Local Research Specialist Consultancy, Angola

About Fika

Fika (Formerly "Bridges to Prosperity") exists to innovate cost-effective rural infrastructural solutions through advocacy, evidence and technical assistance to promote safe access for geographically isolated communities through partnership with governments and donors. Our evidence-based approach demonstrates that safe, reliable access unlocks opportunity and drives economic and social development in rural areas.

Opportunity Overview

The Lobito Corridor spans more than 1,300 kilometers, connecting the Port of Lobito through Benguela, Huambo, Bié, and Moxico provinces to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. While the Corridor presents significant opportunities for economic development and improved service access, it also poses risks for children, adolescents, and women, including displacement, child protection risks, gender-based violence, and pressure on social services. 

Fika is seeking a Local Research Specialist with deep in-country expertise in Angola to support an anticipated project funded by UNICEF to study the situation of children, adolescents, and women along the Lobito Corridor in Angola. The Local Research Specialist will support a Fika research team on a consultancy basis to produce a comprehensive, data-driven situational analysis. Fika welcomes Angolan nationals and individuals with demonstrated right to work and sustained professional experience in Angola to submit their interest for this consultancy for the anticipated project.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input to secondary data analysis, literature reviews, and situational assessments, with a focus on Angola's national data systems and the Lobito Corridor provinces
• Provide summaries on Angola's policy landscape, administrative data, and the national statistical system, and facilitating access to relevant data sources from line ministries
• Support and facilitate stakeholder consultations with UNICEF Angola program sections, UN agencies, government counterparts, and development partners, leveraging established in-country relationships where feasible or appropriate
• Prepare technical reports, bilingual outputs, and policy-facing documents, including the inception report, draft report, final report, policy brief, and PowerPoint presentation, in both English and Portuguese
• Ensure that gender equality, child rights, disability inclusion, safeguarding, and other cross-cutting considerations are integrated into all analytical work and deliverables
• Complete all other designated research activities upon research lead request

Qualifications and Experience

• Advanced degree in social sciences, development studies, public policy, economics, statistics, sociology, anthropology, or a related field
• Minimum of 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in social policy research, child rights, development evaluation, or related sectors in Angola
• Demonstrated expertise in quantitative data analysis of large national datasets, with proficiency in STATA, SPSS, R, or equivalent statistical software preferred
• Proven experience in multisectoral analysis spanning the nexus of infrastructure development and human development outcomes across social sectors preferred; experience in transport infrastructure is a significant asset
• Demonstrated experience working with or for UNICEF, UN agencies, the Government of Angola, bilateral donors, or international NGOs; familiarity with Angola's national data systems and line ministry administrative data is strongly preferred
• Knowledge of the Lobito Corridor provinces (Benguela, Huambo, Bié, Moxico, and/or Moxico Leste) is a significant asset
• Full professional proficiency in Portuguese (written and spoken) is required; strong professional proficiency in English (written and spoken) is required
• Strong analytical, communication, and policy-oriented reporting skills; ability to draft bilingual deliverables in both Portuguese and English
• Commitment to Fika's mission, values, and ethical standards, including child safeguarding, integrity, and inclusion
• Ability to work independently, remotely, collaboratively, and across cultures

Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit an application indicating their area(s) of expertise and relevant experience. For this proposal opportunity, the selection process will include: review of CV and cover letter against the stated scope; shortlisting and interview of selected candidates; reference verification; inclusion of the finalist's profile in Fika's proposal to UNICEF; and UNICEF's written approval of proposed personnel prior to contract engagement.

Remuneration

Consultancy fees will be determined based on the scope of work, required level of expertise, and market benchmarks, consistent with Fika's established consultant rate structures, local labor markets, and funding requirements and/or donor regulations. Generally, Fika will not assume any tax liabilities on behalf of individual consultants.

Work Conditions

• Location: Remote, with potential engagement in Luanda and Lobito Corridor provinces (Benguela, Huambo, Bié, Moxico), contingent upon funding awards and client approvals
• Position Type: Short-Term Consultancy
• Duration: Part-Time, Up to 7 months: July 2026 – February 2027, subject to award
• Language Requirements: Portuguese (full professional proficiency required); English (required)
• Nationality / Right to Work: Angolan nationals strongly preferred; right to work in Angola required
• Contingency Status: Contingent upon award of the UNICEF contract to Fika and UNICEF's written approval of proposed consultant

Application Guidelines
To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter to Fika, indicating your primary area(s) of expertise, geographic and sectoral experience in Angola, and general availability for the July 2026 – February 2027 period. In your application, please also indicate your familiarity with Angola's national data systems, including the 2024 Census, IIMS 2023–2024, and relevant line ministry administrative data. Applications for this proposal opportunity are due by 22 June 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Fika is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all consultants and staff.

CV Guidelines:

• Length: Maximum 4 pages.
• Education: Highlight relevant diplomas, degrees and recognized certifications 
• Exclude: personal information (photos, gender, religion, marital status, number of dependents), non-certified training.

Data Protection and Privacy Notice

By submitting your application, you consent to Fika collecting, storing, and processing your personal data for the purpose of evaluating your qualifications for this opportunity and for potential future assignments.

Your data will be retained only as long as necessary for these purposes and in compliance with applicable data protection laws, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal information at any time by contacting info@fika.org.

Fika will not share your personal data with third parties except as necessary for legitimate business purposes or as required by law.