At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and deliver impactful research projects on West Africa's politics, economy, and security.
- Company: Join Chatham House, a leading centre for independent policy research with global influence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 37 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in policy research that influences decision-makers worldwide.
- Qualifications: Proven track record in policy research, exceptional analytical skills, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Join the Chatham House Africa Programme and contribute to a world leading centre for independent policy research with a global reputation for influential and reliable analysis. The Africa Programme conducts policy research focusing on issues affecting individual states of Africa, and their regional and international relations. You will contribute to impactful research, stakeholder engagement and innovative projects that influence decision-makers around the world.
What you will do:
- Designing and delivering research projects that advance the strategic goals of the Africa Programme and Chatham House.
- Producing high-quality, policy-relevant research on West Africa, across politics governance, economy and trade, and security.
- Designing and supporting the delivery of research events and conferences that maximise diversity of voices, expertise and perspectives.
What you will bring:
- Significant track record of policy research on West Africa, including experience in developing successful research proposals.
- Exceptional analytical, writing and communication skills with a strong background in policy relevant publications with demonstrable impact.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and delivering high-quality work to deadlines.
Benefits:
- Approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days).
- Pension salary exchange.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Parental leave.
- Flexible working.
- Other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle.
All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment. Salary: £45,000 per year. Contract: Full-time, Permanent. Location: St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 2 days per week, with flexibility around event requirements needed. Please note that remote working is not available for this role.
Application closing Date: Tuesday 29 September 2026, 23:59 BST. 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 HR@Chathamhouse.org.
Research Fellow (West Africa) - Africa Programme employer: Chatham House
Chatham House is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets impact. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have access to unique opportunities for professional development and collaboration across diverse teams, all while contributing to meaningful research that shapes policy in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. Our inclusive culture fosters creativity and engagement, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow (West Africa) - Africa Programme
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Chatham House, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Chatham House. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow (West Africa) - Africa Programme
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.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
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.
