Political Risk Analyst, Southern Africa

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.

Control Risks is looking for a political risk analyst to join our team covering political, security and business-relevant issues in Southern Africa. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to our country risk monitoring platform, Seerist, respond to client queries and support consulting engagements in the region through cutting-edge analysis. As part of our Sub-Saharan Africa team within the Global Risk Analysis department, you will collaborate closely with colleagues across region - particularly our Johannesburg-based experts - to help clients navigate complex risk environments.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in and understanding of political dynamics in Southern Africa, or a sub-set of countries in the region. Our analysts are country specialists with backgrounds in the political risk industry, business, academia, journalism, government and/or international organisations. We commonly advise clients on topics such as threats to stability, election outcomes, levels of corruption, ESG risks, policymaking and regulatory dynamics in certain sectors. This involves engaging directly with clients and presenting analysis that informs their decision-making.

Willingness to travel and an ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with colleagues across departments and offices are vital. This role will require the successful candidate to be based in Johannesburg (preferred) or Cape Town and regularly attend the office in Johannesburg, though Control Risks encourages hybrid and flexible working arrangements.

Demonstrating expertise:

• Deliver insightful, forward-looking analysis on political, economic, and security developments across the SADC region (or a sub-set of countries).
• Stay at the forefront of regional developments by conducting in-depth research, attending key conferences and undertaking research trips.
• Build and maintain country, regional, and sector-specific databases to support ongoing analysis.
• Foster strong relationships with Africa-focused colleagues across Control Risks' offices, including in Nairobi, Dakar, Lagos and Maputo, ensuring knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
• Develop and effectively manage government, academic, journalistic and business contacts in the region and share knowledge about sources with other members of the team.

Writing analysis

• Provide regular, high-quality coverage of relevant developments affecting the business environment in Southern Africa for clients subscribing to Seerist, Control Risks' online subscription service.
• Work closely with other Southern Africa analysts, exchanging feedback and ensuring a cohesive, well-rounded perspective on regional trends.
• Collaborate with colleagues across regions to analyse cross-cutting issues such as geopolitics, climate change, sustainability and technological shifts impacting Africa and beyond.

Consulting and client engagement:

• Undertake research and analysis for bespoke consulting projects on the SADC region under the direction of team leads.
• Scope and write proposals for bespoke consulting engagements on the region.
• Develop compelling client deliverables, experimenting with innovative ways to present insights—whether through written reports, PowerPoint decks, or data-driven presentations.
• Support consulting projects across the wider Africa region, adapting expertise to meet client needs.
• Represent Control Risks at client meetings in support of senior colleagues from analysis, client liaison or other departments.

Marketing and business development

• Contribute to Control Risks' thought leadership and visibility through promotional content, press releases, and sales initiatives.
• Contribute to regional marketing initiatives, from authoring articles and blog posts to participating in podcasts and industry events.
• Respond to media queries on the region under the guidance of more senior members of the team.

Requirements

Essential:

• Ability to write clearly, concisely and authoritatively to tight deadlines.
• Ability to independently identify, research and interpret significant events and developments.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Eagerness to seize opportunities, resolve problems and deliver work of the highest quality.
• Proven ability to write and verbally communicate with authority and clarity.
• Proven ability to conduct in-depth research using a variety of sources, including government, academic, media, and industry reports.
• Honors' degree (or equivalent) in relevant discipline.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, balancing multiple projects and competing demands.
• Strong understanding of key political, operational, security and ESG risk issues in the Southern Africa region (including but not limited to South Africa).
• Professional experience in consulting, political and security risk analysis, emerging market analysis, market intelligence, public policy, academia, or government, with a primary focus on Southern Africa (whether focused primarily on a sub-group of countries or the SADC region as a whole).

Preferred:

• Good public speaking and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of Portuguese, French, or other languages spoken in the region is a plus, but is not essential.
• Experience with handling datasets, conducting quantitative data analysis and producing data visualisations.
• Network of professional contacts in Southern Africa (public and private sector, policy and academia, journalism, government, etc.).
• Track record of relevant publications, participation in conferences and events, or providing expert comment to media.

At this point, we hope you're feeling excited about the job description you're reading. Even if you don't feel that you meet every single qualification, we still encourage you to apply. Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the job requirements. If you are passionate about this opportunity but unsure you meet all the qualifications, we would still like to hear from you.

Benefits

• Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarised in the full job offer.
• We operate a discretionary global bonus scheme that incentivises, and rewards individuals based on company and individual performance.
• Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
• As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us and are fully committed to equal treatment, free from discrimination, of all candidates throughout our recruitment process.

Application deadline: Please submit your application early and no later than 31 March. All candidates are required to submit a cover letter or their application will not be considered.

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