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We are a policy institute based in London known for rigour and vigorous independence with a reputation built on more than a century of convening, research and proposals to solve the world’s most intractable problems. Our mission is to help improve international relations in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, sustainable and just world. We do this through original research and by convening discussion, through our core teams, our global network of fellows and our invited guests.

The Research Director - an established expert and inspiring leader - will increase the depth and reach of our work in areas that are crucial to Chatham House’s mission. To be successful in the role, you must be a leading authority, able to offer clear intellectual framing and structuring of work, and an experienced, supportive leader and colleague. You must be able to offer clear intellectual framing and structuring of work, and an experienced, supportive leader and colleague.

This role will lead our Global Governance and Security Centre, which draws together experts from Chatham House’s International Security, International Law, Digital Society and Global Health Programmes with a brief to pursue improved global governance and institutional reform. The Centre brings together the extensive work that Chatham House conducts on global governance and security, at a moment when international rules and institutions are being questioned and reimagined, particularly by countries which want more say in a future order. You will be able to discuss in depth the prospects for global order – or disorder – given the rivalry between the US and China and the US’s redefinition of its role in the world, and have clear and detailed views of how middle powers and Global South countries might position themselves. You will be skilled at helping others develop their views and bring those to fruition, and at managing teams to bring out their creativity as well as ensuring they stick to time and budget.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there's anything we can do to improve your experience or support you through the application process, please contact us at HR@Chathamhouse.org.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the programmes in the GGSC to produce influential policy-relevant research, including reports, research papers, op-eds and expert comments, writing some of that work yourself
• Take ownership of the quality of research in the areas reporting to you, building on existing high standards.
• Advance our intellectual direction, coherence and impact, focusing on the clarity and relevance of research and convening, the quality of evidence, the applicability of policy recommendations and the impact of our work in the Centre’s area of focus. You will work closely with teams reporting to you to pursue this strategy and high standards, and advance ideas and projects that span the House in pursuit of its key themes.
• Supporting and leading individual programmes, but also bringing programmes together to look at bigger international governance questions.
• Be part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) to lead the organisation’s culture, work and finances.
• Work within ELT to discuss strategy and budgets; support that strategy and steps needed to achieve budgets once agreed by positive communication within the House and Council. Represent your programmes within ELT and Council, taking responsibility for their output and financial performance.
• Review constantly the teams’ budgets, supporting them in revenue raising and supervising cost control, while looking for opportunities to increase income for the House and improve efficiency. budgetary targets.
• Act as an ambassador and elevate Chatham House and the individual team profiles by external contact and by media; use receptions, conferences and other external work as a chance to bring in contacts and revenue for the House.
• Represent Chatham House in external meetings and as an ambassador for the institute, raising its profile in the UK and globally.
• Help lead the organisation as a member of our Executive Leadership team, attending as reasonably given the part-time nature of this role.
• Monitor performance and share reports with ELT and the Research Committee of Chatham House’s Council.
• Lead staff in line with our mission, values and competencies, communicating and setting an example of what good looks like.
• Establish productive, positive relationships across the institute.
• Contribute to furthering Chatham House's EDI strategic objectives.

Personal Specification

Experience

You have:

• Achieved recognition for your work, with a substantial body of work and with demonstrated impact in an area relevant to the GGSC
• An understanding of fundraising and how to bring in funding.
• Experience in researching and writing thought pieces and policy recommendations for diverse audiences and external publications.
• Experience in communicating research to many audiences, including at the highest levels and in dealing with high-level policy makers.
• Experience in formulating successful research grant proposals and successfully collaborating with project donors and supporters.
• A record of managing teams to bring out their creativity but also ensure work is timely and makes clear recommendations.
• A track record of successful financial planning and management.
• Experience of developing and leading a large team and embedding cultural change.

Skills

You have:

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to convey complex ideas and messages clearly and concisely in speaking or writing.
• Gravitas and ability to operate at the highest levels internationally with a diverse mix of people.
• Organised research and data analysis skills.
• The ability to prioritise, deliver to tight deadlines and make judgements in project delivery.
• Understanding of practices relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), and a commitment to implementing this throughout our research activities.