Researcher Position Information

• Organization: Somali Public Agenda (SPA)
• Position Title: Researcher
• Department: Research Department
• Duty Station: Mogadishu, Somalia
• Reports To: Research Director
• Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
• Start Date: September 1, 2026

Organizational Background

Somali Public Agenda (SPA) is an independent, non-partisan public policy and administration research organization working to promote evidence-based governance and improved public services in Somalia.

SPA regularly publishes research reports, governance briefs, and commentaries in both Somali and English on key issues including decentralization and local administration, democratization and elections, financial governance, security and justice, urban planning and land administration, employment, education, and health services. These publications provide evidence and analysis to inform citizens, policymakers, practitioners, and international actors on governance and public service issues in Somalia.

To support its growing research portfolio, SPA is seeking a full-time Researcher to contribute to research, data analysis, publication, and dissemination of evidence-based findings.

Position Purpose

The Researcher will support SPA's research agenda by conducting rigorous qualitative and quantitative research on governance, public policy, public administration, public services, political and socio-economic issues, and other priority areas relevant to Somalia.

Key Responsibilities

The Researcher will:

• Lead and contribute to the design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination of SPA’s research initiatives in line with the organization’s research agenda and strategic priorities
• Conduct literature reviews and desk research using credible academic, government, and institutional sources.
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate research methods and tools.
• Prepare research reports, governance briefs, policy papers, commentaries, and other research outputs.
• Contribute to the review, editing, and quality assurance of SPA research publications.
• Participate in policy dialogues, workshops, conferences, and public discussions to disseminate research findings.
• Monitor relevant political, governance, economic, and social developments to identify emerging research issues.
• Engage with policymakers, government institutions, civil society organizations, researchers, development partners, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate research records, datasets, references, and documentation.
• Ensure research activities comply with ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and SPA’s research policies.
• Undertake other research and analytical tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience Education

·         A Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, International Relations, Development Studies, Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Experience

·         Minimum of 2–4 years of relevant professional experience in research, policy analysis, monitoring and evaluation, public policy, governance, development research, or a related field.

·         Demonstrated experience in designing and conducting qualitative and/or quantitative research.

·         Proven experience in developing research tools and conducting primary data collection, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions.

·         Strong ability to analyse, interpret, and present qualitative and quantitative research findings.

·         Demonstrated experience producing high-quality research reports, policy briefs, analytical papers, or other publications.

·         Strong report writing and communication skills.

·         Fluency in English and Somali.

Key Skills and Competencies

·         Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, with sound judgment on governance and public policy issues.

·         Proficiency in data analysis software such as SPSS, Stata, NVivo, or R, and standard MS Office applications.

·         Sound understanding of Somalia's governance context, institutions, and public administration systems.

·         Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.

·         High standards of professional integrity, discretion, and commitment to research ethics.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, an updated CV, and a sample of previous research or policy writing (if available) via  https://somalipublicagenda.org/careers/

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.

Closing date for receiving applications is August 25, 2026.

Equal Opportunity: SPA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, clan, religion, or disability. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.