Vacancies at Athena Centre for Policy & Leadership

RECRUITMENT – INSTITUTE DIRECTORS & SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Athena Centre for Policy & Leadership is a leading Nigerian think tank committed to rigorous research, evidence-based policy, and ideas that shape national debate. Our work influences governance, leadership, and public discourse in Nigeria and across Africa.

As part of our 2026 growth and institutional strengthening plan, Athena is recruiting intellectual leaders and senior researchers to anchor three strategic institutes.

AVAILABLE POSITIONS

INSTITUTE DIRECTORS (3 Positions)

1. Director – Olikoye Ransome-Kuti Centre for Health & Social Equity.
2. Director – Arthur Nwankwo Centre for Education & Intellectual Freedom.
3. Director – Athena Confidential (Premium Intelligence Product)

SENIOR RESEARCHERS (3 Positions)

1. Health & Social Equity
2. Education & Intellectual Freedom
3. Athena Confidential

INSTITUTE DIRECTORS

(Health & Education Institutes)

Role Summary

Institute Directors provide intellectual leadership and delivery discipline for Athena’s research institutes. They are responsible for setting research agendas, leading flagship publications, mentoring researchers, and ensuring that Athena’s work shapes policy thinking and public debate.

This is a working intellectual leadership role, not a ceremonial position.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and drive the institute’s annual research agenda in line with Athena’s priorities
• Lead or co-author major publications, including:
  • Athena Perspectives
  • Monthly Policy Pulse
  • Governance Insights
  • Supervise institute staff:
    • Senior Researcher
    • Research Assistant
    • NYSC Research Assistants 
• Ensure minimum quarterly outputs:
  1. 3–4 Athena Perspectives
  2. Monthly Pulse contribution
  3. Governance Insight (lead or co-lead)
• Integrate visiting fellows into active, output-driven research
• Represent Athena in policy engagements, briefings, and public forums
• Contribute to grant proposals, donor engagement, and institutional reporting where required.

Profile & Qualifications

1. Advanced degree (Master’s minimum; PhD preferred).
2. 8–15 years’ experience in policy research, academia, public service, or development work.
3. Strong publication record (policy briefs, reports, op-eds, journals).
4. Experience leading research teams or programmes.
5. Deep understanding of Nigerian and African policy environments.
6. Proven intellectual independence, delivery discipline, and mentoring capacity.

Director Athena Confidential

 (Premium, Fee-Paying Intelligence Product)

Role Summary

The Director of Athena Confidential leads Athena’s premium intelligence and policy advisory product. This role requires exceptional judgment, discretion, and analytical rigour, translating complex political, economic, and governance signals into high-value insight for senior decision-makers.

This is a high-trust, principal-level role with direct responsibility for quality, credibility, and client value.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead Athena Confidential’s research agenda and client-facing intelligence outputs.
• Supervise a dedicated confidential research team (Senior Researcher, junior researchers, NYSC analysts)
• Produce and oversee:
  1. Confidential intelligence briefs
  2. Risk and scenario analyses
  3. Executive advisory notes
• Maintain strict separation between confidential and public Athena outputs
• Ensure editorial clearance and quality control directly with the Chancellor
• Support high-level client briefings and strategic engagements
• Uphold the highest standards of confidentiality, data integrity, and professional ethics

Profile & Qualifications

• Advanced degree in policy, economics, political science, security studies, or related fields.
• 10+ years’ experience in policy analysis, strategic advisory, intelligence, or political-economy work.
• Strong analytical writing and synthesis skills
• Demonstrated discretion and professional judgment.
• Experience engaging senior public- or private-sector decision-makers
• Comfort operating in a high-responsibility, high-trust environment

SENIOR RESEARCHERS

Role Summary

Senior Researchers are responsible for day-to-day research production, drafting publications, supervising junior staff, and ensuring analytical depth across institute outputs.

This role is a leadership track position, with progression potential to Institute Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead drafting of Athena Perspectives, Monthly Pulse sections, and Governance Insights
• Conduct policy research, comparative analysis, and background studies.
• Supervise Research Assistant and NYSC Research Assistants.
• Work closely with the Publications Desk to meet editorial standards and deadlines.
• Support Institute Directors in briefings, presentations, and special projects

Profile & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant field (PhD an advantage)
• 5–10 years’ experience in policy research, academia, or applied analysis.
• Strong evidence of policy writing and analytical work.
• Ability to work independently and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Strong mentoring mindset and attention to detail.

TERMS & APPLICATION DETAILS

Work Style: Onsite or Hybrid (remote-only applications will not be considered)

Location: Abuja

Performance: All roles are subject to annual review based on measurable research outputs

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit: CV, Cover Letter, and Links or samples of relevant publications to careers@athenacentre.org

Deadline: 27th February 2026

link: https://athenacentre.org/home/careers/