At a Glance
- Tasks: Support senior staff in building networks and delivering impactful events.
- Company: Ditchley Foundation is a non-profit focused on renewing democratic societies and addressing global challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, gain exposure to influential leaders, and develop your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Other info: Flexible roles across various themes, with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a unique opportunity to engage with global thinkers and make a real impact on pressing issues.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills, research abilities, and a degree or relevant experience in politics or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 € per year.
Full Time: 5 days per week, 40 hours per week including lunch break. Hybrid, but to include a minimum of 3 days per week at Ditchley Park, north of Oxford.
Salary: £30,160 pa
Reporting to: Head, Ditchley Deutschland / Senior Geopolitics, Energy and Climate Lead
About The Ditchley Foundation
Ditchley is an independent and politically neutral non-profit organisation, which works towards the renewal of democratic societies, states and alliances to help sustain peace, freedom and the rule of law. It does this by bringing together people across divides of expertise, generation, geography and political opinion to work on complex global challenges.
The role
The Programme Associate roles will support senior staff in building Ditchley’s network of thinkers, connectors and decision-makers, and designing and delivering Ditchley’s programme of events. To do this, they will:
- Research potential participants in our convenings, maintain databases, develop approach strategies, arrange and participate in meetings up to a very senior level, and schedule and conduct calls
- Capture new ideas and continually refresh Ditchley’s understanding of the fields we’re working on, helping the senior team shape the key questions our convenings look to address through desk work, conversations within our network and around our events, and attendance at external events where relevant
- Produce draft background papers and take notes for Ditchley events, brief senior staff, and carry out other administrative and support tasks as necessary
- Work with the Programme Support team to deliver administrative and logistical aspects of Ditchley events
- Conduct pre-event and post-event calls with selected participants in our convenings
- Facilitate and lead small-group discussions to encourage strategic thinking and networking among community members
- Manage intern tasks with the support of senior staff, and support our intern alumni programme and wider youth engagement
- Attend the Ditchley Foundation Annual Lecture and assist with any aspects of event organisation and delivery that may be required
Although each Programme Associate will have an area on which most of their time is spent, based on their background and expertise, and will have one line manager who will be responsible for helping them balance and manage workload, they will be expected to work flexibly across multiple different lines of activity for different senior team members. We expect these roles to mainly support work across geopolitics (particularly European politics and transatlantic relations) and climate and energy security, but they can additionally expect to work on issues around media freedom, defence, and trade and economics, amongst others.
These roles will be strongly developmental for the right candidates. Ditchley will offer you a unique experience where you can expect to have contact with very senior and influential people with a regularity that greatly exceeds that in any other early-career role. The breadth and depth of our programming, allied to the small size of our organisation, means that you will have the opportunity to build an understanding of the fields we work in and the linkages between them. After two years in the role you can expect to have significantly improved your strategic thought, your geopolitical and geoeconomic awareness, your interpersonal and communication skills, and your drafting, and to have built up an international network of contacts across the fields that you have been working on. You will have seen real impact in action, and understand how change is achieved on the complex issues that matter to our world.
Essential criteria:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to capture and communicate complex issues and questions concisely
- Ability to quickly grasp new concepts and respond flexibly to changes in programming
- A high degree of social and emotional intelligence, and a willingness to work co-operatively across multiple programme areas: Ditchley is a small organisation, and we expect our staff to integrate and co-operate effectively across the team
- Ability to empathise with different viewpoints and perspectives, and to foster collaborations and partnerships among stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, nurturing a cooperative and inclusive environment
- Good research skills, and forward-thinking mindset to anticipate future trends and emerging issues in Ditchley’s thematic areas
- Able to work in person at Ditchley three days a week (shared on-site accommodation can be provided for overnight stays where necessary to support events) and to potentially travel domestically and internationally
- Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
You must additionally have at least one of the following:
- Understanding of European and US politics, including domestic issues
- Understanding of the politics and economics of climate action
- Understanding of energy security and related technological and geopolitical issues
Desirable experience and qualities would include:
- Specific knowledge about one or more European countries
- Languages other than English
- Experience and interest in using database and AI tools
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key themes Ditchley focuses on, such as geopolitics, energy security, and climate action. This will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the fields of geopolitics and climate action. Attend relevant events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends, which can be beneficial when discussing your understanding of these areas.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your research skills by staying updated on recent developments in European and US politics, as well as climate issues. Being able to discuss recent news or studies will highlight your proactive approach and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss how you can foster collaborations among diverse stakeholders. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked with different groups, as this aligns with Ditchley's mission of building inclusive networks.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Programme Associate role. Focus on your communication skills, research abilities, and any experience in geopolitics or climate action.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Ditchley's mission and how your background fits the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple tasks.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, emphasise your excellent oral and written communication skills, social intelligence, and research capabilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully navigated complex issues or worked with diverse stakeholders.
Showcase Your Understanding:Demonstrate your understanding of European and US politics, climate action, and energy security in your application. This could be through mentioning relevant coursework, projects, or personal interests that relate to these themes.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ditchley Foundation
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly research Ditchley Foundation. Understand their mission, values, and recent events or initiatives. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Programme Associate, excellent communication is key. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex ideas in the past. Consider using examples from your academic or professional experiences that highlight your ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires a high degree of flexibility across multiple programme areas. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully adapted to changing circumstances or taken on diverse tasks in previous roles. This will show that you're prepared for the dynamic nature of the position.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful inquiries about Ditchley's future projects, team dynamics, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your engagement and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your career goals.
