Managing Consultant - Strategy & Risk Advisory (East Africa) in London

Company Description

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work? J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations. The Strategy & Risk Advisory team is a prestigious unit within J.S. Held that helps clients navigate complex political and regulatory issues at the heart of their growth. We provide actionable, timely intelligence to investors in high-risk frontier markets. We advise clients on market entry and stakeholder relations, conduct due diligence investigations for some of the leading development banks, and support the resolution of commercial disputes and arbitration. We are trusted advisors to many of our clients, including some of the largest investors across the jurisdictions in which we operate.

The Strategy & Risk Advisory practice has been ranked Band 1 by Chambers and Partners, reflecting our strong reputation in the market and the deep expertise of our consultants. We are looking for smart, motivated thinkers and business builders with a strong interest in global politics to join our growing team.

Job Description

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. This is a unique opportunity for an entrepreneurial, highly driven person with a well-rounded skill set to join the growing Strategy & Risk Advisory team within the Global Risk practice.

The ideal person for this role will need to not only have a strong grasp of the political economy of East Africa, and a solid grasp of relevant sectoral knowledge, but also be a flexible and strategic thinker able to take on a variety of tasks. A successful candidate within J.S. Held’s Strategy & Risk Advisory team will demonstrate the ability to clearly and precisely assess how political, economic, and regulatory dynamics impact client strategies, operations, and investments.

Intelligence gathering is a core component of the role. The candidate will be expected to build, maintain, and expand a strong network of senior-level contacts across relevant markets, including public and private sector stakeholders. This will involve regular travel within the region. The role also requires knowledge of, and experience in, key client sectors such as energy, financial services, technology, and mining, with the ability to apply sector-specific insights to risk analysis and client deliverables.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver business intelligence and risk advisory projects across East Africa, with a focus 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.

Qualifications

Required

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

Preferred

• Master's degree from a top-tier university in a relevant discipline, for example, international relations, political science, economics, history, languages, or area studies.

Physical and Mental Job Qualifications

Must be willing to travel internationally, as needed (20-25%)

Additional Information

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. Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed.

Flexible Time Off Policy

Global Medical Insurance

Life Assurance

Other Duties

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.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein.

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 for a reasonable accommodation, please email [email protected] and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.