Central African Republic: Policy Analyst

Nov 5, 2014 | Peace and Collaborative Development Network

Reporting to the Director of Research and Editorial and working in collaboration with staff and contractors on the Central African Republic, or CAR, the Policy Analyst on the Central African Republic 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 requiring 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.

Responsibilities: 

• Conduct original research and policy analysis on the dynamics of conflict and peace in the Central African Republic, including on conflict resources such as diamonds, gold, ivory, and other illicit natural resource trade, 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 subject.
• 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, European Union, 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.

For more information please visit here.