Project Director Job in Nairobi Kenya

The International Crisis Group (Crisis Group) is an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation, with some 150 staff members on five continents, working through field-based analysis and high-level advocacy to prevent and resolve deadly conflict. 

We are currently looking for a highly motivated and capable staff member who will be working as

Project Director, Horn of Africa

Role: Reporting to the Africa Program Director, the Horn of Africa Project Director will head a small team of analysts to produce succinct, well researched and timely reports and briefing papers addressing conflict prevention and resolution issues in the region (Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda). 

The successful candidate will explain and advocate Crisis Group recommendations to governments and international organisations, parties, non-governmental organizations, and the media. Extensive travel will be required. 

This position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Responsibilities:

• Run a successful research and advocacy project designed to contribute to the objectives of conflict prevention, containment and resolution, providing professional leadership, vision and direction to the work of the Horn of Africa team;
• Coordinate and supervise the research and analysis undertaken by team members;
• Contribute to the research and writing of reports, briefing papers and advocacy documents;
• Supervise the production and professional editing of Crisis Group reports in the course of the year and help conduct research necessary for their preparation;
• Lead the advocacy activities of the project specifically in the Horn of Africa, working with relevant staff in Crisis Group advocacy offices to enhance the visibility and impact of Crisis Group's reports and recommendations;
• Work closely with representatives of governments and local, national and international organisations in gathering information, seeking input and feedback, and supporting advocacy on Crisis Group reports.

Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of governments and institutions in the Horn of Africa region;
• Strong, recent field research background with significant experience of policy analysis, either in government, academia, international organisations, NGOs or the media;
• Experience in the field of conflict prevention and resolution and the ability to formulate well-targeted policy recommendations is essential;
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of any local languages an advantage;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, and an ability to quickly edit other people’s writing;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including good public presentation skills, a strong capacity for effective teamwork and experience in a supervisory role;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and often demanding environment;
• Experience in supervising budgetary and administrative matters related to the operation of an office and research team.

How to apply:

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 in the Horn of Africa. 

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 the Horn of Africa, 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 Africa.vacancies@crisisgroup.org, including "Project Director, Horn of Africa" in the subject line. 

Recruitment will remain open until the appropriate candidate is identified. 

Please note that after that, only candidates selected for further consideration or interview will be contacted. 

No phone calls please.