Regional Analyst - Lake Chad Basin at International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO)

INSO Lake Chad Basin Regional Office
Since becoming registered in Nigeria in 2016, INSO has developed a strong regional approach, supporting NGOs working on the Lake Chad Basin Crisis from all neighbouring countries. The coordination office, which is based in Abuja, oversees two operational offices in Maiduguri, Nigeria and in Maroua, Cameroon. Another sub-office in the Diffa region of Niger is expected to open before the end of 2019.

Job Summary

• Based in Abuja, the main objective of the Regional Analyst LCB is to complement and enhance the strategic decision-making of NGOs conducting humanitarian operations in the LCB region
• Considering the complex and challenging operational environment presented by this conflict, the Regional Analyst LCB will be responsible for examining the multi-faceted interplay between regional dynamics and the programmatic context across the region
• By conducting and contributing to senior management briefings, analytical reports and thematic research that utilise INSO’s unique information, perspective and resources to assess geo-political, security and socio-economic trends, the aim of the position is to effectively implement INSO’s mission and mandate in providing its partners with a regional insight and foresight into humanitarian safety and access.

Major Responsibilities

• Monitor, collate and verify contextual developments from a diverse range of information, such as NGOs, the UN, civil society organisations, research institutes and media sources.
• Identify, cultivate and maintain an active network of contacts within the broader humanitarian community as well as other relevant stakeholders for information sharing, analytical exchanges, relationship building and operational coordination.
• Prepare and produce a Monthly Trend Analysis that assists NGO partners by monitoring and assessing prevalent conflict dynamics and their impact on humanitarian safety and access.
• Provide and present a monthly Regional Analysis Briefing to NGO senior management to inform programmatic decision-making, operational modalities and contingency plans.
• Conduct and manage Thematic Papers on common or recurring challenges to humanitarian delivery using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Assume the role of and offer an independent analysis service that aims to address and examine specific regional needs requested by INSO’s NGO partners.
• Convene and contribute to NGO coordination meetings and fora with humanitarian counterparts to discuss strategic and operational solutions to issues pertaining to humanitarian safety and access.
• Liaise and coordinate with INSO’s Chief Analyst for initiatives related to ensuring analytical quality assurance and standards in-country, designing and disseminating Thematic Papers, contributing to global reports as well as improving capacities through analytical training.
• Ensure and reinforce the continuity and consistency between INSO’s consolidated internal data and externally distributed analytical products.
• Effectively represent and protect INSO’s principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality as well as actively promoting INSO as an integral member of the humanitarian community.

Other Responsibilities

• Strategy Development. Contribute to the definition and application of INSO’s country strategy, providing analysis and advice for programmatic plans, products and practice.
• Programme Support. Assist the programme team in the delivery of products and services if required by the Country Director.
• Crisis Management. Offer support to enhance the preparedness or response of INSO and its partners in the event of an emergency.
• The position and duties of this post require a great degree of flexibility and adaptation. Hence, within reasonable limits, the Regional Analyst LCB might be required to carry out tasks that may not be explicitly detailed in this job description but are aligned with INSO principles and mandate.

Mandatory Requirements

• Fluent in English and French (written and spoken)
• Master's Degree in Political, Conflict, Security or Humanitarian Studies
• Relevant experience working in NGOs, international organisations, think-tanks, research consultancies or journalism
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working in and on insecure/post-conflict environments, preferably in an analytical capacity
• Excellent writing and analytical skills
• Ability to work independently to tight deadlines in difficult conditions
• Demonstrable understanding of safety discourses and dynamics as they relate to NGO operations and humanitarian coordination mechanisms.

Preferred Characteristics:

• Strong comprehension and training in conflict analysis, conflict sensitivity and/or do no harm.
• Pre-existing professional experience, contextual knowledge, information networks and/or local languages in the LCB region.
• Strategic commitment to innovatively incorporate and systematise analytical thinking into humanitarian projects, operations and programmes.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and PowerPoint.

Key Personal Competences:

• Conceptual, critical and creative thinking
• Managing and solving complex problems
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Organised and diligent work ethic
• Empowering and inclusive team player
• Cultural and situational sensitivity
• Principled and consummate professional.

Terms & Conditions

• 12-month contract with expected start date in 1st December, 2019, €4550 per month salary, 4 calendar days annual leave per month and 3 days of R&R every 3 months, with a €750 allowance per each R&R cycle, in-country housing provided, global medical coverage and AD&D coverage.*

INSO's Safeguarding Policy:
INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process. As such, the following safe recruitment practices will be applied:

• All offers of employment will be conditional on receiving at least two satisfactory professional references;
• INSO will ask candidates about significant gaps in employment history or frequent changes of employer and address;
• All essential qualifications and relevant professional accreditations and memberships will be verified;
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a valid proof of identity (passport, ID card);
• All new hires will receive an orientation in INSO’s safeguarding policy and procedures and associated documents (Code of Conduct, Whistleblowing etc.);
• All new hires will be required to sign and abide by the Code of Conduct as a condition of employment.