At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research programmes on Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific while inspiring your team.
- Company: Join Chatham House, a prestigious policy institute dedicated to improving global relations.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive environment that values diversity.
- Other info: This part-time role offers potential for full-time work and visa sponsorship for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international policy while collaborating with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and expertise in geopolitical analysis, especially regarding China.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 168000 £ per year.
Research Director – Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific. The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) seeks an established and inspiring leader to oversee three regional programmes: Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The role sits within the Executive Leadership Team and focuses on intellectual leadership, programme management, and strategic leadership across these regions.
Responsibilities- Offer intellectual leadership on research work and detailed commentary on reports, expert comments, and the convening of the three regional programmes; line manage the programme directors.
- Oversee programme budgets, support fundraising, and ensure credible funding plans to help the programmes breakeven or better.
- Act as a leader within Chatham House through ELT and the research directors’ meetings, guiding research priorities, approving proposals and publications, and representing the House in external fora.
- Lead the three regional teams, review proposals and reports, and inspire originality and high standards.
- Review budgets, support revenue generation, and control costs; participate in ELT and Council discussions on strategy and budgets; represent programme outputs and financial performance.
- Participate in annual pay and promotions decisions; act as an ambassador to elevate Chatham House and programme profiles via external engagements.
- Contribute to the advancement of the Institute’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy.
The role is envisioned as 2 days per week, with potential to extend to five days if combined with additional research work and fundraising priorities.
Person SpecificationExperience- Recognition for your work with a demonstrable body of research and impact.
- Experience in fundraising and securing research funding; ability to develop credible plans for funding.
- Experience in researching and writing policy analysis for diverse audiences; familiarity with China’s role and related geopolitical and geoeconomic considerations is advantageous.
- Experience communicating research to high-level policymakers and diverse audiences.
- Experience formulating successful research grant proposals and collaborating with donors.
- Track record in financial planning and management; experience leading a large team.
- Understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices.
- Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly both in speech and in writing.
- Gravitas to operate at international levels with a diverse stakeholder base.
- Organised research and data analysis skills; ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
- EDI commitment and implementation in research activities.
- Salary: £120,000 per year, FTE. Contract: Part-time, 2 days per week, permanent, with potential to extend to full-time with additional research and fundraising work.
- Location: Hybrid (office/home). Expectation of in-person attendance, travel within the UK and beyond, and attendance at events/out of hours.
- Benefits: approximately 37 days’ annual leave pro rata (including public holidays and closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working, and other lifestyle benefits.
- Visa sponsorship considered for the right candidate.
- Closing Date: Tuesday 30 September 2025 (Midnight, UK time).
Note: The Job Description may not be available after the closing date; please keep a copy for your records.
Additional- Seniority level: Director
- Employment type: Part-time
- Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Think Tanks
We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on protected characteristics. If you need any support to improve your application experience, please contact HR@Chathamhouse.org.
#J-18808-LjbffrResearch Director – Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific in London employer: Chatham House
The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment in London. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees benefit from generous annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative culture that values innovative research and impactful policy-making. The chance to lead significant regional programmes while engaging with global experts makes this role particularly rewarding for those passionate about international relations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Director – Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Director – Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Chatham House. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Chatham House. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chatham House
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Chatham House. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Chatham House to drive research projects forward.
