Political Analyst - IDMC

Job description

1. Ongoing assessment of policy environment, and identification and creation of political and strategic opportunities for influencing in line with IDMC priorities.
2. Regular interaction, in person as well as in written and verbal communication, with governments, UN partners and other key stakeholders in forms of briefings and expert contributions to policy dialogues.
3. Building a dynamic and strategic network of advisors and policy makers of relevance to the policy agenda of IDMC.
4. Preparing high-level meetings, workshops and panels in support of IDMC’s external relations, particularly of the Director and Heads of Department.
5. Represent IDMC at regional and global events in line with the institution’s policy priorities.
6. Under the guidance of the Head of the Department and the Head of Communications, coordinate the planning and implementation of the institutional strategy for the 20th anniversary of the Guiding Principles and IDMC.
7. Draft and produce thematic briefings, talking points and policy briefs targeted at key decision makers and in close cooperation with P&R researchers.
8. Perform other duties in the department as appropriate.

Qualifications

Generic professional competencies:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in political science, diplomacy, security and conflict studies, international development, migration, humanitarian affairs, disaster risk and climate change or related field
• Excellent communication skills and proven experience of interacting comfortably with diplomats and senior representatives of governments, UN, and regional and multilateral organisations
• Strong diplomatic skills and experience of working in politically sensitive environments
• Strong initiative and collaborative working style
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal – knowledge of another official UN language a plus

Specific skills, knowledge and experience:
• At least 5 years’ experience of monitoring regional or global policy processes related to international development, trade, climate change, security policy or humanitarian affairs
• At least 3 years’ experience of actively engaging in public policy dialogue and processes with proven diplomatic skills
• Ability to identify strategic political and influencing opportunities and capitalise on them
• Knowledge of human mobility issues in the context in conflict, generalised violence, disasters and climate change, or development
• Proven ability to convey complex problems in accessible concepts and terms, both verbally and in writing and to adapt language and messaging for different audiences
• Experience of engaging closely with senior government officials, UN staff, regional organisations, representatives of multilateral finance institutions, and similar bodies
• Ability and desire to develop networks and engage with new partners for political influencing and informing policy
• Proven ability to clearly communicate research findings and their global and regional policy relevance
• Ability to apply judgement in cooperation with partners, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities and tight deadlines

Education level

• College / University, Master / Phd grade

Personal qualities

Please note that for reasons related to the procedure for work permits in Switzerland, preference will be given to candidates with nationality of a EU or EFTA country.

Language

• English

Miscellaneous info

• Travel: Some travelling must be expected