Regional Conflict and Access Analyst, Senegal Dakar

Background:

The NRC Central and West Africa region is composed of country offices in Burkina Faso/Niger, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, and Nigeria. All countries are experiencing a deterioration of the security situation, increasing humanitarian needs and displacements due to conflict. 

The Central and West Africa Regional Office (CWARO), based in Dakar, oversees the country operations in the region, and provides strategic guidance and oversight across core programme, advocacy and support functions. 

In June 2020 NRC launched a ‘Future of Access’ strategy review process which has identified several priorities for focus over the coming strategy period. One of the primary actions has been to enhance our understanding of conflict dynamics and the complexities of relationships within our areas of operation.

As part of NRC’s strategy to become a leader in accessing hard-to-reach areas, the organization has prioritised investment in technical developments that lead to improved programming and evidence-based strategic decision making and advocacy. In December 2020, NRC regional office for Central and West Africa (ROCWA) launched the 3A project, Anticipatory Analysis on humanitarian Access in Central Sahel.

Through this project, the NRC is spearheading efforts in strategic analysis to enhance humanitarian responses in complex operating environments across the Central Sahel. Conscious that maintaining presence across a wide diversity of areas requires innovation and adaptability, NRC wishes to use data and predictive analytics to be more anticipatory and proactive in its approach to access, trigger timely adaptation measures, and allocate adequate resources where needed.

As part of this project, NRC aims at producing deep-dive analyses on humanitarian access, but also at training NRC teams to collect, analyse and use data:

• To support the country and regional offices in producing timely and appropriate analysis on contemporary dynamics in order to provide a more nuanced understanding of key issues and allow programme to adapt to contextual changes.
• To inform decision makers on the drivers of conflict and underlying trends in the region.
• To track changes in the operational capacity, motivations, objectives and narratives of the primary conflict related stakeholders.
• To contribute to the body of knowledge – including evidence building, data collection and anticipatory analysis – of NRC country, regional and global offices.

Role and responsibilities

This position will focus on the Sahel region incorporating the following Country Offices – Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso.

•  Constantly monitor available sources to collect, compile and report information including incidents and trends pertinent to humanitarian access and security in the Sahel.
• Prepare and disseminate regular reporting and updates.
• Support the NRC team in network development and data collection on access and conflict.
• Train NRC staff in data collection and analysis methodology.
• Analyse gathered data and information to understand key trends, build anticipatory analysis and support country and regional level advocacy.
• Work in close collaboration with the country offices of Burkina Faso-Nigerand Mali as well as the regional Head of Advocacy, global and regional access advisors.
• Provide timely thematic and/or area-based access analysis based on operational needs.
• Provide technical input and advice in assessments in new geographic areas, and regular assessment reviews for existing locations.
• As required provide workshops, briefings and training to NRC staff and partners.
• Participate in relevant international or local fora/ conferences.

Competencies

• Relevant academic qualifications, and / or 5+ years' experience in conflict analysis.
• Experience in conducting actionable research on conflict and/or access in a humanitarian/development context, preferably some of it in the Sahel.
• Ability to identify and evaluate the broad range of drivers of conflict.
• Experience of narrative tracking and analysis, with the ability to frame narratives within the broader context.
• Fluency in written and spoken French and English.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the political economy of, and current conflicts within the Sahel.
• Experience in development of methodologies for data collection and analytical frameworks.
• Ability to draft high quality reports and country office recommendations based on information and data analysis.
• Ability to develop workshop materials and present findings remotely in an engaging and interactive manner.
• Comfortable operating in the initial phases of a project, where objectives and deliverables are iterative.
• Experience working remotely with minimal supervision, but with strong personal drive and communication skills needed for coordinating multiple moving pieces of work.
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian INGO context.
• Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities, particularly in analysis, drafting of messages, coordination and networking, organisation of events
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Knowledge of the Central and West African region

Find more details here: JD Regional Conflict and Access Analyst, Senegal Dakar

What We Offer

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to join our work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility: At NRC we think outside the box. We encourage ideas and give responsibility to all employees at all levels, to help solve the complex issues that we face. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative

• 12 months fixed term contract
• An opportunity to match your career to a compelling cause
• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their fields

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply but we are also open to external applicants who can show a commitment to NRC and being part of a challenging, but important mission to make a difference.  

To apply as an internal candidate, click on the suitcase icon “I am an employee” on the top right of the page to be redirected to NRC’s internal career site

**Apply by completing all the system required fields of your experience in your application**