Research Director Visa Sponsorship Uk

Job Description

Research Director – Regional Programmes (Africa, MENA, Asia-Pacific)

Salary: £120,000 per year (FTE)
Contract: Permanent, part-time (2 days per week, with potential to extend to full-time)
Location: Hybrid (London office / remote)
Visa sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates

About Us

The Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) is a world-leading independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to advance a secure, prosperous, sustainable, and just world. We achieve this through cutting-edge research, convening international discussions, and collaborating with our global network of fellows and partners.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an inspiring and established leader to serve as Research Director – one of four senior figures who guide our research strategy alongside the Director. This post will oversee three key regional programmes:

• Africa Programme
• Middle East and North Africa Programme
• Asia-Pacific Programme

Each of these programmes has a distinguished history and recent achievements, and together they represent a central pillar of Chatham House’s contribution to shaping the evolving international order.

This role sits within our Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and will shape research priorities, drive intellectual leadership, and represent Chatham House in high-level global discussions.

What You Will Do

As Research Director, your responsibilities will fall across three main areas:

1. Intellectual Leadership

• Provide strategic direction for research programmes, ensuring coherence, originality, and policy relevance.
• Guide and support Programme Directors, reviewing proposals, reports, and convening activities.
• Offer expert commentary, and occasionally contribute written work yourself.
• Uphold Chatham House’s standards of impartiality and evidence-based analysis.
• Lead thinking on the role of China and its global influence, ensuring strong connections across regions.

2. Programme Oversight & Fundraising

• Oversee budgets to ensure financial sustainability.
• Support Programme Directors in fundraising, developing credible plans, and engaging with donors.
• Represent your programmes within ELT and Council, ensuring both research impact and financial accountability.

3. Leadership within Chatham House

• Act as a core member of the ELT, contributing to strategy, budgets, pay, and promotion decisions.
• Inspire high standards of research, convening, and professional conduct.
• Promote Chatham House externally, acting as an ambassador through media, events, and international networks.
• Drive our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) strategy across research activities.

About You

We are looking for a respected authority with a proven track record of research impact and team leadership.

Essential experience:

• Recognition for your body of work and its influence.
• Strong background in policy analysis, writing, and engagement with diverse audiences, including policymakers.
• Experience in securing research funding and managing financial plans.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large teams and foster collaboration.
• Understanding and commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

Desirable experience:

Expertise in China’s role in global affairs, including its geopolitical and geoeconomic implications.

Skills required:

• Excellent communication and the ability to present complex ideas with clarity.
• Gravitas and confidence to operate at the highest international levels.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise under pressure.

Benefits

• Salary: £120,000 FTE (pro rata for part-time)
• Contract: Part-time, 2 days per week (with potential to extend to 5 days if combined with additional research work and fundraising responsibilities).
• Approximately 37 days’ annual leave pro rata, including public holidays and office closure days.
• Pension salary exchange scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme, parental leave, and flexible working options.
• A stimulating and professional environment at one of the world’s most respected policy institutes.

Visa sponsorship will be considered for the right candidate.

Location & Working Pattern

Chatham House operates a hybrid working model. Staff are typically expected in the London office three days per week. However, this senior role will likely require higher levels of in-person attendance, travel within the UK and internationally, and participation in evening or weekend events when necessary.

Application Information

Closing Date: Tuesday, 30 September 2025 (Midnight, UK time).
Please ensure you keep a copy of this job description for your records, as it will not be available after the closing date.