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.

The Senior Research Fellow will work closely with the Director of the UK in the World Programme, our network of Associate Fellows and the wider team to deliver a research agenda bridging the two programmes and speaking to this geopolitical moment. This role will also play a key role is shaping the future direction of our work on Europe.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Research Director and UK in the World Director by shaping and delivering our research agenda on Europe and Europe’s ties with the UK, with a particular focus on leading in one or some of the following areas: European security; the impact of domestic political turbulence on the cohesiveness of the EU; strategic competitiveness; EU-UK relations, and Europe’s place in the world;

• Design and deliver research projects that are high-quality, analytical, and contribute to public and policy debate, have significant potential for impact, and support programme and institute strategic goals;

• Make consistent efforts to identify, pursue, and secure new funding, build networks with foundations, government departments, businesses, NGOs, and other potential funders, and formulate and write research grant proposals; help develop fundraising strategy for the UK and Europe programmes, and take opportunities to collaborate across Chatham House on fundraising;

• Establish a network of contacts with relevant decision-makers and organisations; act as an ambassador and elevate Chatham House’s and the programme’s profile through the development of strong international networks, and participation in relevant high-profile events;

• Gain appropriate publicity and visibility for activities and research through the website and in the media, in the UK and internationally; use social media to this end wherever relevant; identify and pursue opportunities for communication and dissemination of project findings, through seminars, workshops, publications and online resources;

• Help develop relevant tools and methodologies to raise the profile of UK in the World and Europe Programmes as the go-to think-tank programmes on these areas in the world (actionable policy briefs, simulations, innovative data collection and analysis, public-private roundtables, expert retreats…);

• Support the institute’s convening, by chairing and curating high-level private and public events on relevant issues;

• Work closely with Chatham House’s other programmes and centres to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, maximise impact, and improve efficiency and knowledge-sharing;

• Support the Programme Director to build and maintain the programme’s external support network of Associate Fellows, Visiting Fellows, and Consulting Fellows;

• Provide line management and/or mentorship for junior researchers in the team as required, supporting them to develop their relationships and skills in research and fundraising, and deliver high-quality, timely work.

Person Specification

• Highly experienced researcher in the field of UK and/or European economic and foreign policy, with a consistent record of successfully leading and delivering substantial, high-quality research outputs;

• Demonstrable experience managing research projects with tight budgets and timeframes;

• A significant track record of engaging with and influencing policymakers and decision-makers in relevant organisations;

• A strong existing network of relevant policy, expert/academic, and funding contacts;

• A consistent track record of successfully fundraising from philanthropic foundations, government departments, international organisations, businesses and/or NGOs; a willingness to be entrepreneurial and develop skills in this area;

• Excellent communication skills and the proven ability to adapt to different audiences;

• Demonstrable experience of leadership, team building, creative problem-solving, and working effectively and constructively with others;

Also desirable:

• Fluency in regional languages (e.g. French, German);

• Line management experience, with the ability to successfully develop, lead and motivate teams and individuals towards wider goals;

• Experience of managing multi-year budgets;

• A creative approach to research and events design.

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.