Research Associate, Early Warning & Research Team

Role:

The International Crisis Group (ICG), in collaboration with the Effective Peacebuilding Initiative, offers a unique opportunity to join ICG’s Early Warning and Research unit to support the development of CrisisWatch (CW) – ICG’s global conflict tracker – as well as other Early Warning (EW) activities.

As a Research Assistant/Associate under the supervision of the Director of Research, you will gain a deeper understanding of how Crisis Group conducts early warning analysis and uses it to shape policies that aim to create a more peaceful world. You will also contribute to the organisation's monitoring & evaluation effort.

The ideal candidate must be able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours per week, preferably based in a CET or similar time zone, although ET time zone could also be accommodated. This is a fixed-term position for a minimum of one year and a maximum of three years, starting as soon as possible.

Key responsibilities:

• Assist the Early Warning & Research unit in compiling the monthly CrisisWatch bulletin, with opportunities to draft specific entries;
• Conduct a comprehensive study comparing past CrisisWatch assessments and forecasts with actual political/security developments;
• Assess the contribution to effective forecasting and timely early action of the ‘To Watch’ and the ‘Potential Consequences’ sections in the publication On the Horizon;
• Subject to progress, start producing an internal report with recommendations for additional elements or improvements to Crisis Group’s early warning tools CrisisWatch and On the Horizon, and ways to evaluate their relevance and usefulness;
• Subject to progress, select one or two case studies for a deeper analysis, synthesising an externally facing report in the format of Crisis Group’s ‘Impact Notes’;
• Provide additional research and administrative assistance to the Early Warning & Research unit.

Qualifications:

• A recent degree in international relations, conflict studies, political science, or a related field, with a keen interest in early warning, research standards, monitoring and evaluation, and international peace and security; PhD preferred or current enrolment in PhD program;
• Experience in quantitative data analysis;
• Proficiency in advanced statistical software (e.g. R, Stata) strongly preferred;
• Regional expertise or interest is desirable;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, with the ability to identify and distill complex issues;
• Ability to deliver high-quality work within tight deadlines;
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail;
• High professional standards, including objectivity, integrity, analytical rigour, and confidentiality;
• Previous experience in an international relations environment or NGO is a plus;
• Native-level English proficiency, with knowledge of another language (Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian) considered an advantage;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online research tools.

This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in gaining insight into ICG’s early warning work to prevent violent conflicts from starting in the first place and spreading further. ICG strives to be the leading organization combining field-based expertise, analysis, and engagement with policymakers worldwide to prevent, resolve, or better manage deadly conflicts.

If interested, please submit your CV, cover letter, and a writing sample by 12 April 2025 to info@effectivepeace.org