Senior Research Fellow

Position 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.

Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine is on such a scale that it will have a seismic effect on Russia itself and all the other countries that once formed the Soviet Union. There has never been a more opportune time to join the Chatham House Russia and Eurasia Programme and be at the forefront of the international debate on the region.

We seek a Senior Research Fellow, particularly in the Russian military and/or security field, who will be integral to our hardworking team and lead on delivering projects across the programme, growing our funding base, and raising the programme's and the institute's profile. The successful candidate will be adept at working flexibly, independently and collaboratively.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead Russia analysis as part of a highly respected 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 get in touch at [email protected]

 

Main Responsibilities

Delivery

• Successfully plan and deliver complex projects, by defining objectives, timelines, goals, outputs, and target audience(s);
• Maintain an overview of project budgets (including research, events and publications); 
• Raise project, Russia and Eurasia programme and overall Chatham House profiles through the development of strong networks with policy-makers, law and policy experts and the media;
• Identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate and innovative communication and dissemination of project findings;
• Propose and develop events, and utilise your network to develop diverse speakers and attendance lists; 
• Chair and speak at events, as required;
• Support others in the team with fundraising, as required.

Strategy 

• Play a leading role in producing high quality research outputs on the war in Ukraine and Russian foreign and security policy for publication by the institute and beyond; maintaining and improving existing high standards, and a commitment to excellence;
• Develop, design and deliver research projects contributing to the programme and institute's strategic goals;
• Expand our engagement with diverse partners and subject matter experts, support the growth of our funding network, and help develop new projects;
• Craft creative partnerships;
• Deploy and shape innovative research methodologies towards ground-breaking research for policy and operational impact;
• Generate impact by providing support to and actively participating in the institute's convening functions including research events, conferences and roundtables; 
• Develop funding leads and partnerships, creating momentum around programme projects.

People 

• Lead in meeting project reporting requirements, building and maintaining relationships with project funders;
• Management of key people on research project, oversight of research, ensuring accurate project planning and arrangements are in place;
• Secure relevant research funding by working collaboratively with colleagues to evaluate funding needs, and opportunities;
• Build and foster productive and positive relationships across the institute to enable cross-team collaboration, and increase impact; 
• Maintain and develop effective networks and relationships with relevant external partners.

Qualifications

Experience

• Extensive experience working on issues connected to international security politics and the international relations of Russia, and most recently on the war, whether in an academic, business, operational or public policy context, but with a practical and policy solutions lens;
• Specialism preferably in Russian security and/or military policy, and related fields;
• Experience of working in multilateral fora; 
• Experience in delivering high quality research, knowledge and proficient use of research methodologies and activities;
• Proven expertise in writing high quality thought pieces and policy recommendations for diverse audiences and, ideally, external publications;
• Experience in effectively communicating research, including identifying creative solutions to present research in innovative ways;
• A track record of successfully fundraising for research/projects and engaging with potential donors.

Skills 

You have/are:

• Extensive research skills and knowledge with policy applicability; 
• The ability to write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences;
• An outstanding, authoritative communicator, able to present information and arguments persuasively;
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build relationships both internally and externally;
• A strategic problem solver, you understand how your research agenda fits within broader organisational strategy and societal frameworks;
• Organised, handling a wide range of tasks to deliver to tight deadlines, and demonstrate excellent decision making and judgement in relation to project delivery;
• A team ethos, collaborative and interested in developing colleagues’ skills and actively driving innovation;
• Proficiency in Russian.

Benefits

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

Please note that we are able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Salary: £70,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, 1 year fixed-term contract (potential to extend subject to funding).

Location:  Hybrid (Office/Home).

Application process: Please submit your:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• In the cover letter section, please explain why you are interested in the role, detailing how you meet the requirements and evidencing relevant experience. 
• Answers to the application questions.

Closing Date: Tuesday 6 June at 10.00am BST. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the closing date may be brought forward if needed. We encourage early application. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.

Selection Process: Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a written test during the week commencing 19 June 2023 and will be invited to attend an interview in person or online during the week commencing 25 June 2023.

Application instructions

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