At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage in workshops and training to enhance leadership skills and global policy understanding.
- Company: Chatham House, a leading independent policy institute in London.
- Benefits: Gain full membership, access to events, and personal career coaching.
- Other info: Part-time programme with flexible scheduling and networking opportunities with global leaders.
- Why this job: Shape your future as a leader while tackling pressing international challenges.
- Qualifications: Must work for a UK charity with £5 million+ annual expenditure and demonstrate leadership potential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a world-leading, independent policy institute and a trusted forum for debate and dialogue. Based in London, our research and ideas have helped people to understand a rapidly changing world for more than 100 years. As a global think tank, our mission is to help governments and societies build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world. We pursue this mission through dialogue, analysis and delivering solutions-based ideas.
Now in our second century, Chatham House has an ambitious goal to prepare the next generation of thinkers to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Our Queen Elizabeth II Academy for Leadership and the Next Generation (QEII Academy), established in 2014, develops future policy makers and drives positive change in world affairs by equipping future leaders with the knowledge, skills and networks to make a lasting, positive impact on international affairs.
The Academy is now accepting applications for the Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme stream. The Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme application stream is open to applicants who are working for UK-registered charities with a minimum annual expenditure of £5 million over each of the past three years. This opportunity supports professionals working in the charity sector to undertake training that will enable them to develop as better and more effective leaders in their fields.
Established in 2017, the Leadership Masterclass Programme at the QEII Academy aims to build the capacity of early to mid-career professionals from a wide range of professional backgrounds including government, business, education and not-for-profit. Participants in the nine-month, part-time programme have the opportunity to engage and build their capacity for independent thinking on global policy issues and leadership by participating in a variety of regular sessions and activities, all held at Chatham House with world-class experts. They also have the opportunity to develop a network with other like-minded individuals, all with the support of a professional career coach.
Sessions will take place in-person at Chatham House on Thursdays from early October 2026 through the end of June 2027. Most weeks, the total time commitment will be 1.5-3 hours, although some weeks will have multiple and longer sessions, totalling no more than 6 hours. The programme will be released on a quarterly basis so that participants can plan their time.
Program Highlights
- Workshops and training to develop key skills
- Leadership briefings from a diverse range of global leaders
- Personal development and career coaching
- Media training
- Networking opportunities, including with Chatham House staff, the Academy’s faculty and alumni
- Full Chatham House membership and access to Chatham House events
Selection Criteria
- Meets the eligibility requirements (UK-registered charity with £5 million+ annual expenditure over the past three years)
- Based in London and able to attend in-person workshops in London on Thursdays for the duration of the programme
- Early- to mid-stage professional with strong potential to excel in their industry or field, with proven leadership experience or potential
- Works in or aspires to a position requiring a strong understanding of public policy and influencing policy internationally
- Shows commitment to the Chatham House mission, goals and values, and to identifying evidence-based solutions to the world’s most pressing international challenges
- Can articulate how the Leadership Programme will enable them to create positive impact, in line with the Chatham House mission
- Demonstrates proficiency in written and spoken English
Location London
Closing Date Friday 10 July 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates are advised to apply early. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.
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 Academy@chathamhouse.org. We screen candidates anonymously. We will not see your personal information before your application has been moved forward in the process. Please exclude any personal or identifiable information in your application answers, including your personal statement.
Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme in City of Westminster employer: Chatham House
Chatham House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for professionals in the charity sector to enhance their leadership skills through the Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme. Located in London, our work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing participants with access to world-class experts, networking opportunities, and personal development coaching, all aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders to make a meaningful impact on global policy issues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme in City of Westminster
✨Join the Movement!
Get involved in local nonprofit events and volunteer opportunities. It's a great way to meet people in the social impact space and shows your commitment to the cause. Who knows, you might even stumble upon your next opportunity while lending a hand!
✨Leverage Uni Connections
Tap into your university’s career services or alumni network focused on social impact. They often have exclusive access to internships and trainee programmes in nonprofits. Plus, getting a referral can make your application stand out!
✨Showcase Your Passion
Create a personal project or blog that highlights your commitment to social issues. This could be anything from a research paper to an awareness campaign. Sharing this on platforms like social media can really boost your visibility in this field.
✨Be Proactive with Applications
Don’t just wait for openings—reach out to organisations directly, like Chatham House. Express your interest in trainee roles; sometimes, they might have openings that aren’t formally advertised. And remember, we encourage applying through our website for any roles you're keen on!
We think you need these skills to ace Blue Whale Growth Fund Leadership Masterclass Programme in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Change:In your cover letter, we want to see your excitement for social impact! Discuss any projects, volunteer work, or personal experiences that have driven your commitment to making a difference. This is your time to shine and showcase why you're the perfect fit for the trainee role at Chatham House.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:When crafting your CV, focus on any transferable skills or experiences that relate to nonprofits and social impact. Whether it’s teamwork from group projects or compassion from volunteering, make sure these are front and centre. This will help us see how you’ll contribute to Chatham House’s mission.
Get Personal with Your Application:Don’t be shy! Use your application to share what motivates you to work in nonprofits. Whether it’s a specific cause or a personal story, let that passion shine through. This is your chance to make a memorable connection with us at Chatham House.
Structure Matters for Clarity:As you put together your CV and cover letter, keep things clear and structured. Nonprofits value communication, so make it easy for us to read your application. Use headings, bullet points, and keep paragraphs short to grab our attention right away.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chatham House
✨Show Your Heart for the Cause
In the nonprofit sector, passion matters! Speak genuinely about your motivations for wanting to work with Chatham House. Share any past experiences—whether volunteer work or projects—that show your commitment to social impact. This gives us a chance to see how your values align with ours.
✨Highlight Transferable Skills
As a trainee, you might not have a wealth of experience, but that's okay! Make sure to highlight transferable skills that are relevant to social impact projects, such as communication, teamwork, or project management. Examples from group projects, school activities, or even personal interests can really make a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might be asked scenario-based interview questions specific to non-profit work, like handling resource constraints or galvanising community support. Practising how you'd approach these situations will help demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability—both crucial in this field!
✨Know Your Impact Tools
Brush up on essential tools and methods used in nonprofits, like logic models or evaluation frameworks. Familiarising yourself with these concepts will not only impress the interviewers at Chatham House but also help you speak more confidently about contributing to their projects.
