Maria Amjad
Nijmegen,Nijmegen
Summary
Experienced researcher and analyst with a diverse background in intelligence, security, and conflict resolution. Skilled in research methods, OSINT analysis, academic and report writing, and project management.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Visiting Research Fellow
Center of International Conflict- Management and Analysis (CICAM)
01.2023 - Current
- Conducting in-depth empirical analysis of complex and large-scale data of Taliban's decision-making strategies throughout Afghan peace process, covering from 2007 to 2021.
- Gathering sensitive primary data through face-to-face and online interviews with 100+ stakeholders, including Taliban members, Afghan and US government officials, negotiation facilitators, journalists, and scholars.
- Compiling findings of research in 5 peer-reviewed articles focusing on theoretical and empirical findings from Taliban case study.
- Presenting complex insights in lay terms to various policymakers and academic scholars at 8+ conferences, including at International Studies Association (ISA), United States, Conflict Research Society, United Kingdom, and SISP in Italy.
Ph.D. Candidate
Program Security, Risk and Vulnerability
11.2020 - Current
- Leading all aspects of 4-year research project titled 'Understanding rebel groups' participation in formal rounds of peace negotiation process, focusing on comprehending and assessing strategic decision-making of rebel groups during negotiation process.
- Planning and performing qualitative analyses, including process tracing and cross-case comparisons on multiple case studies, to formulate predictive models related to decision-making strategies
- Collaborating with researchers across multiple universities, such as George Washington University, University of Toronto, Maryland University, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt, etc on several diverse research projects
- Raised over Euro 50,000 in research funding by identifying relevant policy problems and proposing potential solutions.
Counterterrorism Analyst
Weapons and Tactics Team
03.2020 - 05.2020
- Delivered variety of strategic intelligence products for clients, including executive summaries, analysis, intelligence reports, and weekly security briefs using Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) and Structured Analytical Techniques (SATs)
- Monitored, reported, and coded 150+ global events and incidents at company's platform using WEBINT, OSINT, GEOINT, imagery intelligence, and SOCMINT techniques on surface, deep, and dark web; assessed credibility of data sources; recorded investigative steps, and provided findings to investigators and other stakeholders.
- Took courses on Risk Assessment, Insider Threat Awareness, detecting unconscious bias, supporting inclusive culture, and national incident management system by FEMA, DisasterReady, and Department of Homeland Security among others
- Participated in targeted investigations on highest priority matters impacting clients, provided in-depth analysis and produced detailed intelligence reports for different law enforcement and national security agencies on role of hypersonic missiles in global security and drug trafficking by Hezbollah.
Contributing Writer
Qrius and Modern Diplomacy
01.2017 - 07.2019
- Wrote web articles for digital magazines on issue of South-Asian security and conflict
- Articles can be accessed under profile.
Intelligence Analyst
Pakistan Team
03.2018 - 02.2019
- Collected, collated, and organized data using best practice open-source analysis techniques, WEBINT, SOCMINT, HUMINT, and imagery intelligence in both English and local languages to assess risks and identify threats by coding 1000+ security incidents in country of Pakistan on company's digital platform 'Ambix'
- Participated in targeted investigations: provided in-depth analysis on pain points in current strategies, performed network analysis, and created charts and infographics for team and clients like stakeholders, NGOs, and law enforcement, and assisted in building cases for clients
- Produced two detailed intelligence reports - one independently on sexual violence in Punjab, Pakistan, and one at request of national security agency -company's client- concerning security situation in Pakistan during 2018 elections
- Earned final evaluation of 'above average performer' by senior management for one year of work at company.
Research Intern
Hudson Institute
05.2017 - 07.2017
- Worked virtually for Hudson Institute's Center for Political-Military Analysis to analyze political risks of US sanctions on Iran, especially on its Nuclear Program
- Collected, disseminated, analyzed, edited, and produced research on variety of foreign, defense, intelligence, and homeland security/counter-terrorism policy issues
- Wrote literature reviews and read existing literature and articles in search of additional source
- Developed analytical skills and critical thinking skills.
Education
Master of Arts - MA, International Relations -
University of Bologna
Bologna, Italy10.2019
Bachelor of Science - BSc, Political Science -
Lahore University of Management Sciences
Lahore, Pakistan06.2015
Skills
- Microsoft Office (Advanced Excel, Advanced PowerPoint, Microsoft Word), LexisNexis, NVivo
- Other skills: Research, Data analysis, Data visualization, Problem-solving, Communication, Teamwork, Multitasking, Time Management, Presentation, Attention to detail, HUMINT, OSINT, SOCMINT, Geospatial Intelligence, Intelligence Cycles, Imagery Analysis, Critical Thinking, Social Media Monitoring, Report Analysis
- Languages: C2-level English language, native Urdu, advanced Punjabi, and elementary Italian
Languages
Urdu
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
Punjabi
Upper intermediate
B2
Hindi
Upper intermediate
B2
Italian
Beginner
A1
Timeline
Visiting Research Fellow
Center of International Conflict- Management and Analysis (CICAM)
01.2023 - Current
Ph.D. Candidate
Program Security, Risk and Vulnerability
11.2020 - Current
Counterterrorism Analyst
Weapons and Tactics Team
03.2020 - 05.2020
Intelligence Analyst
Pakistan Team
03.2018 - 02.2019
Research Intern
Hudson Institute
05.2017 - 07.2017
Contributing Writer
Qrius and Modern Diplomacy
01.2017 - 07.2019
Master of Arts - MA, International Relations -
University of Bologna
Bachelor of Science - BSc, Political Science -
Lahore University of Management Sciences
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