Remote research jobs in humanitarian data collection are becoming increasingly important in understanding global conflict trends. One such role is the West Africa Researcher consultancy offered by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). This position reflects the growing demand for real-time, data-driven insights into political violence, protests, and security dynamics across fragile regions.
Unlike traditional office-based roles, this consultancy is fully remote and highly independent. It is designed for early-career researchers who are detail-oriented, comfortable working with structured data, and able to analyze sensitive conflict information on a daily basis.
Role Overview and Purpose of the Position
The West Africa Researcher role focuses on collecting, verifying, and coding data related to political violence and protest events across West Africa, particularly in the Sahel region and Nigeria. The work contributes directly to global conflict monitoring systems used by policymakers, researchers, and humanitarian organizations.
The position is part of a broader mission by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), an organization that specializes in tracking global conflict events in real time.
Key expectations of the role include:
- Monitoring news sources, NGO reports, and security updates
- Recording incidents of political violence into structured datasets
- Coding events such as protests, battles, and civilian targeting
- Ensuring accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data entries
- Supporting quantitative analysis through structured datasets
The researcher plays a critical role in transforming raw conflict information into usable intelligence for decision-makers.
Work Structure and Remote Setup
The consultancy is fully remote, allowing researchers to work from any location with a stable internet connection. However, the role requires consistent availability and disciplined time management due to strict deadlines and frequent mid-week or weekend submissions.
The expected workload includes:
- A minimum of 25 working hours per week
- Independent task execution with minimal supervision
- Flexible scheduling, depending on reporting cycles
- Use of Microsoft Excel for data entry and coding
This structure makes the role suitable for individuals who are self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a research-driven environment.
Data Collection and Analytical Responsibilities
A central part of the role involves systematic data collection from open sources. Researchers must identify credible reports and translate them into structured datasets.
Core responsibilities include:
- Reviewing international news outlets and local media reports
- Extracting relevant conflict-related events from textual sources
- Classifying incidents based on predefined coding frameworks
- Inputting data into Excel-based templates
- Ensuring consistency across different geographic datasets
In addition to data entry, researchers are expected to engage in quality control processes. This involves reviewing entries for accuracy and correcting inconsistencies in coding or classification.
Quality Assurance and Attention to Detail
Accuracy is one of the most critical aspects of this role. Since ACLED data is widely used for academic research and policy decision-making, even small errors can affect broader analysis.
Researchers are therefore responsible for:
- Verifying the reliability of each source before coding
- Ensuring consistent interpretation of conflict definitions
- Applying standardized coding rules across all entries
- Responding to feedback from senior analysts
- Maintaining high attention to detail under tight deadlines
The role requires strong analytical discipline and the ability to work with structured frameworks consistently over long periods.
Required Skills and Competencies
The position is designed for entry-level candidates, but it still requires a strong academic and technical foundation. Successful applicants typically demonstrate both research ability and familiarity with conflict contexts in West Africa.
Key requirements include:
- A degree in international relations, political science, or related fields
- Strong proficiency in English and French
- Experience in desk-based or academic research
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and data entry tools
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow structured guidelines
Additional advantages include prior exposure to conflict analysis or regional knowledge of the Sahel and Nigeria.
Training, Evaluation, and Performance Expectations
Selected candidates do not immediately begin paid assignments. Instead, they undergo a structured training process designed to test their ability to accurately code conflict data.
The evaluation process includes:
- A mandatory training program provided by ACLED
- Practical exercises testing coding accuracy and consistency
- Continuous performance evaluation during the training phase
- Selection based on demonstrated aptitude and attention to detail
Only candidates who meet the required performance threshold are retained as active researchers.
The initial consultancy period runs from May 2026 to June 2027, with potential renewal based on performance and funding availability.
Compensation and Working Conditions
The role offers an hourly compensation model rather than a fixed salary. Researchers are paid based on completed work hours.
Key financial and working conditions include:
- Hourly rate of approximately $20 USD per hour
- Flexible but deadline-driven workload
- Independent contractor status (not full-time employment)
- Requirement for personal computer and stable internet access
This structure provides flexibility but requires strong self-management and consistency.
Conclusion: A Gateway into Conflict Data Research
The West Africa Researcher role at ACLED represents an entry point into the field of conflict analysis and humanitarian data science. It combines academic research skills with practical data coding, offering exposure to real-world political violence monitoring systems.
While the role is demanding in terms of accuracy and consistency, it provides valuable experience for individuals interested in careers in:
- Humanitarian data analysis
- International security and conflict studies
- Policy research and development
- Peacebuilding and human rights monitoring
Overall, it is a specialized opportunity for early-career researchers seeking remote, impactful work in global conflict tracking and analysis.
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