LOT A: Policy Research Associates – Electoral Accountability (ÀDÉHÙN 2027)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Engagement: Fixed-Term Assignment
Number of Positions: Six (6)
Commencement: 1 October 2026
Initial Engagement Period: October–November 2026
About PLSI
The Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI) is a civic organization committed to advancing public sector accountability, good governance, evidence-based policymaking, and active citizen engagement with governance and accountability processes.
As part of its electoral accountability work ahead of the 2027 General Elections, PLSI is expanding the ÀDÉHÙN – Electoral Accountability Programme to track policy promises across 28 states. The initiative builds on the methodology previously applied in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States.
PLSI therefore invites applications from qualified, committed, and detail-oriented individuals to serve as Policy Research Associates.
Purpose of the Assignment
The Research Associates will conduct evidence-based research on assigned states, documenting candidates, political contexts, campaign activities and commitments, while assessing the alignment of state development priorities with the National Development Plan (NDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using the established ÀDÉHÙN methodology.
Key Responsibilities
Each Associate will be assigned a cluster of states and will be responsible for:
- Obtaining and reviewing relevant State Development Plans.
- Populating the existing ÀDÉHÙN State Development Plan Alignment Template.
- Mapping state development priorities against the NDP and SDGs.
- Profiling governorship candidates and their running mates.
- Documenting party primaries and candidate emergence processes.
- Researching and documenting the political and electoral context of assigned states.
- Monitoring manifestos, campaign rallies, debates, interviews and verified campaign statements.
- Identifying and documenting campaign promises and commitments under the six ÀDÉHÙN thematic areas.
- Capturing the source, date and supporting evidence for campaign commitments.
- Conducting evidence and source verification.
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date research records and databases.
- Supporting the development of political and electoral context briefs.
- Contributing to the consolidated ÀDÉHÙN 2027 Electoral Accountability Database.
State Allocation
The six associates will collectively cover the 28 governorship states participating in the exercise:
| Associate | States | No. |
| Associate 1 | Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Niger | 5 |
| Associate 2 | Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Rivers | 4 |
| Associate 3 | Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, Benue, Plateau | 5 |
| Associate 4 | Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, Yobe | 5 |
| Associate 5 | Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi | 5 |
| Associate 6 | Bauchi, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Zamfara | 4 |
Expected Deliverables
By the end of the initial assignment period, associates are expected to contribute to:
- State Development Plan–NDP–SDG alignment for assigned states;
- Governorship candidate and running mate profiles;
- Party primary records;
- Political and electoral context briefs;
- A verified campaign commitment database; and
- The consolidated ÀDÉHÙN 2027 Governorship Elections Accountability Database.
Required Qualifications and Competencies
Applicants should possess:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, Development Studies, Economics, International Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable interest or experience in policy research, governance, elections, political accountability, public policy or civic engagement.
- Strong research, analytical and information-gathering skills.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Ability to identify, assess and verify credible sources of information.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work with structured research templates and databases.
- Ability to work independently while meeting agreed deadlines.
- Good understanding of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or relevant research and data-management tools.
Prior experience in electoral research, policy analysis, journalism, political research or governance-related work will be an advantage.
Important Notice
This is a research-intensive assignment requiring commitment, accuracy, objectivity and the ability to meet strict deadlines. Applicants should be available for the duration of the initial October–November 2026 assignment.
Only candidates who meet the stated qualifications and requirements should apply. Unqualified candidates are strongly advised not to apply.
LOT B: Senior Finance and Admin Associate
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports to: Executive Director
About the Role
PLSI is seeking an experienced, highly organized and detail-oriented professional to join its management team as Senior Finance and Admin Associate.
The successful candidate will support the organization’s financial management, administrative systems, compliance, procurement, human resources administration and general operational functions. The position requires a professional with strong financial discipline, excellent administrative judgment and the ability to work effectively in a nonprofit environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management and Accounting
- Support the preparation and maintenance of accurate financial records and accounting documentation.
- Process and review payment requests, invoices, receipts, retirement documents and other financial transactions.
- Support preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual financial reports.
- Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and flag significant variances.
- Maintain proper documentation and filing of financial records.
- Support cash-flow management and routine financial reconciliations.
- Assist with preparation of project and donor financial reports.
- Ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, procedures and donor requirements.
- Support preparation for internal and external audits and respond to audit information requests.
- Budget and Grant Financial Management
- Support program teams in preparing project budgets and budget revisions.
- Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.
- Provide financial information required for proposal development and project reporting.
- Maintain accurate records of donor/project expenditure.
- Assist in ensuring that project expenditures are eligible, properly authorized and adequately documented.
- Administration and Operations
- Coordinate routine administrative operations of the organization.
- Maintain effective physical and electronic filing systems.
- Support office procurement, inventory and asset management.
- Obtain quotations and support procurement processes in accordance with organizational procedures.
- Maintain vendor and supplier records.
- Coordinate office logistics, travel arrangements, meetings and organizational events as required.
- Support maintenance of organizational records, contracts, agreements and statutory documentation.
- Human Resources Administration
- Support routine HR administration, including staff records, attendance, leave, onboarding and exit processes.
- Maintain confidential personnel files and employment documentation.
- Support payroll preparation and related administrative processes.
- Assist in recruitment and staff documentation when required.
- Ensure that administrative HR processes are implemented consistently with organizational policies.
- Compliance and Risk Management
- Support compliance with PLSI’s financial, administrative and procurement policies.
- Identify administrative and financial risks and bring them promptly to management’s attention.
- Maintain appropriate controls to safeguard organizational resources.
- Support compliance with donor requirements and applicable regulatory obligations.
- Management Support
- Provide timely financial and administrative information to management to support decision-making.
- Prepare administrative and financial correspondence, reports and briefing materials.
- Support organizational planning and implementation of management decisions.
- Undertake other responsibilities assigned by management that are consistent with the position.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Management, Economics or a related discipline.
- Professional accounting qualification or relevant professional certification will be an advantage.
- Minimum of 5 years’ relevant professional experience, preferably within an NGO, nonprofit, development organization or similar environment.
- Demonstrable experience in financial management, budgeting, accounting and administration.
- Experience with donor-funded projects and financial reporting will be an advantage.
- Strong knowledge of accounting and financial management principles.
- Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience with accounting software is desirable.
Key Competencies
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
- High level of integrity, accountability and financial discipline.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Proactive approach to identifying and resolving administrative and financial issues.
GENERAL APPLICATION INFORMATION
Interested and qualified candidates should submit a detailed CV and a cover letter demonstrating their suitability for the position.
Applications should be sent by email to: hr@plsinitiative.org
Please use the appropriate subject line:
- “LOT A – Policy Research Volunteer, ÀDÉHÙN 2027”
- “LOT B – Senior Finance and Admin Associate”
Application Deadline
Sunday, 20 September 2026 at 23:59hrs (WAT).
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
PLSI is an equal opportunity organization. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Staff orientation takes place on Wednesday 30th September and Thursday 1st October 2026.
Applicants are strongly advised to apply only where they meet the stated qualifications and experience. Unqualified candidates should rather not apply.