United States of America: Senior Policy Analyst, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region

Organization: Center for American Progress
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 31 Dec 2014

Summary

The Senior Policy Analyst focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC, and the Great Lakes Region will be responsible for researching and writing about the drivers of conflict and policy options in eastern DRC—as well as related U.S. government, corporate, and international policy—for the Enough Project’s policy papers, briefings, and advocacy efforts. This position requires three main areas of expertise: deep field-based knowledge about the economic, security, and political dynamics in Congo and the Great Lakes region; policy acumen, particularly regarding U.S. policy in Africa; and a demonstrated ability to write concise policy reports and briefing papers.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct original research and policy analysis on the dynamics of conflict and the policy options to address them in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. The research will take place in eastern Congo, Kinshasa, and the Great Lakes region, as well as in regional capitals and policy capitals including Washington, D.C.; New York; and possibly others.
• Work collaboratively to set a research agenda for the subject.
• Author, co-author, and edit policy reports, memos, and other documents on the subject.
• Help formulate original policy recommendations and encourage adoption by senior policymakers within the U.S. government, 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, and 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 Associate Director for Congo, Great Lakes, and LRA and the Directors of Research and Editorial/Publications and Communications to plan, develop, and contribute regular content for Enough communications and media that is dynamic, original, thoroughly grounded in policy expertise, and accessible to a broad audience.
• Liaise with field staff, consultants, and the Policy Associate for Congo, Great Lakes, and LRA, and support the Associate Director in managing them.
• 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 articles in publications of note.
• Represent Enough at subject-related meetings and events, both in and outside Washington, D.C.
• Review fundraising materials and reports for donors.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• At least seven years of experience working on Congo and the Great Lakes region, including demonstrated knowledge of political, economic, and security dynamics in Congo and the Great Lakes region and an ability to provide concise, in-depth analysis and write professionally on the issue area.
• Proven ability to conduct policy research and a strong understanding of policymaking issues and the policy community, as well as of the implications of various advocacy and policy approaches, particularly U.S. government policy.
• Master’s degree strongly preferred. Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of postcollege work experience.
• Previous field experience in Central Africa a major plus.
• Strong academic background or work experience in human rights, the prevention of atrocities, 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 organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in French required, and knowledge of another language spoken in Congo a plus.
• 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.

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.

How 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.

Thank you for your interest in American Progress.