About the role

We are looking for a strong East Africa-focused political analyst, working within teams to deliver excellence across complex mandates at a regional level, and an understanding of political, economic, social and policy contexts across East Africa. The responsibilities are as follows:

Consulting services

• Undertake deep and extensive research, conduct comprehensive analysis, and assess risks and opportunities facing clients, with a focus on East and Horn of Africa
• Support complex policy, political and stakeholder advisory projects, contributing to individual deliverables and workstreams.
• Produce and deliver high-quality written and visual-led analysis on political and economic developments across Africa, with a focus on East and Horn of Africa, and participating in related client briefings
• Build and maintain working relationships with clients
• Maintain a high level of local expertise through in-country intelligence gathering and open-source research, with a focus on building networks in the region and focus on key markets (Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania)
• Network with key local and regional stakeholders to gather insights into policies, attitudes, current plans and upcoming announcements and advise clients on relationships with key stakeholders and engagement planning

Other responsibilities

• Assist with building Africa Practice’s knowledge base regarding East and Horn of Africa, and develop related marketing material
• Contribute to further developing the methodologies and best practices applied by Africa Practice’s Insights practice

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• At least 1 year of professional experience analysing and advising on regional political and economic issues
• Outstanding verbal and written communication in English. An ability to write clearly, concisely and authoritatively to tight deadlines is crucial for this role
• Excellent investigative, analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with a genuine interest in, and knowledge of, current African affairs – with a clear focus on East and Horn of Africa
• Deep knowledge of, and genuine interest, in the regional political economy, with a demonstrated focus on one or more of the main regional markets e.g. Ethiopia
• Ability to cultivate strong trust-based relationships within the company, with clients and with the wider political economy ecosystem
• A dynamic self-starter, able to work on their own initiative on complex issues
• Outstanding critical thinking, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• A network of contacts with local and regional political experts, government officials and private sector players, as well as demonstrated proactivity and willingness to in expand these contacts
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, law), postgraduate degree preferred
• Fluency in a relevant continental language preferred (e.g. Amharic, Afaan, Oromo, Swahili, Somali)