Regional Analyst – West Africa and Lake Chad Basin Region

Position description

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organization (INSO) is an international NGO that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations, and training. INSO provides daily support to more than 1,500 NGOs operating in 24 of the world’s most insecure countries. INSO is registered in the Netherlands, with its headquarters located in The Hague, a city renowned for its international focus on peace and justice.

INSO West Africa and Lake Chad Basin
Since 2013, INSO has supported the humanitarian community across the region and is looking to establish a regional presence for West Africa at the request of the NGO community. This position is based in Dakar, Senegal and reports to the West Africa Coastal (WAC) Country Director under the technical guidance of the Global Analysis Team at Headquarters.

Job Summary
As a Regional Analyst, you will assist NGOs working in, but not limited to, the Central Sahel, the West African Coastal States, and parts of the Lake Chad Basin through analysis of broader trends and dynamics, such as regional or contextual developments that shape humanitarian safety and access in the region.

Main Responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Prepare and produce reports that assist NGO partners by assessing prevalent regional conflict dynamics and their impact on humanitarian safety and access.
• Initiate delivery of regional services, designing outputs in line with partner requirements and priorities.
• Manage and deliver ad-hoc products on emerging regional challenges to humanitarian safety and access.
• Contribute to other countries’ office products and inform decision-making at the regional level.
• Offer a responsive, tailored analysis service directly to INSO’s NGO partners upon their request.
• Convene and contribute to regional NGO coordination meetings and fora with humanitarian counterparts to discuss regional safety and access.

Local acceptance

• Build a network of partners and interlocutors working in humanitarian activities in West Africa and Lake Chad; this will include NGOs, UN agencies, government representatives, and relevant actors involved in security coordination and information sharing.
• Establish a clear role for INSO within the humanitarian security architecture in West Africa.

Representation

When requested and in coordination with the Coastal Countries CD

• Represent the organization at the country and regional levels, and ensure adherence to INSO mission, policies, and principles.
• Build and maintain strong networks with government agencies, NGOs, the UN, Red Cross, donors, embassies, humanitarian coordination platforms, and security bodies while maintaining independence.
• Proactively seek opportunities to represent INSO at relevant events and forums
• Effectively represent and protect INSO’s principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality; promote INSO as an integral member of the humanitarian community.
• Stay updated on political, security, and humanitarian developments in West Africa and the Lake Chad Basin region, and provide regular strategic analysis.

Program strategy and management

• Assist the Country Director in the development of a regional strategy through consultation with internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise and coordinate with INSO’s Global Analysis Team to enable analytical capacity building in the countries’ offices when needed.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of work experience in an analytical capacity, preferably working on conflict or post-conflict contexts in West Africa and the Lake Chad region
• Proven ability to provide operationally relevant analysis to a wide-ranging audience
  Experience working in NGOs, international organisations, consultancy, or journalism
• Exemplary command of French and at least professional fluency in English
• Acceptance and strong understanding of humanitarian principles
• Demonstrable understanding of humanitarian safety practices and their application
• Excellent networking, diplomatic, and representative communication skills
• Graduate-level education in political science, history, or humanitarian studies, or a related field, or equivalent work experience

Nice to Have

• Experience delivering a partner-focused advisory service
• Experience designing and delivering products based on close partner engagement
• Existing regional experience and/or information networks
• Experience in insecure/conflict-affected environments
• Experience in staff capacity development and training
• Detailed understanding of INSO’s mandate & services

Core Competencies

• Analysis – Evaluates information critically, identifies patterns and risks, and develops practical, well-reasoned solutions through conceptual and creative thinking.
• Communication – Conveys information clearly and effectively, builds positive working relationships, and adapts communication to diverse audiences and situations.
• Organisation – Plans and prioritises work efficiently, maintains accuracy and attention to detail, and consistently delivers high-quality results within deadlines.
• Initiative -Works independently, takes ownership of responsibilities, and proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and problem-solving.
• Collaboration -Contributes positively to team objectives, demonstrates reliability and professionalism, and works effectively across diverse cultural and operational environments.

Terms & Conditions

This position is subject to funding approval. The specific terms and conditions of employment will be communicated to shortlisted candidates at the appropriate stage of the recruitment process.

Application instructions

Please submit completed applications to [email protected] and reference ‘WACA Regional Analyst’ in the subject line. Applications should be in English and include:

• An updated CV (maximum 3 pages).
• A one-page cover letter detailing why you are interested in working for INSO and how your qualifications align specifically with the competencies required for the role.

Please do not send any additional information. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted after the closing date.