2023 Chatham House Research Assistant – Africa Programme
Deadline: October 10, 2023.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a world-renowned independent policy institute, based in London. Their mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous and just world. The Africa Programme at Chatham House is a world-leading centre for independent policy research on issues affecting individual states of Africa, their international relations, and the continent as a whole. By working with the best international researchers on African politics, the Programme offers reliable and independent research that improves the quality of information disseminated globally.
The Africa Programme supports improved understanding of changing international relations and influence in sub-Saharan Africa. They don’t shy away from tackling the difficult and often complex issues facing the continent, and in doing so, they support improved understanding and effective international engagements that can lead to positive outcomes for citizens. The work they do is complex and sensitive.
Reporting to a Senior Research Fellow and working closely with the Projects Manager and the Deputy Director of the Africa Programme, the successful candidate will be providing research and administrative support for a number of Africa Programme projects; work closely with Africa Programme’s research teams to coordinate different activities; oversee the organization of events, publications and dissemination of research findings and outputs; and provide editorial support as required. Some travel will be required, including on some weekends.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Delivery
- Provide research assistance, including conducting background research and fact checking of research outputs and publications.
- Contribute towards the production of literature reviews, datasets, charts and graphics.
- Provide editorial and referencing support for publications.
- Participate in field research as projects allow.
- Support the publication process for research outputs.
- Follow Chatham House’s and funders’ requirements in regard to administrative and reporting tasks.
People
- Provide logistical support, including for international travel as required.
- Provide on-the-day support during events to the team and external participants.
- Act as rapporteur for meetings and events and draft meeting summaries.
Strategy
- Contribute to the design of research projects.
- Support with content design, agenda development and organisation of events, roundtables, panel discussions and conferences.
- Ensure compliance with finance processes, including through maintenance of accounting records and monitoring budget income and expenditure for selected projects.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
You will take initiative, be a problem solver, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
You will have:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Proven interest in African affairs.
- Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
- Experience in supporting event organization, including internationally.
- Outstanding attention to detail and ability to work under tight timeframes whilst balancing various tasks.
- Ability to take ownership and balance multiple tasks, prioritise accordingly, and work calmly under pressure.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills and capacity to communicate effectively with a wide range of people at all levels.
- Capacity to navigate and interact with diverse groups and across different cultures.
- An awareness and experience of less developed contexts e.g. through travel and/or work experience etc.
- Experience of working in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation, or academic institution (desirable).
You will be:
- Solutions-orientated and able to respond to constantly evolving situations.
- A problem-solver with the ability to show initiative.
- A team player with energy, passion and a desire to learn.
- Proficiency in French, Portuguese or Arabic (desirable).
BENEFITS
Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and Chatham House closure days), enhanced pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance, and other benefits designed to suit your personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging, and intellectually stimulating environment.
Salary: £28,000 per year.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum 2 days in the office per week.
APPLICATION
Please note: The Job Description as outlined above will not be available once the closing date has passed. Please ensure you keep a copy for your own records.
Apply through the OFFICIAL LINK