FRENCH SPEAKING DUE DILIGENCE SENIOR ANALYST – SUB-SAHARAN FRICA

S-RM RECRUITMENT: 

 

FRENCH SPEAKING DUE DILIGENCE SENIOR ANALYST – SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA 

We have a new and exciting role available within our Corporate Intelligence division in Cape Town for a French-speaking Senior Analyst that ideally has an active interest and experience conducting research in Francophone Africa. Less experienced candidates will be considered at a more junior grade, depending on the relevance of their skillset.    

WHO ARE WE 

 

S-RM is a global intelligence, ESG, and cyber security consultancy. Since 2005, we’ve helped companies, governments and private individuals solve some of their most complex challenges.  

 

Our Corporate Intelligence division uses the latest research and intelligence-gathering techniques to investigate how companies and individuals really do business in today’s world. We work with some of the world’s most prominent organisations to help them understand partners, customers, assets and territories across the globe - the healthcare company a private equity firm wants to invest in; the prospective client a bank wants to onboard; the market a multinational wants to enter. We also provide specialised investigative support to law firms, businesses and individuals in contentious situations such as litigation, commercial disputes and internal investigations.  

 

From our offices in London, Manchester, New York, Washington DC, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Cape Town, we deliver critical insights from every country across the world. Further information about each of our five Corporate Intelligence practice areas can be found on our website: Compliance Due Diligence, Deal Advisory, Disputes & Investigations, ESG and Strategic Intelligence. 

 

THE ROLE 

 

At S-RM no day is the same, and there are incredible opportunities to learn. We’re proud to say our investigative training is amongst the best in the industry. You’ll have some of the brightest colleagues to support you - former journalists, economists, lawyers, scientists, and financial analysts. Collectively, our people speak more than 40 languages.  

 

We are looking for someone who is adaptable, can be part of a team and wants to grow with the business. 

 

In this role, you’ll be responsible for: 

• Researching and writing intelligence reports on companies and individuals for due diligence and investigatory purposes, including identifying and analysing issues such as bribery and corruption, fraud, money laundering and reputational threats; 

• Providing subject matter expertise on the business, political, and regulatory risk environments in sub-Saharan Africa, with a focus on Francophone jurisdictions; 

• Conducting research in English and French, as well as other relevant languages on corporate and political issues; and, 

• Presenting to managers and clients. 

 

The role will be based in our Cape Town office, however we have flexible working arrangements available. 

 

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR 

 

We are looking for a candidate who is fluent in French, and has the skills and experience outlined below. That said, if you don’t think you meet every one of the criteria below but are still interested in the job, please apply. Nobody checks every box—we’re looking for candidates that are particularly strong in a few areas, and have some interest and capabilities in others. 

 

We’re looking for someone that is able to adapt to change and work comfortably in a fast-paced environment, this person will have some or all of these skills:  

 

• A professional working proficiency in English, as well as working proficiency in French;  

• Excellent research and investigative skills, including working with human intelligence (fieldwork/conducting interviews).  

• Experience conducting research in Francophone Africa will be beneficial;  

• Demonstrable experience in research, writing, planning, and organising projects; 

• A clear interest in sub-Saharan Africa business and politics. Experience living or working in Francophone Africa jurisdictions will be beneficial, but not essential; 

• As a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in a suitable field. Relevant degrees may include but are not limited to: economics, international relations, law, finance, political science, or similar; OR equivalent work experience. 

• Several years’ experience working in a relevant commercial environment is highly desirable. Relevant commercial experience may include (but is not limited to) work within the corporate intelligence sector, law, finance, investigative journalism, energy, mining, and similar industries. 

 

Candidates must have permission to work in South Africa by the start of their employment.  

 

OUR BENEFITS 

 

We offer thoughtful, balanced rewards and support to help our people do their best work and live their lives outside it, this includes but is not exhaustive of: 

 

• 23 days holiday per year in addition to bank holidays (+1 day for every day of service up to a maximum of 28 days); 

• Matching pension contribution up to 7% (up to a maximum of 14% combined), and financial education; 

• Hybrid working and flexible working hours 

 

Parental Support: 

• Fertility treatment leave – 5 days of leave per cycle of treatment per year; 

• Maternity leave – 26 weeks of full pay followed by 13 weeks of half pay; 

• Paternity leave – 6 weeks of full pay. 

 

Various Health and Medical Benefits including:  

• Medical Aid and Gap Cover Policy (taxable benefit) for you and your family; 

• Free access to the world-famous mindfulness app Headspace; 

• EAP programme for you and your immediate family. 

 

The role will be based at our Cape Town office. However, we have flexible working arrangements available. 

 

  

THE APPLICATION PROCESS 

 

To apply for this role, please submit your CV and cover letter via this LinkedIn ad. Applications which do not include a CV and cover letter will not be considered.  

 

The application process will include: 

 

1. A preliminary call which will be a chance for you to find out more about S-RM and the role. 

1. An analysis and writing task. This will assess your analytical and writing skills and give you a better sense of the work we do. 

1. One interview discussing the first task, your language capabilities, and your technical skills. 

1. A research task. This will assess your ability to conduct effective research, and present findings clearly.  

1. A final interview discussing the second task, your previous experience, broader competencies, and suitability for the role. 

 

Applications for this position close on the 3 October 2025. We will contact you once your application has been submitted to discuss your interest in the position and intend to start the interview process during October. 

 

We nurture a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion and we are dedicated to developing a workforce that displays a variety of talents, experiences and perspectives.