Overview

Research Director – Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Asia-Pacific. The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) seeks an established and inspiring leader to oversee three regional programmes: Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Asia-Pacific. The role sits within the Executive Leadership Team and focuses on intellectual leadership, programme management, and strategic leadership across these regions.

Responsibilities

• Offer intellectual leadership on research work and detailed commentary on reports, expert comments, and the convening of the three regional programmes; line manage the programme directors.
• Oversee programme budgets, support fundraising, and ensure credible funding plans to help the programmes breakeven or better.
• Act as a leader within Chatham House through ELT and the research directors’ meetings, guiding research priorities, approving proposals and publications, and representing the House in external fora.
• Lead the three regional teams, review proposals and reports, and inspire originality and high standards.
• Review budgets, support revenue generation, and control costs; participate in ELT and Council discussions on strategy and budgets; represent programme outputs and financial performance.
• Participate in annual pay and promotions decisions; act as an ambassador to elevate Chatham House and programme profiles via external engagements.
• Contribute to the advancement of the Institute’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy.

Work Arrangements

The role is envisioned as 2 days per week, with potential to extend to five days if combined with additional research work and fundraising priorities.

Person Specification

Experience

• Recognition for your work with a demonstrable body of research and impact.
• Experience in fundraising and securing research funding; ability to develop credible plans for funding.
• Experience in researching and writing policy analysis for diverse audiences; familiarity with China’s role and related geopolitical and geoeconomic considerations is advantageous.
• Experience communicating research to high-level policymakers and diverse audiences.
• Experience formulating successful research grant proposals and collaborating with donors.
• Track record in financial planning and management; experience leading a large team.
• Understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) practices.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills, able to convey complex ideas clearly both in speech and in writing.
• Gravitas to operate at international levels with a diverse stakeholder base.
• Organised research and data analysis skills; ability to prioritise and meet tight deadlines.
• EDI commitment and implementation in research activities.

Benefits and Details

• Salary: £120,000 per year, FTE. Contract: Part-time, 2 days per week, permanent, with potential to extend to full-time with additional research and fundraising work.
• Location: Hybrid (office/home). Expectation of in-person attendance, travel within the UK and beyond, and attendance at events/out of hours.
• Benefits: approximately 37 days’ annual leave pro rata (including public holidays and closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working, and other lifestyle benefits.
• Visa sponsorship considered for the right candidate.
• Closing Date: Tuesday 30 September 2025 (Midnight, UK time).

Note: The Job Description may not be available after the closing date; please keep a copy for your records.

Additional

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industries: Think Tanks

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on protected characteristics. If you need any support to improve your application experience, please contact HR@Chathamhouse.org.