Geopolitical Researcher

About the Role

The Geopolitical Researcher supports ELDR Intelligence's analytical function from the firm's Washington-area hub, tracking U.S. foreign policy, congressional and regulatory developments, multilateral institutions, and geopolitical events relevant to ELDR's client base. Washington's position as a nexus of policy, regulation, and institutional decision-making makes this role strategically important — particularly for clients operating across the U.S.–Africa corridor and navigating the intersection of U.S. regulatory systems with international markets.

Responsibilities

• Track and analyse U.S. foreign policy, congressional activity, executive agency rulemaking, and multilateral positions relevant to ELDR's coverage areas
• Monitor geopolitical developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Sahel, and Horn of Africa with implications for institutional clients
• Contribute research briefs, analytical memos, and ELDR Signal items on Washington-originating regulatory and geopolitical signals
• Support Advisory practice with background research for client engagements involving regulatory risk, government affairs, or U.S. institutional positioning
• Maintain source relationships and research infrastructure relevant to U.S. policy and African affairs coverage
• Assist in the production of longer-form reports requiring primary source research and structured analytical argument

Requirements

• 2–5 years of experience in policy research, think tank analysis, government affairs, or academic geopolitical research
• Deep familiarity with U.S. foreign policy institutions, congressional processes, and/or multilateral organisations
• Strong working knowledge of U.S.–Africa policy dynamics — including AGOA, MCC, DFC, EXIM Bank, and related instruments
• Rigorous analytical writing with the ability to distil complex developments into concise, useful intelligence
• Undergraduate degree required; graduate training in international relations, African studies, political science, or law preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior government, Congressional, or multilateral institution experience
• Familiarity with OFAC, AML, sanctions regimes, and their operational implications for financial institutions
• Working knowledge of French, Arabic, Swahili, Amharic, or Hausa

What We Offer

• A rare hybrid of research and applied advisory work from one of the world's most institutionally dense policy environments
• Washington-area hub with access to U.S. policy, regulatory, and institutional networks
• Direct contribution to ELDR Intelligence publications and client engagement briefs
• Structured path toward Strategic Intelligence Analyst