Title: Consultant – Research on Women’s Political Participation and Development in Nigeria
Project: From Margins to Mainstream (FmTM): Empowering Societies for Increased Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria
Organisation: Women, Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV)
Funding Partner: UN Women, in partnership with the European Union (WYDE – Women and Youth Democratic Engagement Initiative)
Location: Kwara, Enugu, and Lagos States, Nigeria
Duration: As required (within project timeline)
Type of Engagement: Short-term Consultancy
Date of Issue: 29th January 2026
Application Deadline: Seven (7) days from the date of publication

Background

Women, Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV) is a non-governmental, feminist-led organisation committed to advancing gender equality, women’s rights, youth development, and inclusive governance in Nigeria. WOYODEV is currently implementing the From Margins to Mainstream (FmTM): Empowering Societies for Increased Women’s Political Participation in Nigeria project in Kwara, Enugu, and Lagos States.

The project seeks to accelerate a socio-cultural shift away from norms that limit women’s participation in politics toward positive democratic values that enable and sustain women’s active political engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections. The intervention focuses on strengthening feminist coalitions, addressing harmful social norms and unequal power relations, and promoting enabling legal and policy environments that support women political aspirants to contest, mobilise, and win elections.

To support evidence-based programming, advocacy, and learning, WOYODEV seeks to engage a qualified consultant to conduct research and analysis on women’s participation in politics and development across the project states.

Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to generate robust, gender-responsive evidence on the state of women’s political participation, including trends, barriers, enablers, and community perceptions. The findings will inform project implementation, advocacy strategies, coalition-building efforts, and policy engagement at sub-national and national levels.

Scope of Work

Under the supervision of WOYODEV, the Consultant will be responsible for:

1. Designing a context-appropriate research methodology, including qualitative and/or quantitative tools.
2. Conducting an assessment of women’s participation in politics and development in Kwara, Enugu, and Lagos States.
3. Analysing trends, gaps, and emerging issues affecting women’s political participation.
4. Documenting community perceptions, social norms, and power relations influencing women’s political engagement.
5. Reviewing relevant policies, frameworks, and existing literature at national and sub-national levels.
6. Producing a comprehensive research report with clear findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations.
7. Presenting findings to WOYODEV and key stakeholders (virtual or in-person, as required).

Expected Deliverables

• Inception report detailing methodology, tools, and workplan.
• Approved data collection instruments.
• Draft research report.
• Final research report incorporating feedback from WOYODEV.
• Presentation of key findings and recommendations.

Duration and Level of Effort

The consultancy duration and level of effort will be agreed upon with the selected consultant and aligned with the project timeline.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of a Master’s degree (PhD is an added advantage) in Gender Studies, Political Science, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting gender-focused or political participation research, preferably within civil society or development programmes.
• Strong skills in research design, data collection, analysis, visualisation, and interpretation.
• Proven understanding of feminist research principles and gender-responsive methodologies.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s political, socio-cultural, and governance context.
• Excellent analytical writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with WOYODEV’s programme team and stakeholders.

Reporting and Coordination

The Consultant will report directly to WOYODEV and work closely with the project team to ensure alignment with programme objectives and timelines.

Budget and Remuneration

The consultancy is a short-term, fixed-fee engagement. Remuneration for this assignment will be based on WOYODEV’s approved consultancy rates and aligned with the scope of work, level of effort, and available project budget. Applicants are therefore advised that budget negotiations will be guided strictly by WOYODEV’s internal rate structure, and submission of a proposed budget is not required at the application stage.

Application Process

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A cover letter outlining relevant experience and suitability for the assignment.
• At least two (2) professional references.
• Samples of similar research or consultancy work previously conducted.

Applications should be sent via email to recruitments@woyodev.org, with a copy to woyodev.recruitments@gmail.com, no later than seven (7) days from the date of publication of this call. Email Subject Line: Consultant – Women’s Political Participation Research

Equal Opportunity and Priority Consideration

WOYODEV is an equal opportunity organisation and strongly encourages applications from young women, feminist researchers, and women-led or youth-led consultants, particularly those with demonstrated experience working at the grassroots and sub-national levels. Qualified young women applicants will be prioritised in the selection process in line with WOYODEV’s commitment to feminist leadership, youth inclusion, and equitable access to opportunities.

WOYODEV reserves the right to contact only shortlisted candidates.