Analyst

Description

Valar seeks a motivated individual to serve as the I&A Analyst in support of a global client based in Antananarivo, Madagascar. The successful applicant will possess advanced analytical skills, a strong sense of customer service, excellent organizational skills, and a sense of urgency. The Analyst demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the political, security, cultural, technological, and economic environment in Madagascar to produce timely, high-quality written and oral analysis from primary sources and open-source research. This position will support Western client executives to promote safe and effective operations in country. The I&A Analyst will report to the Head of Research under the Department of Information and Analysis in Nairobi.

Overall Analytic Responsibilities

• In close consultation with clients, manage a program and cadence of research that aligns with and adapts to client priorities. Identify key priorities and ensure timely delivery of products while anticipating client needs.
  
• Produce concise analytical products, including daily update notes, client briefings, community perceptions, country and sector notes, due diligence reports, stakeholder maps, and field research summaries. Work closely with the Head of Research to ensure all products are accurate, succinct, and delivered in a time-sensitive manner.
  
• Recognize and articulate critical information gaps for the client key security and access issues; assist clients in identifying potential challenges; meet with clients, partners, government stakeholders, private sector actors, and civil society contacts across Madagascar to provide the client with the most refined, accurate, and near real-time information.
• Manage field researchers to ensure data quality, timeliness, and depth and breadth of reporting. Maintain and encourage a mutually respectful environment of collaboration, accountability, and analytical excellence.
• Expand, update, fact-check, and maintain information databases, systems, and mechanisms for sharing relevant information to maximize client support.
• Oversee and maintain operational budgets, ensuring good stewardship of funds.
• Lead quick-turn and long-term request-for-information assignments, including leveraging relationships for same-day answers and cross-checking and verifying information.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and high levels of analytic integrity.

Qualifications

• Three to seven years of experience. At least one year of this experience must be spent living and working in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably for a non-governmental organization or in independent journalism.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English. Strong French skills (reading, writing, and speaking) required.
• Experience briefing and writing analytical products for senior leaders. Strong ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly and distill it into digestible written format, often with short notice.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills; keen understanding for prioritization and time-sensitive requirements.
• Experience collaborating with, learning from, and coaching colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
• Solutions-oriented and positive attitude.