Central African Republic: Policy Analyst

Apr 6, 2015 | Enough Project
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Reporting to the Director of Research and Editorial and working in collaboration with staff and contractors working on the Central African Republic, the Policy Analyst on the Central African Republic, or CAR, will be responsible for researching and writing about the drivers of conflict in CAR and the surrounding region, including the war economy and sources of financing for the conflicting parties. The Policy Analyst will also focus on related U.S. government, corporate, and international policy for the Enough Project’s policy papers, briefings, communications, and advocacy efforts. This is a position that requires three main areas of expertise: deep, 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 a demonstrated ability to write concise policy reports and briefing papers. Fluency in French is required. This position is located in Washington, D.C.

Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct original research and policy analysis on the dynamics of conflict and peace in CAR, including on conflict resources such as diamonds, gold, ivory, and other illicit natural resource trades, as well as regional political and security dynamics. The research will take place in CAR, neighboring countries, trade hubs for illicit resource trading such as Dubai, and policy capitals including Washington, New York, Paris, and elsewhere.
  • Work collaboratively to set a research agenda for the subject.
  • 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 within the U.S. government, other influential governments, the African Union, and the United Nations.
  • Build relationships with officials in the U.S. government, international organizations such as the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and other key players to gather timely—and occasionally, rapid-response—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 head of the CAR team and the Directors of Research and Editorial and Communications to plan, develop, and contribute regular content that is dynamic, original, thoroughly grounded in policy expertise, and accessible to a broad audience.
  • Liaise with field staff, consultants, and policy teams.
  • 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.
  • Represent Enough in the media through interviews and regular publication of op-eds and occasional articles in publications of note.
  • Represent Enough at subject-related meetings and events, both inside and outside Washington, D.C.
  • Review fundraising materials and reports to donors.
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements and qualifications:

  • At least one year of field experience in the region and/or conflict regions or conditions.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Bachelor’s degree and four to six years of postcollege working experience.
  • Strong academic background or work experience in the prevention of atrocities, human rights, illicit natural resource trade, conflict prevention and resolution, and the responsibility to protect.
  • Demonstrated excellence in written and oral communication.
  • 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.
  • Good humor and general problem-solving skills.

 

Preferred:

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

American Progress provides a competitive compensation and benefits package.

American Progress is an equal opportunity employer; women, minorities, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  

 

To apply

E-mail your Word resume and cover letter attachments to: jobs@americanprogress.org.

Or you may write to: Center for American Progress, 1333 H St. NW, 10th Floor, Washington, D.C., 20005.

In your correspondence, please reference the exact title of the job you are applying for in the subject line. 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 American Progress.