Research Assistant, Conflict, Security and Development Programme (CSDP)

International Institute for Strategic Studies; London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a prestigious think tank as a Research Assistant in the Conflict, Security and Development Programme. This role offers the chance to contribute to vital research on geopolitical risks, supporting the annual Armed Conflict Survey and collaborating with senior researchers. Ideal candidates will possess strong quantitative skills and a relevant master's degree, along with a passion for policy-relevant research. The position is full-time and located in London, providing an exciting opportunity to engage in meaningful work that influences global security discussions. If you are driven by a desire to make an impact in the field of international relations, this is the role for you.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Health Cashback Plan

Season Ticket Loan

Cycle Scheme

Contributory Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Masters degree in relevant field preferred.
• Strong quantitative skills and experience in policy-relevant research.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support for the Armed Conflict Survey publication.
• Collect and compute data for the ACS and assist in media preparations.

Skills

Quantitative Skills

Data Collection and Manipulation

Research Support

Excellent Command of English

Policy-Relevant Research

Education

Masters Degree in Development Studies

Masters Degree in Political Economy

Masters Degree in International Relations

Tools

Excel

Job description

Research Assistant, Conflict, Security and Development Programme (CSDP)

Hours: Full-time
Contract: Fixed-term, 1 year
Location: London

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.

The IISS is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Conflict, Security and Development Programme within the research department.

Responsibilities

• Provide research support in the annual production of the Armed Conflict Survey (ACS) publication. Write blogs and social media pieces related to the ACS dissemination.
• Take responsibility of the data part of the ACS, including collecting data for and taking responsibility for the computation of composite indicators for the ACS, collecting data for the Chart of Armed Conflict and providing data support for the creation of maps and charts for the report.
• Provide research support to senior researchers on issues relevant to the CSDP’s research strands.
• Write co-authored articles with research colleagues for external publication when appropriate.
• Liaise with the communications team, assisting in research and logistical preparation for media interviews.
• Provide research and logistical support to senior research colleagues in developing ideas for concept notes for research projects. Provide support in the drafting of fundraising proposals.
• Support the organisation of internal and external events. Researching topics and leading of logistical arrangements with speakers and participants, travel etc.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A masters degree in development studies, political economy or international relations preferred.
• Experience in policy-relevant research and publication on development, governance, security, geopolitics and/or geo-economics.
• Strong quantitative skills, including command of Excel and experience in data collection and manipulation.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Language skills (French, Spanish or Portuguese) desirable.
• Experience and interest in Latin American or African studies desirable.

Remuneration

The IISS provides a full employment package. The benefits package at the institute includes life assurance, private medical insurance, health cashback plan, season ticket loan, cycle scheme and contributory pension scheme. More information about the IISS can be found here .

Application

Candidates should submit their applications by clicking the “Apply Now” blue button and following the instructions to submit two documents:

• a cover letter outlining what skills and experience you can bring to the role.
• a full Curriculum Vitae.

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 6September 2024.

The IISS is an equal opportunities employer.