About the Role
Sydani Group is seeking an exceptional and visionary leader to serve as the Head of the Sydani Institute for Research and Innovation (SIRI) in Abuja, Nigeria. In this high-autonomy executive role, you will have the authority to shape institutional strategy, drive research excellence, and spearhead business development. You will manage day-to-day operations, build strategic partnerships, and lead a multidisciplinary team dedicated to improving health and social sectors across Nigeria and globally.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute SIRI's 3-5 year strategic plan, establishing robust governance and operational systems.
- Set the research agenda, ensuring methodological rigor, ethical compliance, and the translation of findings into policy-relevant knowledge products and commercializable IP.
- Build a diversified funding pipeline through grants, commissioned research, consulting, and training to ensure institutional financial sustainability.
- Lead workforce strategy by recruiting, mentoring, and retaining a high-performing multidisciplinary research team.
- Represent SIRI externally with government institutions, development partners, academic foundations, and private sector networks to build a strong intellectual brand.
- Manage financial controls, budgets, and cost recovery frameworks aligned with Sydani Group governance standards.
- Master's degree or PhD in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Data Science, Policy, or a related field (PhD strongly preferred).
- 12 to 15+ years of progressive experience in research, development consulting, public policy, or academia, with at least 7 years in senior leadership.
- Proven track record in grant acquisition, donor partnership management, and multidisciplinary team leadership.
- Demonstrated expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and translating complex research into actionable public policies.
- Competitive executive compensation package with performance-based incentives.
- High degree of autonomy to shape institutional strategy and drive impactful global change.
- Opportunities to collaborate with top-tier international development partners, governments, and research institutions.
- Comprehensive health insurance and professional development allowances.