, ensuring holistic coverage of current events. Additionally, you will participate in quality assurance, ensuring consistency and reliability across the dataset.

Specific Deliverables

Selected candidates will undergo extensive ACLED training consisting of several exercises. We will scrutinize your exercises carefully, retaining only those performing at the required level. The initial consultancy period runs from May 15, 2026 to June 30, 2027, with possible continuation based on performance and funding availability.

What You Will Do

Your role spans data collection, quality review, and team collaboration. Here is what you will tackle:

Data Collection

You will review news, international organization reports, NGO publications, and security documents for your assigned countries.
Recording incidents of political violence into an Excel template requires accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.

Quality Review & Management

You will ensure the quality, consistency, and reliability of the data you produce.
Participating in quality assurance processes helps maintain ACLED’s reputation for accurate, accessible data.

Team Collaboration

You will work with team members who have experience conducting detail oriented tasks and managing quantitative data.
Incorporating feedback from senior researchers improves your coding accuracy over time.

What You Bring to the Role

We are looking for a candidate with the right education, technical skills, language abilities, and personal attributes. Here is what you need:

Education

A university degree in international relations, political science, conflict studies, peacebuilding, international development, or a related field.

Technical Skills

Familiarity with Excel is essential, as you will record data using templates and manage spreadsheets.
Access to a computer, reliable internet connection, email, and the Microsoft Office Suite is required.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English is essential.
Fluency in French is essential, as many West African sources publish in French.

Experience & Knowledge

Experience conducting desk based research.
Experience working to deadlines with limited supervision.
A high level of attention to detail and ability to receive and incorporate feedback.
Research focus or professional experience in conflict research or peacebuilding in West Africa, particularly the Sahel and Nigeria, gives you a strong advantage.
Familiarity with conflict dynamics and actors in West Africa.

Personal Attributes

Comfortable working remotely and managing your own schedule.
Able to commit a minimum of 25 hours per week, including mid week and weekend submissions when required.
Resilient when working with conflict related media and reading about violent events.

Remuneration

Rate: 20 USD per hour.
Hours: Minimum of 25 hours per week.
Consultancy Period: May 15, 2026 to June 30, 2027 (with possible extension).

Why This Role Suits You

Remote Freedom: Work from any location with reliable internet service.
Global Impact: Your data will inform decisions that reduce violent conflict worldwide.
Skill Development: You will gain expertise in conflict data collection, Excel, and quality assurance.
Entry Level Opportunity: Open to nationals of any country; no prior work experience required beyond your degree.

Key Details to Remember

Position: West Africa Researcher
Organization: ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data)
Focus Region: West Africa, particularly the Sahel and Nigeria
Work Type: Remote, independent consultancy
Hours: Minimum 25 hours per week (including some weekends)
Training: Extensive ACLED training provided; only top performers retained

Ready to Track Conflict and Inform Decisions?

If you possess the qualifications and drive to excel as a West Africa Researcher, we want to hear from you. Review the Applicant FAQs on the ACLED website for more information, then prepare your application highlighting your research experience, language skills, and familiarity with West African conflict dynamics.

Do not delay. Join ACLED and become part of a global team that provides accurate, accessible, timely data to better inform decisions that reduce violent conflict. Apply today.

How to Apply for this Career Opportunity at ACLED

Click Here to Apply

Closing Date: 30th April 2026

NOTE:

Please be aware that employers typically receive a high volume of applications for each position and will only shortlist the most qualified candidates. Please note that NewsNowGh.com is not involved in the employer’s recruitment decisions and does not guarantee that applicants will be shortlisted or selected for any role.