Managing Consultant - Strategy & Risk Advisory (East Africa)

We are seeking an experienced Managing Consultant to join our Strategy & Risk Advisory team to help drive the growth of our practice across East Africa. The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of the political economy of East Africa, relevant sectoral knowledge, and the ability to think flexibly and strategically.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver business intelligence and risk advisory projects across East Africa, focused on due diligence investigations and government relations support.
• Develop and maintain deep regional, country, and sector‑specific expertise.
• Contribute to the growth of J.S. Held’s client base within the region.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships, effectively managing and executing client account plans.
• Proactively identify business development opportunities and collaborate with senior colleagues to establish new client relationships.
• Support marketing initiatives, including the production of high‑quality thought leadership content.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key public sector stakeholders.
• Represent J.S. Held at relevant industry events and provide expert commentary to media outlets.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a top‑tier university in a relevant discipline, such as international relations, political science, economics, history, languages, or area studies.
• Between four and seven years’ experience managing and/or conducting complex region‑specific business intelligence and risk projects, particularly those relating to integrity due diligence, political analysis, and stakeholder mapping.
• Strong knowledge of the continent’s political and commercial dynamics, gained through relevant professional experience or having lived or worked in the region.
• Some existing networks of public and private sector contacts in East Africa, such as journalists, government officials, and business executives, and a willingness to expand these networks.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, including the ability to produce clear and concise client briefings and reports under tight deadlines.
• High levels of dynamism and proactivity, with a 'can‑do' self‑starter attitude.
• Ability to serve clients with the utmost discretion and diplomacy.
• Experience or exposure to business development, with enthusiasm for growing J.S. Held’s client base.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a top‑tier university in a relevant discipline.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

• Must be willing to travel internationally, as needed (20‑25%).

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

Benefits

• Flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed.
• Flexible Time Off Policy.
• Global Medical Insurance.
• Life Assurance.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO and Job Accommodations

We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal! J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] and include 'Applicant Accommodation' within the subject line with your request and contact information.