Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has triggered a structural transformation of Central Asia. Moscow is accelerating its shift towards a militarised, sanctions-resilient economic model. Ukraine is entering a long and complex phase of reconstruction and institutional reform, with aspirations of Euro-Atlantic integration. And states across Central Asia and the South Caucasus are diversifying their strategic partnerships as China, the European Union, and Gulf powers increase their engagement. These shifts are drawing the political, economic, and security map of the region, creating both acute risks and new opportunities for European policy and engagement, as Europe is looking to reinforce its collective security and diversify its international partnerships, looking further east.

In this environment, there is a growing demand for rigorous foresight, granular economic analysis, and politically attuned regional expertise.

The Senior Research Fellow will work with the Director of the Europe and Russia & Eurasia programmes to deliver the research agenda for the Russia and Central Asia portfolio in our Russia & Eurasia Programme.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Director  by shaping and delivering the research agenda of the programme, with a particular focus on some of the following areas: Russia’s political economy and foreign policy, political transformations in the South Caucasus, and the political economy of Central Asia;

• Design and delivery of research projects that contribute to programme and institute strategic goals with a clear view of target audience(s) and potential for impact;

• Formulate and write research grant proposals, develop funding leads and relationships, and create momentum around programme projects to support this research agenda, in collaboration with other programmes;

• Act as an ambassador and elevate Chatham House’s and the programme’s profile through the development of strong networks in key cities around the world where Russia and Central Asia are important subject studies  and participation in relevant high-profile events;

• Help develop relevant tools and methodologies to raise the profile of the Russia & Eurasia programme as the go-to think-tank programme on Russia & Central Asia  in the world (actionable policy briefs, simulations, online innovative databases, public-private roundtables, expert retreats…);

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

• Build and maintain strong relationships with philanthropic foundations, government departments, corporate sponsors and other significant funding sources;

• Establish a network of contacts with relevant individuals and organisations;

• Identify and pursue opportunities for communication and dissemination of project findings, through seminars, workshops, publications and online resources;

• Gain appropriate publicity and visibility for activities and research through the website and on the media, UK and internationally; using social media to this end wherever relevant;

• Work closely with Chatham House’s other programmes and centres to collaborate on cross-cutting areas of interest whenever the opportunity to maximise the impact of our work arises - especially the Ukraine Forum within the Russia & Eurasia programme and the Europe programme;

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

• Collaborate across teams, working with partners across the institute within research and operations, driving efficiencies and knowledge sharing;

• Provide line management and 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 Russian economic and foreign policy, with a consistent record of successfully leading the delivery of substantial research outputs;

• A strong track record on engaging with and influencing policymakers and decision makers in organisations of influence;

• A proficient author with a consistent record of successfully leading the delivery of substantial research outputs;

• Fluency in Russian required - and in other regional languages (Georgian, Turkish) welcome;

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

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

• Substantial track record of successfully fundraising and securing financial support from philanthropic foundations, government departments, international organisations, businesses and NGOs;

• A creative problem solver, with the skills to explore new ways of thinking;

• Demonstrable experience of leadership and team building;

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

Someone who also has:

• A strong network of relevant policy and funding contacts;

• Experience of managing multi-year budgets;

• A creative approach to research and events design.

Application link:https://careers.chathamhouse.org/jobs/7660483-senior-research-fellow-russia-eurasia

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 with HR@Chathamhouse.org.