Application Guide

How to Apply for Call for consultant - Research Analyst, Middle East

at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data

🏢 About Armed Conflict Location & Event Data

ACLED is the leading source of real-time conflict data globally, known for its rigorous methodology and open-access data that powers research, policy, and journalism. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven organization that directly informs humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts.

About This Role

This role involves producing high-impact analysis on the Middle East, ensuring ACLED's data accurately reflects conflict dynamics in Yemen, Iraq, and the Gulf. Your work will support donors, media, and policymakers with actionable insights, making your analysis critical for decision-making.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start by scanning Arabic news sources for conflict events in Yemen and Iraq, updating the dataset, and verifying incidents. You could then draft a brief analysis for a donor report or respond to a media query, followed by a team call to coordinate on emerging trends.

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🎯 Who Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Is Looking For

  • Deep expertise in Middle East conflict dynamics, particularly Yemen, Iraq, and the Gulf, with ability to contextualize events within political and social frameworks.
  • Proven experience in authoring analytical reports or briefs for diverse audiences (e.g., policy, media, humanitarian) with at least 2 years of relevant work.
  • Strong quantitative skills with familiarity in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R, Python, or GIS) and experience using ACLED data.
  • Native or near-native fluency in Arabic and English, with ability to source and verify information from local media and primary sources.

📝 Tips for Applying to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data

1

Tailor your cover letter to highlight specific knowledge of Yemen, Iraq, or Gulf conflicts, citing recent events or trends you have analyzed.

2

Include a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to produce concise, data-driven analysis on Middle East conflict (e.g., a brief on a recent incident).

3

Showcase your familiarity with ACLED data by referencing it in your application or providing an example of how you've used it.

4

List specific data analysis tools you are proficient in and provide examples of projects where you used them for conflict research.

5

If you have experience providing analysis to media or policymakers, mention specific outlets or organizations you have worked with.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your in-depth knowledge of political violence and protest dynamics in Yemen, Iraq, and/or the Gulf.', 'Your ability to produce timely, actionable analysis for diverse stakeholders (e.g., UN, NGOs, media).', 'Your technical skills in data analysis and visualization, especially using ACLED data.', 'Your language proficiency in Arabic and English, and your experience sourcing local information.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review ACLED's methodology for coding political violence and protest, especially for the Middle East region.
  • → Explore recent ACLED analysis pieces on the Middle East to understand the organization's style and focus.
  • → Familiarize yourself with ACLED's data tools like the dashboard and data export features.
  • → Read about ACLED's funding sources and key partners (e.g., UN, World Bank) to understand stakeholder expectations.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach analyzing a recent surge in violence in a specific region (e.g., Yemen)?
2 Can you describe a time you used ACLED data to support an analytical conclusion?
3 How do you ensure accuracy and avoid bias when coding conflict events from Arabic-language sources?
4 Explain a complex conflict dynamic in the Gulf region to a non-expert audience.
5 How do you prioritize which events to analyze when multiple conflicts are escalating simultaneously?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without referencing specific regional knowledge or the ACLED dataset.
  • Overlooking the need for Arabic fluency – failing to demonstrate language skills or providing weak examples.
  • Focusing only on academic qualifications without showing practical experience in producing analysis for diverse audiences.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: July 4, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

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Good luck with your application to Armed Conflict Location & Event Data!

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