Job Title: Political Analyst
Location: Remote
Reports To Research Director
Role Summary
• Conducts political research and analysis to support decision-making for leadership, clients, or internal stakeholders.
• Produces forecasts, briefings, and written products on elections, public policy, institutions, governance, and geopolitical developments.
Key Responsibilities*
Research & Data Gathering
• Monitor political developments across assigned countries/regions
• Review primary sources (laws, court rulings, speeches) and credible secondary sources (think tanks, media, academic research)
• Compile datasets relevant to elections, governance, public opinion, and policy outcomes
Analysis & Interpretation
• Assess political actors, incentives, constraints, and coalition dynamics
• Identify drivers of political risk and likely policy/election outcomes
• Evaluate credibility of sources and reduce bias through triangulation
Reporting & Briefing
• Write policy memos, election/economic-politics briefings, and scenario analyses
• Present findings to stakeholders and support meetings/strategy discussions
• Create concise executive summaries alongside detailed supporting analysis
Forecasting & Scenario Building
• Develop short- and mid-term forecasts and scenario plans
• Track leading indicators (polling trends, legislative activity, protest activity, regulatory changes)
Collaboration
• Coordinate with economists, legal analysts, regional experts, and program teams
• Incorporate feedback to refine products for accuracy and usefulness
Quality & Compliance
• Maintain documentation of methods, assumptions, and sources
• Follow organizational standards for confidentiality, data handling, and factual review
Required Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, or a related field
Experience: 1–3+ years in political analysis, research, policy, journalism, or related roles (or equivalent experience)
Knowledge: Strong understanding of political systems, governance, and election processes
Research Skills: Ability to synthesize complex information and produce evidence-based conclusions
Writing Skills: Excellent written communication; ability to write clearly for both technical and non-technical audiences
Tools: Proficiency with spreadsheets/databases (e.g., Excel), presentation tools, and basic data visualization
• Strong fact-checking and citation practices
Preferred Qualifications
• Regional or country expertise relevant to the organization’s focus
• Experience producing forecasts, risk assessments, or scenario plans
• Language skills for assigned region(s) (e.g., French, Spanish, Arabic, etc.)
• Familiarity with polling/methods, survey analysis, or open-source intelligence (OSINT)
• Experience supporting clients or stakeholders with time-sensitive deliverables
Core Competencies:
• Analytical thinking and sound judgment
• Intellectual curiosity and continuous monitoring of developments
• Objectivity and intellectual honesty
• Attention to detail (especially with sources, citations, and timelines)
• Stakeholder communication and professionalism under deadlines
• Adaptability to breaking news and rapidly changing conditions