Senior Research Fellow – Cyber

Position description

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world’s leading independent policy institutes with a reputation for tackling the hardest problems of international relations that stretches back more than a century. Based in London with a global outreach, we aim to help build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world. We pursue our mission through convening meetings and speakers, private dialogue, world leading analysis and solutions-based ideas, and look to help the next generation as well in building a better world.

The International Security Programme provides innovative, policy-relevant research in international security and defence issues. Seated within ISP, the Cyber Policy Portfolio (CPP) is a small team dedicated to providing analysis on cyber policy issues; working at the intersection of security and technology, we strive to provide in-depth understanding of the risks, opportunities and potential ways forward associated with the security of digital technology. Our current work focuses on the geopolitics of cyberspace, international cyber capacity building, gender transformative approaches in cyber policy and emerging cyber threats frontiers. The CPP’s activities include publishing in-depth policy research, conducting cyber simulation exercises and trainings, and convening high-level meetings, including Track 1.5 and 2 with key partners.

Working with the CPP and under the supervision of ISP’s Deputy Director, the ideal candidate will have an outstanding research portfolio on cyber policy and help grow our research. The Senior Research Fellow (SRF) will undertake complex research projects, develop innovative and creative research methodologies, publish research papers and other content, help produce the Journal of Cyber Policy, conduct fundraising activities, manage relationships with partners and funders, and collaborate with a dynamic team of researchers. The SRF will also be involved in other projects as required, including collaborating with other research programmes within Chatham House.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics. We encourage applications from all backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to improve your experience or support you, please get in touch at [email protected].

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategy

• Develop, design and deliver research projects across a broad spectrum of relevant issues, contributing to the programme’s and institute’s strategy;
• Elevate the project, program, and Chatham House’s profile by cultivating robust networks with policy-makers, policy experts, and the media, while concurrently broadening engagement with diverse partners and experts to support the expansion of our funding network.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate and innovative communication and dissemination of project findings, through seminars, workshops, publications and the full range of online resources.
• Gain appropriate publicity and visibility for activities and research through the Institute’s media channels;
• Develop funding leads and partnerships, and create momentum around programme projects;
• Generate impact by supporting Chatham House’s convening functions including research events, conferences and roundtables and leading on relevant events;
• Maintain and further develop the international reputation of Chatham House and the Journal of Cyber Policy.

Delivery

• Lead the production of high-quality policy research outputs– including reports, research papers, op-eds, expert comments and audio-visual outputs on cyber policy issues, maintaining and improving existing high standards;
• Deploy and shape innovative research methodologies towards ground-breaking policy research for impact;
• Successfully plan and deliver complex projects by: defining objectives, goals, outputs and target audience(s); assessing capacity/personnel needs and identifying relevant experts/team members; setting and meeting deadlines; supervision of accurate budget management (including research, events and publications);
• Oversee field research, where relevant, ensuring proper planning and arrangements, and ensuring proper conduct and safety of teams in the field. Additionally, conduct necessary risk assessments for field research as required.
• Meet project reporting requirements and maintain excellent funder relationships.
• Chair and speak at internal and external events in the UK and internationally.
• Play a leading role in the Editorial Team of the Journal of Cyber Policy, collaborating with the editor and assistant editors to:
• Commission and encourage quality submissions with broad international authorship;
• Supervise the work of the Assistant Editors and ensure content is delivered to schedule;
• Make editorial decisions on acceptance, revision or rejection in the light of peer reviewers reports;
• Generate, and respond to, ideas for special/themed issues;
• Generate ideas for additional activities to promote the Journal’s content (e.g. hosting international conferences, themed workshops etc);

People

• Collaborate with colleagues to evaluate funding needs, identify and secure relevant research funding;
• Work with programme leadership to support ISP’s financial resilience;
• Inspire and enable cross-team collaboration and establish productive positive relationships;
• Maintain and build on the programme’s external support network of Associate Fellows, Visiting Fellows, and Consulting Fellows;
• Establish and maintain networks and links with key individuals and institutions;
• Work closely with the Communications Department;

Qualifications

Skills and Experience:

• Expertise and experience in cyber policy issues and topics at the nexus of technology, international security, and politics within academic, business, or public policy contexts.
• Demonstrated proficiency in research skills with practical policy applications; established as a researcher with experience in field research, adept use of research methodologies, desk research, and data analysis.
• Proven ability to conduct and manage research studies, including supervising research communication activities and innovatively presenting research findings.
• Exceptional writing skills to produce high-quality thought pieces and policy recommendations tailored for diverse audiences.
• Successful track record in fundraising for research activities, involving engagement with potential donors and maintaining strong relationships with funders.
• Editorial experience in managing, editing, or coordinating peer-reviewed pieces for journals or similar publications is highly desirable.
• Leadership experience, including managing individuals and small teams, as well as supporting junior staff.
• Proficiency in making well-informed decisions under pressure, quickly identifying key issues and selecting the most appropriate courses of action.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to present information and arguments persuasively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, serving as a key influencer and adept at building and managing relationships internally and externally.
• Strategic problem-solving skills, understanding how the research agenda aligns with broader organizational strategy and societal frameworks.
• Ability to prioritize tasks effectively, meet targets, and demonstrate excellent decision-making and judgment in project delivery.
• Capability to work with complex topics and translate them into impactful content.
• Collaborative mindset, interested in developing colleagues’ skills, and actively contributing to innovation within the wider team.

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: £60,000 per annum

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

Location: Hybrid (Office/Home), minimum 2 days in the office per week.

Closing Date: 2nd of February 2024. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.

Please note that we are able to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

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.

Application instructions

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