Political Risk Analyst - Southern Africa

Role Purpose

Control Risks is a specialist risk consultancy that helps to create secure, compliant, and resilient organisations in an age of ever-changing risk. Our mission is to provide our clients with the insight and intelligence they need to navigate uncertainties and realise their growth ambitions. As we expand our team, we are looking for a Political Risk Analyst, ideally a Portuguese speaker and with knowledge of the Southern Africa region, to join our office in Johannesburg, South Africa.

This role focuses on political and operational risks in Portuguese-speaking countries as well as other countries in southern Africa, providing critical analysis and support to our clients. The Political Risk Analyst will be responsible for producing insightful analysis covering political developments, regulatory changes, and operational risks in the relevant markets. You will work closely with clients to understand their specific needs and help them navigate complex political landscapes.

As a member of our Africa analysis team, you will have opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across multiple offices and contribute to high-level consulting projects. This position requires a proactive approach and the ability to produce high-quality written and verbally communicated analysis in English and ideally in Portuguese.

Tasks and Responsibilities

Writing Analysis

• Generate high-quality and timely reports focused on political risk developments in Southern African countries.
• Provide research-driven insights and assessments of relevant trends affecting the business environment in these regions.
• Collaborate with team members to produce comprehensive analysis that meets client requirements and improves understanding of regional dynamics.

Consulting and Client Engagement

• Conduct research for bespoke projects, providing tailored insights for clients operating in global markets.
• Engage with clients to present and provide recommendations, adapting findings to their specific needs.
• Support leadership in developing proposals for consulting engagements and managing client relationships.

Demonstrating Expertise

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of political, regulatory, and security issues within the Southern Africa region.
• Develop and enhance databases that support analysis and contribute to the firm's knowledge resources.
• Network and build contacts within relevant sectors to enrich analysis and insights.

Marketing and Business Development

• Contribute to marketing materials and initiatives that showcase our research capabilities in political risk.
• Support the team in responding to inquiries from the media regarding political developments in Southern African countries.

Essential

• Fluency in English; ability to communicate effectively both written and spoken
• Knowledge of political, regulatory, and operational risks in Southern African countries, ideally with a focus on Portuguese-speaking countries.
• Professional experience in sectors such as risk analysis, consulting, or related fields with a focus on political developments and business environments.
• Strong research skills and the ability to produce high-quality written analysis under tight deadlines.

Preferred:

• Fluency in Portuguese
• Previous experience in political risk analysis, particularly in relation to the Southern Africa.
• Established network of contacts in relevant sectors within Portuguese-speaking regions and Southern Africa.
• Experience in the mining, energy, or international development sectors is advantageous.
• Additional language skills, especially in African languages, are a plus.

Competencies

Essential

• Ability to conduct thorough research and interpret complex information accurately.
• Excellent analytical writing skills, with clarity and conciseness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and confidently manage multiple tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and presentation tools.

Preferred:

• Public speaking and presentation skills.
• Experience in quantitative analysis and data visualization techniques.

Career Framework Level - Band E

• Control Risks offers a competitively positioned compensation and benefits package that is transparent and summarised in the full job offer.
• Control Risks supports hybrid working arrangements, wherever possible, that emphasise the value of in-person time together - in the office and with our clients - while continuing to support flexible and remote working.
• As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us and are fully committed to equal treatment, free from discrimination, of all candidates throughout our recruitment process.