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Apply for the SIPRI Sahel–West Africa Researcher position: fully funded role based in Solna, contributing to peace and security research in West Africa’s Sahel region.

SIPRI Sahel–West Africa Researcher Position 2025 Fully Funded Post in Solna, Sweden

The SIPRI Sahel/West Africa Programme (SWAP) at SIPRI is now accepting applications for a fully funded Researcher position based in Solna, Sweden. This is a rare opportunity for individuals with strong quantitative research skills and a passion for peace, security, and governance issues in the Sahel and West Africa region.

About SIPRI & the Sahel/West Africa Programme

SIPRI is a globally recognized institute dedicated to conflict, peace, and security research. Its Sahel/West Africa Programme focuses on analyzing regional conflict dynamics, governance, peacebuilding efforts, and security issues across the Sahel and West Africa region. The programme works closely with African civil society organizations, academic institutions, international NGOs, and multilateral donors, including the European Union and UN agencies.

Joining this programme means becoming part of a dedicated team working to produce evidence-based analysis and policy-relevant research that can contribute to sustainable peace and stability in one of the world’s most complex regions.

Who Should Apply — Eligibility & Qualifications

To qualify for the SIPRI Sahel/West Africa Researcher position, candidates should meet the following criteria:

• Education: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, statistics, econometrics, or a related field.
• Research Experience: Demonstrable quantitative research background including survey design, sampling methodologies, and coding of surveys (e.g. using Kobo Toolbox or ODK).
• Data Analysis Skills: Proficiency in statistical software such as R or Stata. Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g. QGIS, Tableau, Power BI) is an asset.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and French (spoken and written).
• Regional Knowledge: Good understanding of conflict, governance, stability and security contexts in the Sahel / West Africa region.
• Soft Skills: Strong communication skills, ability to work in multicultural teams, methodological rigor, and a willingness to travel to the Sahel region for fieldwork (when required, subject to safety assessments).

Meritorious qualifications (not strictly required but advantageous): previous fieldwork in West Africa / Sahel, mixed-method research experience, or mentoring junior researchers/interns.

What the Role Involves Key Responsibilities

As a SIPRI Sahel/West Africa Researcher, you will be responsible for:

• Designing research methodologies, including sampling strategies and coding questionnaires for perception or survey studies.
• Managing fieldwork: training survey/data collection teams, supervising data collection and ensuring high-quality, ethical data.
• Conducting data analysis (using R or Stata), and visualizing data for insight and reporting.
• Producing high-quality research outputs: reports, policy briefs, academic papers, or articles for policymakers, academia, and civil society stakeholders.
• Collaborating with other SIPRI programmes, contributing to proposals, fundraising efforts, and institutional research goals.
• Working in multicultural settings and possibly traveling to conduct fieldwork in Sahel / West Africa (subject to security protocols).

Why This Opportunity Matters What You Gain

Working at SIPRI offers unique advantages:

• You’ll contribute to policy-relevant research that addresses conflict, security, governance, and peacebuilding in West Africa a region facing critical challenges.
• You’ll join a prestigious, globally recognized institute with cross-regional reach and strong ties to academic institutions, NGOs, UN agencies, and EU donors.
• Opportunity for professional growth: enhance methodological, data analysis, fieldwork management, and policy-writing skills in an international context.
• A chance to influence real-world peace and security policies, by contributing research that can shape humanitarian, governance, and stabilization efforts in West Africa.

Application Process & Deadline

• Required Documents: CV/resume, cover letter (explaining motivation & suitability for the role), and a writing sample (policy brief, academic paper, report, or article).
• Submission Portal: Applications must be submitted via SIPRI’s official recruitment portal (see SIPRI career page) before the application deadline.
• Deadline: December 19, 2025.
• Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a work sample or test.

Is This Role Right for You?

This position is ideal if you:

• Have strong quantitative research skills (survey design, statistical analysis, data visualization)
• Are fluent in English and French, and have deep interest in conflict, peace, governance, or development issues in West Africa / Sahel
• Are comfortable with fieldwork, multicultural environments, and international collaboration
• Want to build a career in peace and security research, policy analysis, or humanitarian / development work related to West Africa

Final Thoughts

The SIPRI Sahel/West Africa Researcher position is a unique, fully funded opportunity to contribute to high-impact research on conflict, security, and governance in one of Africa’s most critical regions. For qualified candidates with the right skills and passion, this role offers not just a job but a chance to influence real change, build expertise, and grow professionally within an internationally respected institution.

If this sounds like you prepare your application now, and submit before the December 19, 2025 deadline.