Chatham House Research Assistant – Africa Programme 2023 – London, UK

Chatham House Research Assistant – Africa Programme 2023, UK 2023: The Africa Programme at Chatham House is looking for an individual with demonstrable interest in African affairs who would like to gain valuable work experience in a policy institute.

Application Deadline: 10th October 2023 at noon GMT.

To Be Taken At (Country): This is a hybrid internship model designed to be partly remote, partly in person to enable participation from wider geographies. Specific days in the office will be agreed with the Africa Programme (at least one day in the office).

About the Chatham House Africa Programme:

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.

The Africa Programme supports improved understanding of changing international relations and influence in sub-Saharan Africa. We don’t shy away from tackling the difficult and often complex issues facing the continent, and in doing so, we support improved understanding and effective international engagements that can lead to positive outcomes for citizens. The work we do is complex and sensitive.

If you have a talent for research and administration, are a problem-solver and are passionate about being part of a diverse and tight-knit team that delivers relevant policy research and debate on the politics and international relations of African countries, we would like to hear from you!

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.

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.

Key Responsibilities

Delivery  

• 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.

Type: Internship

Eligibility: 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).

Value of Chatham House Africa Programme Internship: 

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: £28,000 per year.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent.

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

Closing Date: Tuesday 10 October 2023. You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the role closing.

Interviews: We are aiming to hold interviews week commencing 1st and 2nd of November 2023. 

How to Apply for Chatham House Africa Programme Internship: Please complete the application form detailing your motivation, skills and experiences relevant to this role, and adhere to the word count.

Visit Program Webpage for Details