Research Assistant for Community Mapping

Purpose of the Assignment

GPD seeks to engage qualified Research Assistants to support Lead Consultants in conducting the project’s PRA in (Benue, Plateau, Kaduna, Katsina) that will:


Support in mapping communities and documenting conflict drivers and dynamics utilizing PRA Tools
Assist in identifying stakeholders, peace actors, and local mechanisms.
Facilitate inclusive consultations with farmers, herders, traditional leaders, women, men, youth, and security actors.
Collect and organize baseline data on agropastoral and agroforestry practices, resilience mechanisms, and livelihood opportunities.


Specific Assignment of the Research Assistant:


Conduct desk reviews of relevant reports, policies, and data.
Assist with stakeholder consultations (farmers, herders, leaders, CSOs, security agencies).
Support the application of PRA tools (resource mapping, seasonal calendars, focus group discussions, social mapping, preference ranking, transect walks, community profiling, triangulation, conflict analysis).
Document early warning signs, coping mechanisms, and entry points for dialogue.
Contribute to the development of state PRA reports and Community Peace and Resilience Plans.


Expected Deliverables:

Each Research Assistant will provide:


Field notes and documentation of PRA activities.
Transcripts and records of focus group discussions and consultations.
Contributions to draft state PRA reports


Duration of Assignment:


The assignment will be conducted over 10 working days per state, including fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting.


Reporting and Supervision:


The Research Assistant will work closely with the Lead Consultant and GPD project team.


Requirements


Bachelor’s Degree in Peace Studies, Conflict Resolution, Social Sciences, Agriculture, or related fields (Master’s Degree an advantage).
Minimum of 2–5 years’ experience in field research, community-based programming, or peacebuilding.
Experience with participatory approaches or PRA tools in conflict-affected areas.
Familiarity with farmer-herder dynamics, agropastoralism, and local governance structures.
Strong note-taking, documentation, and communication skills.
Fluency in English and relevant local languages of the state of assignment is required.