Policy Advisor, Illicit Finance Policy (Azerbaijan)

This job description was updated on June 18th, 2024.

Position Summary:  The Policy Advisor will serve as an Azerbaijan-focused policy lead, working closely with the illicit finance policy team The Policy Advisor will lead the organization’s efforts in identifying the vulnerabilities in Azerbaijan’s kleptocracy as well as the strategic use of various targeted financial pressures to disrupt and ultimately dismantle kleptocratic networks and illicit financial flows.

The Policy Advisor is expected to have deep experience in understanding the Azerbaijan political and economic context, particularly as it relates to the captured state. Understanding where the pressure points are in Azerbaijan and within enabler and facilitator networks internationally will help the Sentry identify a range of tools of financial pressure such as network sanctions, anti-money laundering measures, and asset recovery procedures, and how they can be deployed to begin to alter the incentive structure of those benefitting from grand corruption in Azerbaijan.

Essential Responsibilities and Tasks:

-Working closely with colleagues on the Azerbaijan country team and The Sentry’s Co-Founder, formulate original policy recommendations that disrupt predatory networks and illicit financial flows related Azerbaijan.

-Build relationships and closely engage policymakers, regulators, law enforcement, financial institutions, and other private sector and civil society actors across all relevant jurisdictions to encourage adoption of financial tools of pressure.

-Expand The Sentry’s network of contacts within the policy and nonprofit community, including with Azerbaijani in-country and diaspora groups.

-Provide strategic analysis on corruption and state capture in Azerbaijan, and serve as an in-house expert and resource for colleagues on the policy tools available to create change.

-Represent The Sentry in the media through radio, print, and TV interviews.

-Co-author, author, and edit op-eds, memos, policy briefs, dossiers, and other products.

-Develop opportunities to share The Sentry’s findings and policy positions by participating in or hosting events and panels.

-Collaborate with the Development team on fundraising opportunities; review fundraising materials and reports to donors.

Required Skills and Experience:

-Minimum 6 years direct experience and overall demonstrated expertise related to Azerbaijan/Caucasus region.

-Excellent writing, editing, and presentation skills.

-In-depth knowledge of Azerbaijan and its political economy.

-In-depth understanding of issues surrounding corruption and illicit financial flows in Azerbaijan, including money laundering through shell companies, arms trade and its role in sanction evasion for other countries.

-Knowledge of key issues and concepts related to financial tools of pressure.

-Demonstrated experience engaging policymakers and civil society in the United States, Europe, and the Caucasus

-Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred, in a relevant field (International Relations, Political Science, International Development, International Security, area studies, etc).

-Experience engaging with dynamic and evolving teams.

-Experience evaluating complex security issues, including in potential crisis situations.

-Able to maintain patience and presence in fast-moving environment.

Preferred Skills:

-Azerbaijani or Turkish preferred.

Compensation:

-$50,000-60,000 per year (part-time)

To apply, submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@thesentry.org. Please include “Policy Advisor, Illicit Finance Policy (Azerbaijan) in the subject line of your email.

Anti-Discrimination Statement

The Sentry, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is an investigative and policy organization that seeks

to disable multinational predatory networks that benefit from violent conflict, repression and

kleptocracy. The Sentry is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional

people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of

us to realize our potential. The Sentry’s work environment is safe and open to all

employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex,

gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age,

disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law

in the locality and/or state in which you are working.