Location: London, UK (Hybrid – with significant in-person and travel requirements)
Contract: Permanent, Part-time (2 days/week, extendable to full-time with research role)
Salary: £120,000 per year (FTE)
Deadline: 30 September 2025 (Midnight, UK time)
About the Role
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is seeking a Research Director to lead three flagship regional programmes: Africa, Middle East & North Africa (MENA), and Asia-Pacific. This leadership role is part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and central to advancing the institute’s mission of shaping global order, alliances, and policy solutions in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide intellectual leadership: guide research, policy analysis, and convening activities.
- Oversee and line-manage programme directors of the Africa, MENA, and Asia-Pacific teams.
- Ensure financial sustainability: support fundraising and budget management.
- Contribute to Chatham House’s China-related analysis and global geoeconomic debates.
- Represent programmes within the ELT, Council, and to external stakeholders, including policymakers, donors, and media.
- Promote collaboration across research centres and uphold Chatham House’s impartiality and quality standards.
- Drive a positive working culture and advance the institute’s Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) strategy.
Candidate Profile
- Recognised authority with a strong body of work and demonstrated policy impact.
- Deep expertise in international affairs; knowledge of China’s global role is a strong advantage.
- Proven experience in fundraising, financial planning, and grant proposal development.
- Strong record in publishing policy research, engaging with high-level policymakers, and media communication.
- Experienced team leader with commitment to EDI practices.
- Gravitas to operate at the highest international levels.
Benefits
- ~37 days annual leave (pro rata, inclusive of public holidays and closure days).
- Pension scheme, flexible working, parental leave, employee assistance programme.
- Visa sponsorship considered for the right candidate.
For further details and application, please see the organisation’s website.
