Senior Political Risk Analyst, West Africa at Control Risks

Description

• Control Risks is a specialist risk consultancy that helps to create secure, compliant and resilient organizations in an age of ever-changing risk. Working across disciplines, technologies and geographies, everything we do is based on our belief that taking risks is essential to our clients’ success. We go beyond problem-solving and give our clients the insight and intelligence they need to realise opportunities and grow. From the boardroom to the remotest location, we have developed an unparalleled ability to bring order to chaos and reassurance to anxiety.
• We seek to engage the services of an experienced analyst to cover Nigeria, Ghana and the broader West African region. The analyst will have a leading role in covering political, security and business-relevant issues in Nigeria and Ghana, and in client engagements on the region. They will be part of a team focused on Sub-Saharan Africa within the Global Risk Analysis department, and will also work closely with other West Africa-focused colleagues, particularly those in our Lagos office.
• Our analysts are country specialists with backgrounds in the political risk industry, business, academia, journalism, government and/or international organizations. Our analysis is delivered to clients through subscription products and in bespoke consulting engagements that showcase our expertise. We commonly advise clients on topics such as threats to stability, election outcomes, levels of corruption, sustainability issues, policymaking and regulatory dynamics in certain sectors.
• The successful candidate will have a strong interest in and deep understanding of political and business dynamics in Nigeria. They will have excellent writing and presentation skills, access to well-placed sources, and preferably some experience in business development and client engagement.
• This role will require the successful candidate to be based in Lagos and regularly attend the office there, though Control Risks encourages hybrid and flexible working arrangements. Willingness to travel and an ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices are vital.

Task and Responsibilities

Demonstrating expertise

• Maintain a high level of regional and country expertise on Nigeria, Ghana and other countries in the region through research, attendance at relevant seminars and research trips.
• Contribute to team discussions about political and business risk issues in Nigeria and topical developments in the region. Take ownership and responsibility for determining our position and analytical line on key issues.
• Develop and effectively manage government, academic, journalistic and business contacts in the region and share knowledge about sources with other members of the desk. Use source information astutely and conduct in-person research as and when required, respecting client confidentiality.

Writing analysis

• Provide regular and high-quality coverage of relevant developments affecting the business environment in Nigeria and other West African countries for clients subscribing to Seerist, Control Risks’ online subscription service. This will include writing updates on trends and developments across the region in domestic politics, government policy, regulation, operational and security issues.

Consulting and client engagement:

• Deliver political and business risk consulting work on Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries as required. Lead conversations with clients on their requirements for analysis of political, regulatory and operational risks in the region. Scope and write proposals for bespoke consulting engagements on the region.
• Contribute to the development of compelling client deliverables and propose innovative ways to present facts and analysis to clients.
• Support and contribute to the delivery of consulting engagements for the wider Africa region as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues in other geographical regions on analysis of crosscutting global issues and trends where required (geopolitics, sustainability, technology, etc.).

Marketing and business development

• Contribute to company-wide promotional publications, press releases and sales initiatives.
• Contribute to regional marketing initiatives including thought leadership (articles, blogposts, podcasts, etc.), and represent Control Risks as a country expert at conferences when required.
• Respond to media queries on the region as required under the direction of more senior members of the Africa analysis team.

Requirements

Essential

• Professional experience in consulting, political and security risk analysis, emerging market analysis, market intelligence, public policy, academia, or government, with a primary focus on Nigeria and Ghana.
• Practical experience of living, working or travelling in Nigeria and/or Ghana.
• Knowledge and understanding of key political, regulatory, sector and operational risks for business in Nigeria, Ghana and other West African countries.
• Proven ability to write and verbally communicate with authority and clarity.

Preferred:

• Network of professional contacts in Nigeria and the wider West Africa region (public and private sector, policy and academia, journalism, government, etc.)
• Experience conducting business development, proven track record of winning work (or funding), managing projects, and developing/maintaining client relationships.
• Track record of relevant publications, participation in conferences and events, or providing expert comment to media
• Proficiency in local languages

Competencies

• Ability to independently identify, research and interpret significant events and developments.
• Ability to write clearly, concisely and authoritatively to tight deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Eagerness to seize opportunities, resolve problems and deliver work of the highest quality.
• Ability to adapt well to changing demands.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Good public speaking and presentation skills