Programmes and Research Officer (Buckingham)

Programmes and Research Officer (Buckingham)

The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), the UK’s original free market think tank, is partnering with the Vinson Centre at the University of Buckingham to offer a range of exciting educational programmes. We are seeking a highly motivated and organised individual to manage and deliver these programmes on a fixed‑term basis.

Contract Details: This is a full‑time, fixed‑term contract of employment for two years from the agreed commencement date, unless extended by mutual agreement. The post is based at the Vinson Centre at the University of Buckingham, with travel to the IEA’s headquarters in Westminster and to education events around the UK or abroad as required.

The postholder will work closely with the Director of the Vinson Centre and the Head of Education at the IEA, with the Head of Education acting as their line manager.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop the IEA’s Vinson internship programme at the University of Buckingham.
• Act as the main liaison between the IEA and the Vinson Centre; plan and deliver a selection of IEA and Vinson Centre programmes, competitions and internships:
  • Camp Vinson – aimed at undergraduate students.
  • Public Policy Bootcamp – targeted at young professionals.
  • Beloff Conference – a graduate student conference focused on a specific theme.
  • Vinson Internship – 3‑month research‑focused internship.
  • Monetary Policy Essay Competition – essay competition on monetary policy.
  • Budget Challenge – sixth‑form competition writing their own government budget.
  • The Hayek Essay Competition – aimed at students at the University of Buckingham.
  • The Vinson Centre Seminar Series – open to the public.
  • The Vinson Centre Annual Conference – open to the public.
  • Annual Policy Conference (Buckingham) – targeted at students, academics and industry professionals.
  • Entrepreneurial Minds Seminar Series (Buckingham) – open to the public.
• Organise and deliver the IEA’s sixth‑form conferences.
• Support the broader educational mission of the IEA and University of Buckingham, as reasonably required.

Duties

• Strong commitment to the principles of classical liberalism and free‑market economics.
• Passion and aptitude for communicating these ideas effectively to the next generation.
• Exceptional organisational skills and ability to execute major events and conferences.
• Proven experience in managing budgets and tracking expenditure.
• Excellent ability to build and maintain relationships with potential speakers and programme participants.
• Deal effectively and responsibly with young participants, creating a positive and engaging learning environment.

Reporting line: Head of Education, Samuel Cruickshank

Closing Date: 18th July 2026

Interview / Start Dates and Contract Duration

Week starting 20th July 2026 – 1st round interviews
Week starting 27th July 2026 – 2nd round interviews
Position aimed to start as soon as possible.

Application Details

Please apply through this form. If you have any further questions or issues, please contact careers@iea.org.uk.