Geopolitical Analyst

Job description

Job Summary:

 

We are living through a geopolitical paradigm shift, and global organizations face the imperative to act. The EY Geostrategic Business Group (GBG) advises clients on the business implications of geopolitics, helping them navigate volatility, seize opportunity and mitigate risk. The GBG brings together EY professionals with the knowledge, contacts and geopolitical insight on doing business in nearly every corner of the world.

 

The Geopolitical Analyst is part of EY Knowledge’s C-suite Programs team, and is responsible for delivering impactful analysis and insight for EY’s Geostrategic Business Group in accordance with the priorities agreed in the GBG’s Integrated Knowledge Plan (IKP). Priorities will be supported by deliverables from the Knowledge Products & Services Catalog, including thought-provoking content to help EY differentiate itself in the marketplace, globally relevant points of view and analysis to inform strategic decisions, client opportunities, and to support EY’s business priorities.  

 

This role requires the ability to combine analytical skills and a strategic mindset with real-world perspective driven by an understanding of how geopolitical drivers impact global business. A collaborative mindset is also crucial, as Analysts have a key role to play in supporting networks within their domain, sharing information across sectors, service lines, accounts and solutions, and using that information to further strengthen the quality of materials produced.

 

The Analyst will work closely with the C-suite Programs Knowledge Leader, Geopolitical Analyst colleagues and Knowledge Managers to support the GBG leadership and other key stakeholders such as GBG Insights Leader, providing impactful research, analysis and insight to help EY differentiate itself in the marketplace. The Analyst will also work very closely with other core members of the GBG team.

 

The Analyst may work closely at times with EY Knowledge specialists in other domains or programs (e.g. in sectors, service lines, geography or Global Markets programs) to deliver on cross-sector / cross-service line topics and initiatives. This position also requires awareness and understanding of EY Knowledge’s full suite of products and services to ensure internal customers and stakeholders have visibility of the broad array of EY Knowledge support available to them and support execution of the IKP.

 

This individual will be credible as a specialist in geopolitical issues and will help to ensure the quality and delivery of outputs by knowledge team members located throughout the world to support GBG initiatives. They will also proactively consider opportunities to engage with other domains around issues of common interest (e.g., global trade) and participate in relevant cross-domain initiatives.

Essential Functions of the Job:

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Provides deep analytical insight and understanding of geopolitics, with responsibility for the execution of strategic initiatives in accordance with the IKP and based on a detailed knowledge of the GBG’s dynamics and drivers.

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Engages with and challenges GBG stakeholders and internal customers to provide commercial and provocative perspectives on the issues, challenges and opportunities driven by geopolitics, preparing impactful analysis, points of view, and thought leadership on the implications of those trends for business.

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Develops and co-creates insights beyond publicly available information by interacting with GBG and Knowledge colleagues, account teams, service line colleagues and clients to incorporate proprietary knowledge and, where possible, develop proprietary data sets to evidence a differentiated point of view.

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Develops a credible internal brand to become recognized within EY as a subject matter expert to the business. May participate in client meetings, roundtables and other external events/conferences to strengthen EY’s presence and reputation in the market.

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Develops an understanding of and ability to navigate and collaborate with an ecosystem of external analysts and political risk firms and think tanks.

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Drives full adoption of common EY Knowledge methodologies (e.g. SOLVED) and templates (e.g. Better Expression templates) across all products to ensure deliverables adhere to quality standards and exemplify a digital-first approach to data visualization and product delivery.

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Collaborates with Knowledge colleagues to proactively alert stakeholders regarding changes among key clients and competitors, and assesses the impact of those changes on internal strategies and plans.

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Drives greater connectivity within the domain and across other parts of EY by using strong relationships to share information and convene groups around a common issue.

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Takes a proactive approach to identifying materials, credentials and other information, particularly from key engagements that are relevant within and across domains, and sharing that information in appropriate formats with teams and communities (e.g. accounts, solutions, sub-service lines).

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Consults with the Domain Knowledge Leader and Analyst Team Lead to agree a solution where requests for support fall outside the remit of the IKP or Products & Services Catalog.

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Acts as a role model within EY Knowledge and the domain championing the use of EY Knowledge methodologies and positively influencing change by: leading by example; championing knowledge-sharing behaviors; connecting people; encouraging enterprise-wide sharing; and appropriately leveraging and reusing existing collateral.

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Strong focus on research & analysis competency with active participation in Research & Insights competency development offerings related to research leading practices 

Analytical/Decision Making Responsibilities:

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Able to bring together a variety of perspectives and sources across the domain to deliver compelling analysis that supports business priorities.

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Confident in understanding multiple business drivers and talented at defining the root causes of trends.

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Skilled in identifying issues and trends that translate into key market-facing initiatives and opportunities for EY.

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Demonstrates ability to use both qualitative and quantitative research and analysis methodologies, to synthesize information, review data inputs and provide analytic insights

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Ability to synthesize and analyze information coherently and succinctly using the full suite of data analytics and visualization programs, platforms and tools as appropriate.

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Adept at implementing strategically sound analytical methodologies and skilled in coaching less-experienced team members to improve their skills in research, analysis, data analytics and visualization.

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Understands (or can develop an understanding of) the firm’s go-to-market strategy and service delivery models, how core business services support the service lines, and how knowledge enables exceptional client service and high performing teams. 

Knowledge and Skills Requirements:

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Deep understanding of geopolitical issues, trends and drivers

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Demonstrated experience working at a senior level in a fast-moving, client-driven environment

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Capable of putting individual projects/initiatives into a “big picture” context and in guiding others to do so as well

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Collaborative and able to work well both as part of a team and independently in a global, multi-cultural and virtual environment

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Effective executive-level presentation skills; demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of domain and EY leadership, as well as clients at a senior level

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Comfortable with big picture thinking

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Succinct and structured oral and written communications skills with proven ability to explain complex concepts in a crisp, clear, concise and graphic-rich style, using appropriate analytics and visualization tools.

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Understanding of internal stakeholders and external clients’ needs and concerns; responds with a sense of urgency

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Confident to build a network of internal and external contacts to help shape point of view

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Ability to take ownership for delivering customized projects with a high degree of autonomy and manage multiple, highly-complex projects simultaneously.

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Understanding of the business and demonstrated commercial acumen using commercial language that presents knowledge activities in the context of business objectives

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Demonstrated strong written and oral communication skills to talk about knowledge programs in a clear, compelling manner with a professional demeanor

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Advanced skills in Word, Excel and PowerPoint  

Supervision Responsibilities:

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May lead multidisciplinary teams, often working virtually across service lines and geographies

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Must help to cultivate a high-performance teaming environment with analysts in a global, multi-cultural and virtual environment

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May review the work of colleagues and mentor their skills development

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May serve as counselor or manager for other analysts and specialists 

Other Requirements:

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May require occasional travel, both domestic and international

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Proficient in English, both written and verbal 

Job Requirements:

Education:
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Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., political science, international relations, international studies) or equivalent work experience desired

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Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification an advantage  

Experience:
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6 - 10 years’ experience in intelligence, strategy, business analysis, international research, management consulting or business performance, or journalist covering relevant subject matter

 

EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.