Policy Analyst, Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region

Reports to: Associate Director for Congo, Great Lakes, and LRA

Department: Enough Project

Staff reporting to this position: None

Position classification: Exempt, full-time

Summary

The Policy Analyst for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes region will be responsible for researching and writing about the drivers of conflict and policy options in Congo, 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: 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. Strong knowledge of French is required.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct original research and policy analysis on the dynamics of conflict and policy options for addressing them in the Democratic Republic of Congo 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 their 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, the European Union, the African Union, international organizations such as the United Nations, 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 Policy 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 Washington-based policy staff 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 to op-eds for outside publications and websites and for the Enough blog 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.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Substantial experience working on Congo and the Great Lakes region, including at least one year of field experience in Congo. This should include 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. Particular emphasis will be given to knowledge of the economic drivers of conflict in the region.
• Proven ability to conduct policy research and a strong understanding of policymaking issues, the policy community, and the implications of various advocacy and policy approaches, particularly U.S. government policy.
• Strong ability to write concisely, particularly policy writing skills.
• Excellent oral presentation skills.
• Background or work experience in the prevention of atrocities, human rights, conflict prevention and resolution, and the responsibility to protect. A strong commitment to human rights and conflict resolution and to Enough’s mission to end genocide and mass atrocities.
• Superb organization and time management skills, including the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and oral knowledge of French required.
• 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.

Preferred:

• Several years of field experience working in Congo and the Great Lakes region.
• Master’s degree.
• Fluency in French; knowledge of another language spoken in Congo a plus.
• Previous experience in a policymaking position.
• Previous experience dealing with corporations on corporate social responsibility issues.

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:

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.

Additional information

American Progress operates two separate nonprofit organizations to maximize the progressive agenda: the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. This job posting refers collectively to the two organizations under the name "American Progress." The Center for American Progress is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) tax-exempt research and educational institute. It undertakes research, public education and a limited amount of lobbying. The Center for American Progress Action Fund is a nonpartisan 501(c)(4) tax-exempt organization dedicated to achieving progress through action. It works to transform progressive ideas into policy through rapid-response communications, legislative action, grassroots organizing, political advocacy, and partnerships with other progressive leaders. The organizations share office space and employees.

For more information on the Center for American Progress, please go to www.americanprogress.org. For more information on the Center for American Progress Action Fund, please go towww.americanprogressaction.org.