idealist.org

Senior Analyst, Guatemala
Role:
The successful candidate will produce in depth reports on conflict, political and governance issues in Guatemala, with an emphasis on organized crime and impunity. He/she will carry out extensive field research and advocacy for Crisis Group and be tasked with establishing a presence in Guatemala. The selected candidate will initially be based in Bogotá, Colombia for training with the Latin America Program Director before establishing permanent residence in Guatemala (mid-2010).

Responsibilities:
• Providing analysis and advice on the key issues linked to addressing the political, security, organized crime and social issues in Guatemala and the broader region;
• Conducting extensive field research on prevailing security, political and social conditions as well as insight into organized crime issues within Guatemala and the broader region;
• Proposing policy initiatives to the relevant governmental, international organization and non-governmental actors to address the underlying issues that feed impunity, violent crime and institutional/state weakness; and
• Preparing three detailed reports and/or briefing papers per year setting out relevant research findings and policy recommendations in concise and clear fashion.

Requirements:

• Masters degree in political science, Latin American politics, journalism, sociology, international relations or equivalent through experience;
• Four to five years of senior–level professional experience in conflict analysis, government, journalism and a good track record in Latin American security issues analysis, specifically with respect to Guatemala;
• Knowledge of organized crimes issues in Guatemala and the broader region strongly preferred;
• Excellent research skills and an outstanding academic record;
• Proven track record in writing extensive, well-structured and peer-reviewed policy reports;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including public presentation skills and a strong capacity for effective teamwork and maintaining deadlines;
• Excellent analytical skills with an eye for detail;
• Fluency in English and Spanish both written and oral;
• Ability to work independently;
• Experience in overseeing budgetary and administrative matters;
• Ability to travel widely within the region.

Applications should be submitted in English and include a CV, cover letter, contact details of at least 3 referees and two writing samples pertaining to conflict and organized crime issues in Guatemala/Central America. In the cover letter (which should be sent as an e-mail) the candidate should briefly propose his or her own ideas on themes for two future Crisis Group reports relating to conflict in Guatemala, and briefly describe how she/he would research them (in no more than two pages). Please refer to Crisis Group's website for previous publications: http://www.crisisgroup.org. Please send applications by email to LatAm.vacancies@crisisgroup.org, including "Senior Analyst, Guatemala" in the subject line.
Recruitment will remain open until the appropriate candidate is appointed. After sending us your e-mail you will receive a response confirming receipt of your application. Please note that after that, only candidates selected for further consideration or interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.