Head of Research and Analysis

International Institute for Strategic Studies; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is seeking a Head of Research and Analysis to support its commercial subsidiary, AHEL. This role involves providing strategic insights, managing a dedicated team, and producing high-quality analyses for corporate clients.

The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in geopolitical or geoeconomic subjects, along with an ability to foster relationships at senior levels. The position offers a comprehensive employment package and requires eligibility to work in the UK.

Qualifications

• Completion of a master’s degree in a relevant field or relevant professional experience.
• Experience of research and analysis, and disseminating conclusions in written and verbal forms.
• Experience of manipulating and deploying data sets for analysis.

Responsibilities

• Identify themes and issues of strategic relevance to business.
• Develop a public profile to raise awareness of AHEL Research and Analysis.
• Manage the AHEL Research and Analysis team and ensure quality of written output.

Skills

Research and analysis

Stakeholder management

Data manipulation

Geopolitical analysis

English fluency

Education

Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) is the world’s leading think tank examining geopolitical and geo-economic risk from an international perspective, with a specialist expertise in risks with a national security dimension. The IISS has offices in London, Berlin, Singapore, Manama, and Washington DC. Arundel House Enterprises Ltd. (AHEL) is the commercial subsidiary of the IISS, which this role will be contracted under.

We are seeking a Head of Research and Analysis to support AHEL, reporting to the Director of Research and Analysis. The position is suited for commercially minded individuals, recognised as thought leaders within their specialist field.

Responsibilities:

• Through quantitative and qualitative analysis, identify themes and issues of strategic relevance to business, specifically AHEL’s corporate clients, writing memos and short reports in business-friendly format regarding these themes.
• Develop a public profile to raise external awareness of AHEL Research and Analysis, through publishing works, making media appearances and conference presentations, and build a strong intellectual profile within the IISS to raise awareness of the AHEL Research and Analysis team’s work, including in quantitative analysis.
• Ensure the quality of all written output to meet the IISS’s standards on analytical excellence, timeliness, concision and impartiality, managing the AHEL Research and Analysis team as well as external contributors. Further develop the team to ensure that the skillset is appropriate to the evolving needs of AHEL clients.
• Work with the AHEL commercial team and other IISS departments to create new business-relevant services and ensure the commercial success of the AHEL business, and work with these teams to organise and provide client briefings on geopolitical and geo-economic topics.

Requirements:

• Completion of a master’s degree in a relevant field, or relevant professional experience.
• Experience of research and analysis, and disseminating conclusions in written and verbal forms.
• Experience of manipulating and deploying data sets for analysis.
• Experience of stakeholder management and relationship building.
• Strong expertise in a subject of high relevance to geopolitics or geoeconomics (e.g. economic statecraft, political risk, trade, sanctions, international relations, etc.)
• A comprehensive understanding of how businesses use geopolitical analysis.
• Experience of working in the private sector, using or delivering geopolitical analysis.
• Experience of interacting with and crafting solutions for corporate clients at senior level.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Remuneration:

We provide a full employment package plus a performance related bonus, and a comprehensive range of benefits.

Application:

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the “Apply Now” blue button and following the instructions to submit their full Curriculum Vitae and cover letter.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we will be unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 10 July 2026.