Chatham House Research Fellow Programme 2024

DESCRIPTION

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.

Digital technology is rapidly reshaping modern life, and the pace of this change is accelerating. With insufficient dialogue, multilateral partnership, vocabulary, and institutional agility, there are clear gaps in addressing the challenges and opportunities of emerging technologies. The Digital Society Initiative (DSI) explores these gaps by researching and developing the provision and governance of digital technology.

We seek a Research Fellow who will be integral to our small but driven, creative, and hardworking team and will play a key role in delivering projects, growing our funding base, and engaging our networks.

This is an exciting opportunity to explore new ideas, at the nexus of technological governance and international affairs, as part of a nimble team at a world-leading think-tank.

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 do not hesitate to get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy

• Assist in the design and delivery of research projects that contribute to programme and institute strategic goals, with a clear view of the target audience(s) and potential for impact.
• Improve programme and institute networks for research and influence through establishing and maintaining links with key policymakers, influencers, experts, journalists, businesses, and institutions around the world and help to build new coalitions and partnerships.
• Deliver ongoing research by producing high-quality policy-relevant research outputs for publication.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate communication and dissemination of project findings, through seminars, workshops, publications, and the full range of online resources.
• Develop funding leads, prepare applications, and secure project funding; strengthen relationships with existing donors.

People 

• Form relationships, and work collectively with the DSI and colleagues across the institute and externally for the development and execution of projects.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to evaluate funding needs, find opportunities, and establish relationships; draft research concept notes and grant proposals.
• Work with colleagues and external partners to develop innovative research methods, capture alignments across the institute, and maximize impact.
• Coordinate work of the project team, and any partners (internal and external).
• Share learning and insights across the program as opportunities arise.

Delivery 

• Successfully deliver projects by defining objectives and outputs, setting and meeting timelines, and coordinating budget management.
• Communicate analysis, insights, and policy recommendations based on research to target audiences, including policymakers, media, and opinion formers.
• Advance the design and delivery of programme events, conferences, and roundtables, using economic expertise, networks, and subject knowledge.
• Develop high-quality meeting agendas and well-focussed speaker and attendee lists.
• Support centre and program leadership/management in risk assessments for field research.
• Monitor and evaluate project impact and ensure that target audiences are fully engaged.
• Promote research through presentations and engagement at conferences/roundtables/other events, through publications, and via the media.
• Generate impact through relevant publicity and visibility for activities and research through the website and other media channels.
• Formulate and draft research grant proposals.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential experience

• Experience working on issues connected to technological governance, including but not limited to digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, international digital cooperation, and big tech platforms.
• Experience in delivering research, knowledge of and proficient use of research methodologies and activities.
• Proven expertise in writing high-quality thought pieces and solution-based policy recommendations for diverse audiences and, ideally, external publications.
• Experience in coordinating the delivery of research communication activities, including identifying creative solutions to present research in innovative ways.
• A track record of successfully fundraising for research/projects and engaging with potential donors.

Essential skills

• Ability to write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• An outstanding, authoritative communicator, able to present information and arguments persuasively.
• Strong social skills, able to establish relationships both internally and externally.
• A team ethos and curiosity in actively developing colleagues’ skills and driving innovation.
• A strategic problem solver, you understand how your research agenda fits within broader organizational strategy and societal frameworks.

BENEFITS

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working, and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment.

Salary: £45,000 per annum.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum 2 days in the office per week.

Closing Date: Sunday 8 October 2023. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing. 

Please note: The Job Description as outlined above will not be available once the closing date has passed. Please ensure you keep a copy for your own records.