Central African Republic: Field Researcher and Analyst

Apr 7, 2016 | Enough Project
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The Field Researcher and Analyst on the Central African Republic (CAR) will be responsible for researching and writing about the drivers of conflict in CAR. The position will require significant research in CAR and the surrounding region, and a particular focus of the research will be the political economy of conflict and sources of financing for the conflicting parties. Approximately 20% of his/her time will be spent researching the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict. The Field Researcher and Analyst will also focus on related U.S. government, corporate, and international policy for the Enough Project’s policy reports, communications, and advocacy efforts. This is a position that requires three main areas of expertise: field-based knowledge about the economic, security, and political dynamics in CAR and the region, including on conflict resources such as diamonds, gold, and ivory that are smuggled to international markets to fund armed groups; policy acumen, particularly regarding U.S. policy in Africa and on countering conflict financing; and a demonstrated ability to write concise policy reports and briefing papers. The location and working arrangement for this position are negotiable.

Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct original research and policy analysis on the dynamics of conflict and peace in CAR (80% of the time) and on the LRA conflict (20% time), including on conflict resources such as diamonds, gold, ivory, and other illicit natural resource trades, as well as regional political economy, political, and security dynamics. The research will take place in CAR, including traveling to areas in CAR outside Bangui, neighboring countries, and trade hubs for illicit resource trading.
  • Work collaboratively to set a research agenda for the subject, and author, co-author, and edit policy reports, memos, op-eds, and other documents on the subjects.
  • Help formulate original policy recommendations and encourage adoption by senior policymakers in the U.S. government, other influential governments such as France and the E.U., the African Union, the United Nations, corporations, and bodies such as the Kimberley Process or London Bullion Market Association.
  • Build relationships with officials in the aforementioned policy target governments and institutions in order to gather timely information for conflict analysis and report writing. Expand Enough’s network of contacts within the policy community and deepen Enough’s relationships with policymakers and influential actors in the United States and overseas.
  • Work in consultation with the Policy, Editorial, and Communications teams to plan, develop, and contribute regular content that is dynamic, original, thoroughly grounded in policy expertise, and accessible to a broad audience.
  • Work with the communications team to engage with relevant, influential media in pitching stories, responding to press queries, giving interviews, and rapidly responding to news cycle opportunities.
  • Assist the Advocacy team to help shape subject-related campaign messaging.
  • Contribute dynamic, original, and accessible content for op-eds for outside publications, the Enough blog, and websites on a regular basis.
  • Review fundraising materials and reports to donors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

  • At least one year of field experience in the region.
  • Professional proficiency in French.
  • Significant experience traveling and doing research in a conflict zone.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of political, economic, and security dynamics in CAR and the region and an ability to provide concise in-depth analysis and write professionally on the issue areas.
  • Proven ability to conduct policy research and a strong understanding of policymaking issues and the policy community and the implications of various advocacy and policy approaches, particularly U.S. government policy, including sanctions policy, accountability, and other policy responses to counter conflict financing. An understanding of the Kimberley Process, EITI, and similar initiatives is preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree and at least 4-6 years of post-university working experience.
  • Strong academic background or work experience in the financing of conflict, targeted sanctions policy, forensic investigations, journalism, the prevention of atrocities, human rights, illicit natural resource trade, and/or conflict resolution.
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
  • Some experience giving interviews and interacting with the media (Note: media training is available if needed; a network of relevant media relationships is welcomed but not required.)
  • Adept team player with good interpersonal skills.
  • A strong commitment to human rights and conflict resolution and to Enough’s mission to end genocide and mass atrocities.
  • Superb organization and time-management skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
  • Ability to keep calm and work in a fast-paced environment, and good humor and general problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

  • Fluency in French preferred.
  • Master’s degree strongly preferred.

To apply:
E-mail your resume and cover letter attachments to: jobs@enoughproject.org. Please use the following format in the subject line: Field Researcher and Analyst, CAR.

This announcement will remain posted until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. Please note that only those individuals whose qualifications match the current needs of this position will be considered applicants and will receive responses from The Enough Project. Thank you for your interest in our postings.