idealist.org

Role:

Based in Bogotá, the successful candidate will manage the Colombia/Andes team and produce in-depth reports on conflict, security, transitional justice, governance, drug-trafficking and organised crime issues as well as local and regional politics, analysing long and short-term challenges to conflict prevention and resolution in Colombia and the Andean region, and elaborating and disseminating innovative and practical policy recommendations to achieve these goals.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct extensive research into prevailing security, political and social conditions in Colombia and the Andean region (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela), and keep abreast of relevant political and academic debates;
• Provide state-of-the-art analysis and advice on key conflict, security, transitional justice, governance, drug-trafficking and organised crime issues as well as on local and regional politics to promote security, stability, democracy and peace in Colombia and the Andean region;
• Elaborate four detailed policy reports per year or the equivalent in briefing papers, setting out relevant research findings and policy recommendations, and supervise the successful production of at least another two reports or the equivalent in briefing papers;
• Carry out substantial advocacy and media work to disseminate research findings and recommendations in Colombia and the Andean region;
• Work closely and liaise with representatives of governments and local, regional and international organisations at all levels in gathering information, seeking input and feedback, and supporting the distribution of Crisis Group reports and recommendations in the region.

Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of politics and society in Colombia and the Andean region, with a minimum of five to seven years working on the region at senior level, including substantial field experience;
• Demonstrable track record of state-of-the-art political/conflict analysis and proficient political writing, and broad experience in conflict prevention/resolution;
• Past professional experience in government, academia, international organisations, NGOs or journalism;
• Excellent writing, editing and analytical skills and ability to formulate well-targeted policy recommendations;
• Fluency in English and Spanish both written and oral;
• PhD or Masters degree in political science, Latin American politics, journalism, sociology, international relations or equivalent through experience;
• Ability to accommodate a heavy travel schedule;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including outstanding public presentation skills, and a very strong capacity for effective teamwork, supervision and team leadership;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and often demanding, multicultural environment;
• Experience in overseeing budgetary and administrative matters.

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 issues in Colombia and the Andean region. 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 Colombia and the Andean region, 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 "Colombia/Andes Project Director" 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.