2023 Chatham House Research Assistant Program For Young Africans
About
Chatham House Research Assistant Program is for an individual with demonstrable interest in African affairs who would like to gain valuable work experience in a policy institute.
Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is a world-renowned independent policy institute, based in London. Our 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.
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.
Requirements:
- 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.
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).
Duration and Reward
- 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.
Method of Application
Please complete the application form detailing your motivation, skills and experiences relevant to this role, and adhere to the word count.
We are an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of 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 HR@Chathamhouse.org.
