At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage projects and budgets while supporting a dynamic team in nuclear policy research.
- Company: Join RUSI, the UK's leading independent think tank for defence and security.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, generous pension contributions, and access to exclusive events.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and promotes equality.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global security issues and work with top experts in the field.
- Qualifications: Experience in project administration and budget management, plus strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 38500 - 43000 € per year.
Department: Proliferation and Nuclear Policy
Salary range: £38,500 to £43,000 depending on experience
Location: London Office
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research‑led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.
About the team
The Proliferation and Nuclear Policy (PNP) team conducts research and convenes dialogue on a range of nuclear, chemical and biological weapon matters. The team has five main programmes of work:
- Understanding deterrence and risk in the new nuclear age
- Analysing efforts to curtail the spread of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery
- Strategic and security aspects of civil nuclear power
- Understanding chemical and biological weapon threats
- Building nuclear policy networks and encouraging learning
The team’s recent work has covered UK nuclear weapons programmes and policy, Iranian nuclear futures, North Korean WMD capabilities, Russian nuclear doctrine, nuclear safety and security during armed conflict, issues related to the resilience of civil nuclear supply chains, as well as a range of other subjects related to nuclear deterrence, arms control and proliferation. The team has a wider interest in other WMD issues – including chemical and biological weapons – and matters pertaining to developments in delivery systems and missile defence.
For the past twelve years, the PNP team have been the UK lead for the high‑level France‑UK‑US Trilateral Nuclear Dialogues. We are also one of the leads for the UK Nuclear Deterrence Network, in collaboration with King’s College London and the University of Leicester. Finally, we run the UK Project on Nuclear Issues, our flagship effort to develop emerging nuclear scholars and professionals, to connect them to one another and to more established voices in the field, and to provide them with a platform for their analysis.
The team’s expertise and advice are widely sought by governments, Parliament, civil society organisations and industry. Across all its programmes and lines of work, the team writes public and private analysis papers, briefs policymakers and parliamentarians, brings people together in high‑level discussions and next‑generation networks, and contributes to public debate.
Our community of partners and our audiences include officials, experts, military personnel, industry, scientists and engineers, and many of our events are also open to the public. We cooperate closely with other RUSI teams, including Military Sciences, International Security and the Centre for Finance and Security (CFS).
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy research group. The post holder will make a substantial contribution to the day‑to‑day running of the PNP team and will have the opportunity to support work across all PNP projects.
Key tasks
Reporting to the Director of PNP, and in collaboration with research staff, the Programme Manager will work closely with the RUSI finance, bids and contracts, events, and communications teams, as well as other programme managers and project officers across the Institute. The post holder will help ensure that PNP’s outputs meet the team’s strategic goals, financial records are accurate, projects run effectively and efficiently, that deadlines are met, and documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Project management: produce and maintain project documentation and comprehensive and accurate records such as timesheets and invoices; monitor and support risk, quality, and communication management approaches; harmonise multiple projects and optimise project management processes.
Budget management: working with RUSI finance department, maintain accurate records of the financial performance of projects, and of the PNP team overall, and update yearly forecasts; lead on programme‑level financial reporting to funders.
Team coordination: working with Director, maintain overview of team schedules for output deadlines and reporting.
Stakeholder management: working with the Director, administer periodic grant reports; participate in meetings and calls with funders and other stakeholders.
Events management: working with RUSI’s events team, organise events by communicating with speakers and participants, ensuring that all practicalities are arranged, producing and disseminating documentation and web copy.
The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role.
Person Specification
Essential skills and experience:
- Experience of project administration;
- Experience of budget management;
- Excellent administrative and organisational skills, including the ability to operate against challenging deadlines and to prioritise workloads;
- Experience of organising and supporting events;
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
- Teamworking skills, with a positive attitude towards supporting colleagues and working flexibly;
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.
Desirable skills and experience:
- Advanced MS Office skills;
- An interest in politics and global affairs;
- Experience working on project and grant management in an academic or think tank context;
- Experience of working in the not‑for‑profit sector organisation.
25 days annual leave (rising with service)
Additional days off during Christmas – RUSI Christmas closure days
Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution
Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Season ticket loan
Free access to RUSI’s world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
Trained Mental Health First Aiders
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave*Depending on length of service
Equal Opportunity and Values
We expect all staff to abide by and promote our RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement. At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other. We are committed in promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and make it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.
We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.
Programme Manager - Proliferation and Nuclear Policy in London employer: Royal United Services Institute
At RUSI, we pride ourselves on being a leading independent think tank that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment in the heart of London. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training opportunities, generous benefits including enhanced leave and pension contributions, and access to a wealth of resources and events that enrich professional development. Join us to contribute to meaningful research in defence and security while being part of a diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact on global issues.
Contact Detail:
Royal United Services Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - Proliferation and Nuclear Policy in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the industry, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching RUSI and the Proliferation and Nuclear Policy team. Understand their recent projects and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their mission. Show them you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience and how it aligns with the role of Programme Manager. A confident and concise introduction can make a great first impression during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the RUSI team and contributing to important discussions on nuclear policy.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - Proliferation and Nuclear Policy in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management experience and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how you can contribute to our Proliferation and Nuclear Policy team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your organisational, budget management, and communication skills. This will help us understand how you can handle the challenges of the role.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like nuclear policy.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal United Services Institute
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and issues in proliferation and nuclear policy. Familiarise yourself with RUSI's recent publications and projects, especially those related to UK nuclear weapons programmes and international dialogues. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your project administration and budget management skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed multiple projects, met deadlines, and maintained accurate records. This is crucial for the Programme Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach stakeholder management in this role. Prepare to discuss your experience in communicating with diverse groups, including funders and team members. Highlight any successful collaborations or events you've organised, as this will demonstrate your ability to coordinate effectively.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations related to project management or team coordination. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies. This will help you convey your problem-solving skills and adaptability during the interview.
