Purpose of the role:

Based in Nairobi, the Analyst will undertake research and draft reports and other forms of shorter publication which examine and propose solutions to prevent or mitigate deadly conflict in South Sudan, including consideration of security, political, regional, legal, governance, human rights and social issues. The  Analyst will also conduct advocacy with the relevant conflict parties and international stakeholders in furtherance of our policy prescriptions regarding South Sudan.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts extensive field research into prevailing issues in South Sudan, including – where relevant – consideration of security, political, regional, legal, economic and social issues as well as human rights, gender and governance;
• Provides written analyses – in clear and concise fashion – of the risks and origins of deadly conflict in South Sudan in the form of detailed reports and briefing papers for publication as well as shorter derivatives (such as podcasts and op-eds);
• Proposes policy recommendations and initiatives for conflict actors including political, civil society and other stakeholders at the national as well as regional and international levels aimed at preventing, mitigating or resolving conflict;
• Advocates Crisis Group policy positions and recommendations regarding conflict and represents Crisis Group at events and in the media – locally, nationally and internationally as appropriate;
• Provides support to the Project and Program Director for Crisis Group activities and advocacy in the region and globally;
• As required, supervises research assistants, consultants, stringers and/or interns.

Requirements:

• Post-graduate qualification in international relations, political science, social sciences or other relevant field of academic study;
• At least five years of professional experience in the field of conflict research, analysis and prevention, working in government, academia, international organisations, non-governmental organisations or the media;
• Demonstrated excellent writing skills in English; knowledge of Arabic advantageous;
• Strong research and analytical skills, and proven experience of formulating persuasive policy recommendations;
• Extensive knowledge of South Sudan security and public policy issues, and experience of living and working in the region;
• A network of governmental and non-governmental, official, media and civil society contacts in the region;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public presentation skills;
• Experience of working successfully within a team as well as the ability to work independently in a fast-paced and often demanding environment.