Pyotr Kurzin

2022-Present The Global Gambit Podcast (GG), Host, Editor & Creator

• Rapidly scale in <12 months to achieve a top 1% ranking, reaching audiences in more 50+ countries worldwide.
• Harness social media platforms effectively to expand digital engagement, resulting in a 600% growth in followers and a robust email list with high open (50%) and click-through rates (35-40%).
• Develop a broad network of 1,000+ contacts, including influential individuals from academia, policy-making, journalism, and industry leadership, including advising clients on the coups in Sudan, Niger & Gabon. 
• Implement successful media strategies that lead to features and appearances on notable media outlets, covering topics of geopolitical risk, macroeconomics, and current affairs for industry-specific political risk analysis.

2021-Present World Bank Group (WBG), Consultant 

• Produce analytical writing to assist implementation of Country Climate Development Reports for 25 African clients, effectively streamlining their climate development strategies and macroeconomic policies. 
• Evaluate ESG practices across EMEA climate resilience or adaptation projects of $12.9bn, aiding risk analysis and strategic planning forecasts among VPs, including COO Axel van Trotsenburg. 
• Lead strategic communication initiatives, consulting with HQ staff and Sub-Saharan Africa project leaders to support development activities and improve modelling work and forecasts for local stakeholders. 
• Contribute to the production and promotion of ESG & Climate Action, including creation of bespoke African Country Profiles for the Climate Change Knowledge Portal and modernization of the ESG/Climate Risk Screening Tool, resulting in a 45% increase in adoption among project leaders.

2020-2021 International Crisis Group (ICG), UN Analyst 

• Coordinated presentations to UN and AU delegates by departmental leads, successfully organising two large-scale events with over 200 officials in attendance on the Great Lake & Horn of Africa portfolios.
• Facilitated confidential briefings for UNSC officials, resulting in significant amendments to 4 resolutions and the convening of emergency government sessions during the Ethiopian Civil War on sovereign risks. 
• Collaborate with the ‘Future of Conflict’ team to produce data-led, client relevant analysis for the innovative CrisisWatch tracker tool to inform regional issues like climate-conflict in Nigeria and Somalia.  
• Advocated research and thought leadership at 4 external events, creating advocacy frameworks to bolster stakeholder engagement, and leveraged commercial acumen to secure media engagements for ICG staff. 

2019-2020 Amnesty International, (Intl Secretariat), Communications & Policy Analyst

• Coordinated stakeholder engagement with EMEA clients to enhance data procurement and delivery for multinational campaigns, significantly improving the impact of the “Review of 2019” project series.
• Compiled and synthesised field reports from various initiatives, effectively coordinating teams amounting to 3000+ field staff and volunteers, thereby bolstering the “Armed Conflict” Africa portfolios. 
• Assisted in devising advocacy strategies and represented at events, contributing to an increase in grant funding by $3m to a total of $25m, in addition to achieving a 15% rise in membership and enhanced subscription products. 

2019 The Cohen Group (TCG), Intern 

• Conducted comprehensive written analysis of international trends with a focus on the strategic competition delivering key insights to aid client understanding on impacts to natural resources and financial markets. 
• Supported members of TCG sales and communication teams with business development and media engagement.
• Assisted in crisis management during the Strait Hormuz tensions by identifying risks, contributing to data visualisation, and preparing clients for media and stakeholder engagements.

2018 United Nations Secretariat, Intern 

• Managed a data integration workstream within a people-centric project, coordinating with 28 institutional stakeholders to drive change management efforts in alignment with the 2030 SDGs.
• Produced informative memos and guides for 10 field agencies, facilitating the development interagency procedures and crisis preparedness action plans as part of the UNDAC Strategy 2018-2021. 
• Executed Phase 1 of a data transformation project ahead of schedule, developed an impact assessment matrix, and devised 12 schemes for a pilot roadmap to enhance strategic advising and problem-solving processes. 

2016-2017 Chatham House, Policy Advisor

• Supported the “Human Rights & Security” team devising advocacy strategies and preparing media releases. 
• Managed a successful lead generation campaign, applying interpersonal skills to cultivate partnerships with policy makers and specialists, editing publications, and securing 50+ patrons, resulting in a boost of $5k in donations.
• Collaborated in the creation of four educational "Explainer" videos, enhanced social media engagement by 12% in 3 months, produced short-form content from publications, and facilitated new research project opportunities.

2017-2019 John Hopkins University SAIS, Master of Arts (3.7 GPA, magna cum laude) 
Focus: International Relations, Geo-Political Risk & Political Economy

2013-2016 University of Southampton, Bachelor of Science (Joint-honours, First-class) 
Focus: Population Science, ESG & Sustainable Development. 
Fieldwork: 20 months Sub-Saharan field experience in Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.