Analyst, Southern Africa political research and analysis

Analyst, Southern Africa political research and analysis

Contract: Full time; 1 year fixed term, renewable

Remuneration: Competitive, based on experience and competence

Location: Johannesburg or Cape Town

Reports to: Associate Director

About us

Africa Practice is a mission-led strategic consulting firm advising investors and development partners across the continent. Our mission is to shape a prosperous Africa that inspires the world. For over 20 years, we have been partnering with global investors, policy-makers, development partners and other changemakers to drive transformation on the continent.

Our insights and advocacy solutions are rooted in detailed systems and stakeholder understanding. We identify, generate, and analyse human-centred systems data to design impactful advocacy interventions. We deliver our world-class insights and advocacy solutions through our local presence.

We operate as one company, with a diverse team working on a hybrid basis in Abuja, Cape Town, Dakar, Dar es Salaam, Gaborone, Johannesburg, Lagos, Nairobi, and London. We are risk analysts, development economists, advocates, storytellers, data scientists, policy experts, systems thinkers and creative minds. Over 80% of our staff are African and over 50% are women. We have been a signatory to the UN Global Compact since 2021 and we have achieved B-Corp status.

About the role

We are looking for a strong Southern Africa-focused political analyst, working within teams to deliver excellence across complex mandates at a regional level, and demonstrating an understanding of political, economic, social and policy contexts across Southern Africa. The responsibilities are as follows:

Consulting services

• Undertake deep and extensive research, conduct comprehensive analysis, and assess risks and opportunities facing clients, with a focus on political and policy developments in Southern Africa (e.g. elections, budgets)
• Support complex policy and stakeholder advisory projects, contributing to individual deliverables and workstreams
• Produce and deliver high-quality written and visual-led analysis on political and economic developments across Africa, with a focus on Southern Africa, and participate in related client briefings
• Build and maintain working relationships with clients

• Maintain a high level of local expertise through in-country intelligence gathering and open-source research, with a focus on building networks in the region and focus on key markets (South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe)
• Network with key local and regional stakeholders to gather insights into policies, attitudes, current plans and upcoming announcements and advise clients on relationships with key stakeholders and engagement planning

Other responsibilities

• Assist with building Africa Practices knowledge base regarding Southern Africa, and develop related marketing material
• Contribute to the methodologies and best practices applied by Africa Practices Insights practice

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• At least 1 year of professional experience analysing regional political and economic issues, including national and local elections and national budgets
• Outstanding verbal and written communication in English. An ability to write clearly, concisely and authoritatively to tight deadlines is crucial for this role
• Excellent investigative, analytical and critical thinking skills, combined with a genuine interest in, and knowledge of current African affairs - with a clear focus on Southern Africa
• Deep knowledge of, and genuine interest in the regional political economy, with a demonstrated focus on one or more of the main regional markets
• Ability to cultivate strong trust-based relationships within the company, with clients and with the wider political economy ecosystem
• A dynamic self-starter, able to work on their own initiative on complex issues
• Outstanding critical thinking, communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Proactivity in building a network of contacts with local and regional political experts, government officials and private sector players
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (international relations, political science, economics, law), postgraduate degree preferred
• Fluency in Portuguese a significant advantage

What we offer

We offer the successful candidate an opportunity to develop a rewarding career within a dynamic pan-African consultancy advising a prestigious portfolio of clients. This position offers:

• Competitive remuneration
• Immediate opportunities for growth
• Collaboration with a diverse and experienced team of colleagues

Dont meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are much less likely to apply for a position unless they meet every single qualification. So this notwithstanding, if you are excited about this role, we would love to hear from you. At Africa Practice, we are dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse and authentic workplace. You might just be the new team member we are looking for - for this or other roles.

Do you want to contribute to an influential and prosperous Africa, inspiring the world? Were looking for Africas changemakers - smart people with strong analytical, advocacy, digital and problem-solving skills who can reconcile diverse perspectives to deliver sustainable change.

Please send in your application by clicking on the “apply” button.

Do include a cover letter explaining why you think you are suited to this position and indicating your availability. Your documents must be entitled with “*your name* Analyst, Southern Africa political research and analysis”.

The vacancy is immediately open for suitable applications and will be closed as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. Early applications are advised.