Research Fellow - US and North America Programme
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world through improved international relations.
The Research Fellow will form a central part of our dynamic, multi-disciplinary and diverse team, contributing to the development and delivery of a wide range of research and convening activities on the evolving roles of the United States and Canada in the world. You will contribute to research across the programme's priority areas, including the enduring features of US policy across election cycles, as well as the United States and Canada’s differentiated approaches to China, economic and trade policy, alliances and partnerships, technology diplomacy, and the future of transatlantic relations, among other themes.
Key Responsibilities
Contribute to the design and delivery of research projects that advance the strategic goals of the US and North America Programme and Chatham House, while identifying new research areas and questions.
Support the development and delivery of innovative approaches to project design and research, supporting delivery in line with objectives, budgets and timelines, and generating impact across our work.
Support the coordination of field research, assisting with planning and arrangements, contributing to measures for the proper conduct and safety of teams in the field, and help prepare providing risk assessments as required.
Produce high-quality, policy-relevant research for publication by the Institute – including reports, research papers, policy papers, op-eds, expert comments and audio-visual outputs.
Inform public and policy debates through research and analysis, identifying emerging issues and opportunities where the Programme can add value.
Identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate distribution of research findings through seminars, workshops, publications and the full range of online resources.
Increase visibility and outreach by promoting research and activities through Chatham House's website, media channels and external speaking engagements.
Design research events, conferences, and research processes that foster trust-building and maximise diversity of voices, expertise and perspectives.
Build and maintain strong networks and partnerships with key individuals, businesses, institutions, experts and other diverse stakeholders, creating new coalitions and opportunities for collaboration.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to develop funding leads, prepare applications and secure core and research funding, while strengthening long-term relationships with donors, corporate supporters and other significant funding partners.
Deliver briefings to core supporters and key programme stakeholders, providing insights based on your expertise.
Collaborate across Chatham House to mainstream US and North America research into the Institute's work and actively contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.
Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience:
Research experience on the United States and/or Canada, including the enduring features of US policy across election cycles, as well as the United States and Canada’s differentiated approaches to China, economic and trade policy, alliances and partnerships, and technology diplomacy, and the future of transatlantic relations, among other themes.
Analytical, problem-solving, and fact-checking skills, with the ability to work accurately and effectively under pressure.
Exceptional writing skills, with experience of producing policy-relevant analysis.
Experience of delivering high-quality research outputs, applying a range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
Experience of communicating research findings through a variety of channels and formats, including developing creative and engaging approaches to dissemination.
Experience of supporting the design and delivery of research events, conferences, and policy discussions.
Experience of supporting fundraising activities, including drafting concept notes, contributing to funding proposals, and engaging with donors and partners.
Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with colleagues and external stakeholders.
Highly adaptable and open to engaging with new research and areas of work.