Researcher and Junior Project Manager - Defence and Foreign Policy in Warrington

The Gulf Defence Industry Initiative (GDII) is a consultancy focused on the defence sectors in the MENA region. GDII connects leading defence stakeholders with current and former members of national defence, as well as defence-focused executives and academics.

We are looking for an intellectually curious, diligent and confident Junior Project Manager to join our small, ambitious and dynamic team working across defence, foreign policy and strategic communications. This role would particularly suit an Arabic language graduate or someone with relevant experience in the Middle East who is keen to use and develop their language skills in a professional setting. We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in government, journalism, NGOs, international affairs or related fields. Recent graduates with the right aptitude, judgement and enthusiasm are strongly encouraged to apply. The position is based remotely in London and may involve frequent travel to the Middle East for the right candidate.

You will support and, as your experience develops, take ownership of a varied portfolio of projects. Our current work includes several strategic communications initiatives, commercial intelligence projects and will include the launch of a new Arabic-language defence journal. Initially, a significant part of the role will involve project administration and coordination. You will be expected to approach this work with care and precision, while quickly developing the knowledge and confidence needed to manage projects independently. Responsibilities will include:

• Coordinating project plans, schedules, meetings and deadlines
• Maintaining accurate project documentation, records and action lists
• Conducting research on defence, foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairs
• Supporting the development of Arabic- and English-language communications
• Liaising professionally with clients
• Preparing briefing materials, reports and presentations
• Monitoring progress, identifying risks and helping resolve problems
• Taking ownership of specific projects and workstreams
• Supporting projects and colleagues during busy or time-sensitive periods
• Travelling to the Middle East when required

The most important qualities for this role are curiosity, diligence, confidence and sound judgement. You will be eager to learn, comfortable taking responsibility and able to build rapport with people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. You will be a genuine news enthusiast who lives and breathes current affairs. You will read widely across newspapers, journals and other credible sources, follow global developments closely and be able to form thoughtful, well-informed views. At interview, you should be prepared to discuss current geopolitical events and explain the relationships between key countries, regions and international actors.

You should be:

• Highly organised, reliable and attentive to detail
• Able to work calmly and effectively under pressure
• Willing to take ownership of projects and follow tasks through to completion
• An excellent professional communicator, both in writing and in person
• Deeply curious about international affairs, defence and the Middle East
• An avid and discerning consumer of international news and analysis
• Able to discuss current geopolitical developments clearly and confidently
• Comfortable working independently as part of a close-knit remote team
• Proactive, adaptable and willing to help wherever needed
• Sensitive to different cultural and political contexts

Some knowledge of Arabic would be highly advantageous. The position may be especially well suited to an Arabic language graduate with a genuine interest in applying their language skills to practical work in international affairs and strategic communications. Candidates who do not have this existing skill should be able to show their desire to learn them outside of their working day, with support from the company. Knowledge of other languages would also be particularly advantageous, including Farsi, Russian, French, Spanish or Chinese. Experience in government, journalism, an NGO, public policy, research, communications or project delivery would be welcomed. However, extensive professional experience is not essential: recent graduates who demonstrate strong aptitude, maturity and motivation will be considered. Knowledge of the Middle East, whether gained through work, study, travel or language learning, would be an advantage.

You will join a small team with an excellent working atmosphere and high morale. The role offers substantial opportunities to learn on the job, take on responsibility and develop experience across project management, strategic communications and international affairs. Our benefits package includes:

• Generous Pension Contributions
• Health insurance
• Continued Language Training Opportunities
• Clear Professional training and development
• Opportunities for travel to the Middle East
• Exposure to varied and engaging international projects
• Remote working
• Competitive paid annual leave

This is a full-time, remote position for a candidate based in the United Kingdom. Some in-person meetings in London and frequent international travel may be required, depending on the needs of individual projects and on project requirements.

Please submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining:

• Why you are interested in the role
• Your interest in defence, foreign policy and the Middle East
• The capital city of Saudi Arabia
• Your ability in Arabic or any other relevant languages, particularly Farsi, Russian, French, Spanish or Chinese
• How you keep abreast of international news and geopolitical developments
• An example of a project, assignment or responsibility you have taken ownership of