Programme Director – Asia-Pacific Programme
The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help improve international relations in pursuit of a secure, sustainable, prosperous, and just world. We do this through original research and by convening discussion, supported by our central teams and our global network of fellows.
Our Asia-Pacific programme provides objective and policy-relevant analysis of key political, security, economic and technological developments affecting this key region. By engaging decision-makers and experts in Asia and beyond, we identify opportunities to improve regional and international policy-making, in support of sustainable and equitable peace and development in the region.
The current programme has built strong capability on China and on India, as well as focussing on understanding the likely long-term trajectory of the region. We are keen to build on these strong foundations by expanding our funding and work on Japan and NE Asia, and to explore the web of connections within the region and to other key actors – notably the US.
The Programme Director will have the skills to further increase our influence and impact on the decisions made by governments, companies and societies, to build our funding base, particularly for new work on Japan, and to produce and oversee research and convening of the highest quality.
Key Responsibilities
Work with the CEO and Director, Research Director and programme team, to design and deliver a plan for research and convening which advances our goals and creates a coherent narrative for Chatham House’s work on the region.
Produce research and convening which meets our goals for the highest intellectual standards and influence. Produce clear recommendations and arguments from your analysis and the team’s.
Build and deliver a creative fundraising strategy for the programme, securing funding that supports both programme and wider Institute priorities.
Be responsible for generating a financial surplus after overheads, raising revenue for it and controlling costs.
Be accountable to the Director, relevant Research Director and project funders for quality control of convening and research.
Achieve impact using Chatham House’s networks and your own, writing, broadcasting and using social media for Chatham House and beyond.
Raise Chatham House’s profile with policymakers, policy experts and the media.
Collaborate closely with Chatham House’s central fundraising teams to support Chatham House’s overall financial security.
Lead, inspire and motivate your team in line with our mission, skills and behaviour framework, setting an example of ‘what good looks like.’
Drive collaboration across the Institute on cross-cutting issues relating to the region (eg technology, global economics, climate change, energy), delivering a ‘One Chatham House Approach’ to all work.
Champion equity, diversity and inclusion, using leadership influence to remove barriers and broaden participation across the Institute.
Personal Specification
Skills and Experience
Extensive experience leading outstanding research on Asia-Pacific related topics and of converting that into impact on policy. Expertise on China, NE Asia and/or India an advantage.
A clear sense of a coherent programme for Chatham House at this moment and an ability to use analysis to yield clear conclusions, both implications and policy recommendations.
An established public profile and policy network, with a track record of influential engagement with senior external figures.
A record of delivering high quality publications – your own and your team’s – and of convening engaging and impactful events.
Substantial experience in management and leadership, developing and motivating teams and working across organisational boundaries to achieve impact.
A strong network of funding contacts with a track record of successful fundraising.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas and messages clearly and concisely in spoken and written English.
Demonstrable experience in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion.
We are an equal opportunity employer; we value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org.