Regional Specialist: Gulf of Guinea Security Dynamics

Regional Specialist: Gulf of Guinea Security Dynamics

About Bodhi

Bodhi Global Analysis is a woman-led international development research consultancy established in London in 2017, with subsidiaries in Nairobi (2018), Singapore (2023), and Dar es Salaam (2025). We specialise in formative and evaluative research through participatory approaches, serving UN agencies, bilateral donors, INGOs, and regional organisations across fragile and conflict-affected contexts. As an ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001 certified organisation, Bodhi maintains rigorous quality control across all operations.

About the Role

Bodhi is recruiting a Regional Specialist to contribute to a major regional human security assessment covering the Gulf of Guinea. This assignment forms part of a broader multi-country assessment programme for a regional intergovernmental organisation in West Africa.

You will support the desktop study phase with specialist knowledge of Gulf of Guinea security dynamics, participate in a regional field mission engaging stakeholders from across the coastal West African zone, and contribute to the analysis and drafting of a regional assessment report. You will work alongside senior Key Experts and national consultants.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct desk-based research on security threats, governance challenges, environmental pressures, criminal economies, and public health vulnerabilities across the Gulf of Guinea coastal zone, with attention to cross-border and maritime dimensions
• Contribute specialist analysis on the southward expansion of violent extremism from the Sahel into coastal states (Togo, Benin, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire), including the drivers, pathways, and community-level impacts of this trend
• Support the mapping of regional response architectures, including relevant ECOWAS mechanisms, the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum, the Yaoundé Architecture, and bilateral/multilateral security cooperation arrangements
• Participate in a 10-day regional field mission, conducting key informant interviews and contributing to stakeholder consultations with regional organisations, government representatives, security actors, and civil society
• Contribute to the analysis of primary and secondary data and the drafting of the regional assessment report, with attention to cross-border dynamics, transnational crime, maritime security, and spillover effects
• Support quality assurance of regional assessment outputs

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Master's degree or higher in international relations, political science, peace and conflict studies, security studies, maritime security, criminology, or a closely related field from a recognised university
• A minimum of 7 years of professional experience in conflict analysis, security research, political economy analysis, or risk assessment, with a significant focus on the Gulf of Guinea or coastal West Africa
• Strong knowledge of security dynamics in the Gulf of Guinea, including at least three of the following: maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea, narcotics and arms trafficking routes, the expansion of jihadist violence into coastal states, organised crime and illicit financial flows, fisheries disputes and resource-related conflict, and election-related violence in the coastal zone
• Direct field experience in at least two coastal West African countries (e.g., Togo, Benin, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria)
• Familiarity with ECOWAS conflict prevention and maritime security frameworks
• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills in English or French, with the ability to produce well-structured assessment reports
• Fluency in English or French (written and spoken); bilingual English/French strongly preferred given the region spans both linguistic zones

Strongly Desirable

• Knowledge of the Yaoundé Architecture and the Gulf of Guinea Maritime Collaboration Forum
• Experience working with ECOWAS, the AU, UNODC, INTERPOL, or bilateral donors on Gulf of Guinea security programming
• Familiarity with climate security dynamics in coastal West Africa, including the intersection of environmental degradation, livelihood pressures, and conflict
• Published research or analytical outputs on Gulf of Guinea security
• Nationality of an ECOWAS Member State

What We Offer

• A consultancy role on a prestigious, large-scale regional assessment programme
• The opportunity to contribute specialist expertise to a high-profile regional policy product
• Collaboration with an experienced, multidisciplinary international research team
• Inclusion on Bodhi's consultant roster for future assignments

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

• A project-based CV demonstrating relevant research experience and thematic expertise in Gulf of Guinea or coastal West African security dynamics
• A brief cover letter (no more than one page) addressing your relevant experience and availability from mid-2026
• An indication of your daily fee rate (USD)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early application is strongly encouraged, as we may close the vacancy before the deadline for exceptional candidates.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Bodhi is a women-owned enterprise committed to gender parity at all levels of the organisation. We particularly welcome applications from West African nationals and women researchers.

For more information about our organisation, please visit www.bodhiglobalanalysis.com.

Bodhi is committed to diversity in its workforce. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic background or disability.