Nkasi Wodu

Geopolitical and political risk analyst with experience in monitoring political and security developments, identifying escalation pathways, and producing intelligence-style analysis for institutional, policy, and operational decision-making. Skilled at translating complex political, economic, and social developments into concise risk assessments, scenario analysis, and actionable strategic insights.

Background includes election risk monitoring, conflict early warning, stakeholder analysis, political economy assessment, and executive-level briefings for governments, donors, corporate actors, and international organizations.

Political Risk & Governance Analyst at Center for Peace, Democracy, and Development (2022-09 – 2024-05)

• Monitored governance, electoral, and security developments for the U.S. Department of State across 10 African countries, identifying escalation risks and emerging instability trends.
• Produced forward-looking geopolitical and political risk assessments informing democracy, governance, and conflict-prevention strategies.
• Synthesized media reporting, field intelligence, partner reporting, and political indicators into concise analytical briefs for institutional stakeholders and decision-makers.
• Conducted comparative risk analysis to identify regional patterns, emerging threats, and operating-environment risks.
• Produced scenario-based assessments evaluating political trajectories, electoral tensions, and conflict risks.

Political Risk & Conflict Analyst at Niger Delta Partnership Initiative (NDPI)/PIND (2014-08 – 2020-12)

• Monitored conflict, political, and security developments across the Niger Delta, identifying escalation risks and emerging threats affecting stability and operations.
• Led development and application of the Peace Map, an early-warning platform tracking violence, political tensions, and instability indicators across volatile environments.
• Produced intelligence-style reporting on stakeholder dynamics, governance risks, and conflict trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Assessed operating-environment risks affecting corporate, government, and community actors in politically complex settings.
• Developed analytical frameworks to monitor risk indicators and anticipate conflict escalation pathways.

Independent Consultant | Political Risk & Stakeholder Strategy at Chevron Nigeria Limited (2017 – 2019)

• Advised corporate leadership on operating-environment risks, stakeholder dynamics, and conflict mitigation in politically sensitive environments.
• Conducted political and stakeholder analysis assessing how governance failures and local tensions affected operational continuity.
• Designed and facilitated crisis-response simulations strengthening executive preparedness under conditions of political uncertainty.
• Produced risk-informed recommendations supporting strategic engagement and conflict mitigation.

Consultant | Extractive Governance & Risk Analysis at Fund for Peace (2018 – 2020)

• Conducted political and operating-environment analysis assessing how governance failures, security arrangements, and local power dynamics shaped risk exposure in extractive-sector environments.
• Assessed implementation of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR), identifying vulnerabilities related to stakeholder conflict, security practices, and corporate risk mitigation.
• Produced intelligence-style analytical reports and risk briefings examining conflict trends, governance dynamics, and operational risks affecting corporate and institutional actors.
• Evaluated stakeholder relationships, community tensions, and regulatory environments to identify drivers of instability and potential escalation risks.
• Developed evidence-based recommendations supporting risk mitigation, stakeholder engagement, and responsible operating strategies in politically complex environments.

Analyst at International Alert (2021-02 – 2021-08)

• Conducted political economy and conflict analysis assessing governance instability, political tensions, and security dynamics in fragile and conflict-affected environments.
• Produced intelligence-style analytical briefs translating complex political developments into concise risk assessments and actionable recommendations for operational and policy stakeholders.
• Monitored political and security trends to identify escalation risks, stakeholder sensitivities, and emerging operating-environment challenges.
• Delivered analytical presentations and scenario-based insights supporting strategic planning and risk-informed decision-making.

Independent Consultant | Political Risk and Civil-Military Analysis at Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (2019 – 2021)

• Conducted political and institutional analysis examining civil-military dynamics, governance challenges, and leadership responses in politically sensitive environments.
• Produced analytical content and facilitated executive-level engagements on political stability, institutional resilience, and conflict-sensitive governance.
• Assessed stakeholder dynamics and governance risks affecting institutional trust, political coordination, and security-sector engagement.

Regional Geopolitical Risk Analyst at Open Society Foundation, Africa Regional Office (2017-05 – 2018-04)

• Conducted comparative political and governance analysis across 33 African countries, identifying drivers of fragility, civic vulnerability, and institutional resilience.
• Co-developed the Country Vulnerability Index (CVI), synthesizing political, economic, and social indicators to assess emerging risks and comparative stability trends.
• Produced analytical reporting assessing political environments, stakeholder dynamics, and governance risks affecting civic engagement and institutional performance.
• Synthesized multi-country research into strategic recommendations informing organizational priorities and regional decision-making.

M.A. in Global Governance and Human Security – University of Massachusetts Boston (2023)

LL.B. in Law – Rivers State University (2005)

B.L. in Law – Nigerian Law School (2007)