Senior Research and Conflict Data Lead at HumAngle Media Limited

Lead the Future of Conflict and Security Research at HumAngle

HumAngle Media Limited is a premier media platform dedicated to passionate, insightful, and objective coverage of insecurity across Africa. Founded in March 2020 by esteemed Nigerian journalists Obiora Chukwumba (PhD) and Ahmad Salkida, HumAngle has grown to become a vital voice in reporting on conflict, human security, and institutional accountability.

We are currently seeking a dynamic and visionary Senior Research and Conflict Data Lead to spearhead our research and advisory wing. This pivotal leadership role combines intellectual rigor, methodological integrity, and commercial strategy. If you have a passion for uncovering the truth behind complex security dynamics in Nigeria, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Sahel, this is an incredible opportunity to shape the future of African conflict journalism and advisory practice.

About the Role

As the Senior Research and Conflict Data Lead, you will take ownership of the intellectual quality and methodological integrity of our research unit. You will be instrumental in transforming HumAngle's rich on-the-ground intelligence—gathered from conflict-affected communities, local knowledge networks, and open sources—into structured, verifiable, and analytically defensible data.

Furthermore, you will build, manage, and grow a lean, high-performing commercial research and advisory team. You will lead business development efforts, forge relationships with international clients and development partners, and ensure that our commissioned projects remain strictly aligned with our core values of editorial independence and high ethical standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Research & Analytical Leadership: Design and execute original research on armed groups, political violence, terrorism, violent extremism, and conflict economies. Establish rigorous methodologies for field interviews, source verification, triangulation, and confidence scoring.
• Conflict Data Architecture: Build and maintain HumAngle's conflict-data architecture, establishing gold-standard protocols for data collection, classification, provenance, validation, and version control.
• Commercial Advisory Leadership: Drive the growth of our research and advisory wing by identifying opportunities, crafting technical proposals, developing scopes of work, and managing institutional client relationships.
• Team Development & Mentorship: Recruit, supervise, and mentor multidisciplinary researchers, analysts, and data specialists, fostering an internal culture of critical thinking and continuous learning.
• Ethics & Security: Enforce stringent research ethics, informed-consent protocols, and data-protection standards to safeguard vulnerable participants and sensitive sources.

Qualifications and Experience

• A master's degree or higher in Conflict and Security Studies, Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Data Science, Geography, Sociology, or a related discipline (a PhD is an advantage).
• At least five years of relevant professional experience in conflict research, event data management, humanitarian studies, or research consultancy.
• Strong, demonstrated knowledge of Nigerian and West African security dynamics; experience with the Lake Chad Basin or Sahel is a significant plus.
• Proven experience in managing research teams, delivering commissioned projects, and preparing winning technical proposals.
• Proficiency in research tools and methodologies (quantitative/qualitative mixed methods, GIS, network analysis, Python, R, SQL, or KoboToolbox).
• Professional fluency in English; proficiency in French or regional languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulfulde, Arabic) is highly advantageous.

Why Join HumAngle?

At HumAngle, your work directly impacts public discourse, policy decisions, and humanitarian outcomes across Africa. You will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals committed to objective, impactful journalism and empirical research. We offer a stimulating environment where intellectual curiosity and rigorous methodology are deeply valued.

Method of Application

To apply for the Senior Research and Conflict Data Lead position, please review the complete job description and submit your application package (including your CV and a tailored cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role) to careers@humangle.media. Please ensure your application highlights your experience in conflict research, data architecture, and team leadership.