Research Consultant, South Caucasus

Purpose of the role:

The Crisis Group is seeking a Consultant, South Caucasus, with a focus on Azerbaijan.

At a time of tremendous change in the South Caucasus region, we are committed to ensuring that our research and analysis is rooted in ground truth and used to inform pragmatic and actionable recommendations that mitigate the dangers of war and improve the odds for peace.

The consultant will be well-versed in Azerbaijan's security, political and economic landscape, as well as the wider geostrategic environment. They will be well-connected in Baku. Working closely with our senior South Caucasus analyst based in Tbilisi and Yerevan, they will contribute to Crisis Group’s work and advise on how to shape policy responses as a new order takes shape in the region.

We are looking for a consultant who has access to conflict-affected civilians and combatants as well as senior officials and is able to research deeply and advocate persuasively with stakeholders in Azerbaijan and around the world. They will be a self-starter, sensitive to security considerations (their own and others’) and able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced and often challenging environment.

The consultancy agreement will initially be for 6 months and can be renewed further.  Candidates based in Baku strongly preferred. We will consider candidates based elsewhere who are willing and able to travel to Baku regularly.

The contract will be for expectations as below:

• Actively keeping the Program Director and Deputy Program Director informed of key developments in the South Caucasus, and responding to ECA and broader Crisis Group queries regarding such developments, in a timely fashion;

• Guidance, drafting and review of any talking points, publications, policy, development or advocacy material either used internal or externally by Crisis Group concerning Azerbaijan;

• Drafting the monthly contributions on the South Caucasus for the Crisis Group internal situation report before the 20th of each month;

• Reviewing in a timely manner the monthly draft of the South Caucasus section of Crisis Watch;

• Providing in the form of written text and/or verbal communications specific research-based input to Crisis Group publications as needed;

• Engaging in selected advocacy activities as agreed and keeping internal records. Activities may include verbal briefings with government officials, diplomats, international organisation representatives, and Crisis Group donors, and participation in other meetings on the organisation’s behalf, as mutually agreed;

• Support for senior travel to the region (meetings, logistics, background briefing, notes etc).