Senior Analyst, Illicit Economies

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Switzerland.

📋 Description

• Perform comprehensive research and analysis on illicit economies throughout West Africa and the Sahel.

• Examine drug markets by mapping key players, networks, routes, and markets, as well as their connections to governance, conflict, and instability.

• Research, draft, and create public and restricted-circulation reports, policy briefs, articles, and other analytical outputs.

• Develop, coordinate, and manage research networks across West Africa and the Sahel, involving researchers, journalists, civil society organizations, government stakeholders, and subject-matter experts.

• Design and supervise field research, including methodologies, interviews, data collection, source verification, and analysis.

• Ensure adherence to ethical, security, and quality standards.

• Keep track of emerging trends and developments in regional illicit economies.

• Provide timely analytical contributions to the Director of the West Africa Observatory and the wider GI-TOC analytical team.

• Assist in the planning and execution of events, roundtables, and initiatives related to illicit economies and drug trafficking.

• Engage with policymakers, practitioners, and regional partners.

⛳️ Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, criminal justice, or migration studies.

• A minimum of 5–10 years of experience in investigations, analysis, or research on organized crime in West Africa within civil society, think tanks, journalism, government, or the private sector.

• Demonstrated experience in investigations related to drug trafficking is preferred.

• Ability to identify information gaps, conduct research, synthesize data, develop analyses, and write under tight deadlines.

• Experience employing OSINT techniques as part of investigations.

• Native or professional proficiency in both spoken and written French and English.

• Additional language skills are advantageous.

• Strong accuracy, attention to detail, and time-management capabilities.

• Ability to operate in politically sensitive environments while maintaining productive relationships with various actors.

• Good judgment regarding risks to self, sources, and partners.

• An established stakeholder network in West Africa is desirable.

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate substantial operational resilience.

• Investigative focus and self-direction are essential.

• Political awareness concerning sensitivities in West Africa.

• Discretion and security consciousness when handling sensitive information and relationships.

• Relationship-management skills with local and international civil society and diverse partners.

• Capability to work effectively within regional and global teams without close supervision.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• Application must include an expression of interest, CV, and contact details for three professional referees.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible working environment.

• Support for work-life balance.

• Opportunities for professional development and learning.

• Potential for contract renewal based on performance.