Senior Analyst : Eastern Mediterranean Human Smuggling Corridor, North Africa and Sahel Observatory

Job description

Contract Duration Fixed-term contract for one year with possibility of renewal Language Proficiency English essential ; additional language skills in Turkish or Arabic a plus. Experience 5-10 years relevant experience Location Malta Background The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) is an independent civil society organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a globally dispersed Secretariat working across 42 countries. Founded in 2013, GI-TOC brings together a global network of more than 750 independent experts and a team of over 130 staff dedicated to understanding and responding to organized crime. Through research, analysis, policy engagement and support to civil society actors, GI-TOC works to deepen understanding of organized crime and strengthen effective, rights-based responses. In 2024, GI-TOC produced 167 publications and reached more than 713,000 website users worldwide. The GI-TOC works to: Identify, analyse and map criminal trends and patterns of regional instability, and their impact on illicit flows, governance, development, security, conflict and the rule of law. Connect and support civil society actors working on organized crime and corruption, and on their links to instability and conflict. Strengthen local monitoring and analysis of national, regional and international organized crime and insecurity trends. Job Summary The GI-TOC is seeking a senior analyst to conduct research and analysis on the political economy of human smuggling and trafficking on the Eastern Mediterranean human smuggling corridor and neighboring areas in Turkey, Southeastern Europe, and the Levant. Secondary responsibility will involve broader research on the political economy of illicit markets in the region. The Senior Analyst will also engage closely with the Director of the North Africa and Sahel Observatory, Head of Research: North Africa and Sahel, and the broader analytic team within the region. This role demands strong analytical and interpersonal skills, an ability to build and manage research networks across the region, and time-management skills to deliver high-quality products on tight timelines. Applicants from Turkey or the Levant are encouraged to apply. Main responsibilities and specific tasks of the Analyst Conduct in-depth research on human smuggling and trafficking in the Eastern Mediterranean corridor and neighboring areas in Turkey, Southeastern Europe, and the Levant. Contribute to the research and writing of public reports, briefs and articles on various aspects of the political economy of human smuggling and trafficking in the Eastern Mediterranean corridor and neighboring areas in Turkey, Southeastern Europe, and the Levant. Support in the development of events and initiatives around illicit and informal economies in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Requisite Skills and Experience The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following experience and skills: Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant field, such as international relations, criminal justice, or migration studies. Minimum 5-10 years of experience in investigations, analysis or research work on organized crime, human smuggling - from within civil society, think tanks, journalism, or government. Ability to identify information gaps, research, synthesize information, develop analysis and write on tight timelines. Native or equivalent proficiency in spoken and written English, with additional language skills in Turkish or Arabic a plus. Motivated and enthusiastic to work in a fast-paced environment. High degree of accuracy, detail orientation, and time management is essential. Comfort working in politically sensitive environments, maintaining productive relationships with a range of actors, with sound judgement about risk to self, sources, and partners Personal Attributes Operationally resilient: you are comfortable running operating with substantial autonomy. Investigative focused and self-directed: you run your own research, ask the second and third questions, and know when to stop and verify Politically astute: you understand political sensitivities along the Eastern Mediterranean human smuggling and trafficking corridor, how to protect yourself, your contacts, your partners, and the broader organization Discreet and security-conscious: you handle sensitive information and sensitive relationships with the judgement of someone who understands what is at stake if either is mishandled Relationship manager: you build and maintain trust with a diverse range of partners, including local and international civil society, navigating different cultures, priorities and sensitivities with professionalism and discretion Collegiate: you work well as part of regional and global teams, drawing on the support of the Director of the North Africa and Sahel and Head of Research: North Africa and Sahel without requiring close supervision A clear writer and communicator: you produce reports, investigative outputs and briefings that hold up in front of partners and policy counterparts GI-TOC operates a flexible working environment and encourages staff to achieve a suitable work-life balance and supports professional development and learning. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The Global Initiatives makes use of BambooHR's ATS system to receive and review your application. All correspondence related to your application will be sent via our domain .