The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to improve international relations and through that to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world.
We seek a Senior Research Fellow for international law and governance who will lead and advance our work at this moment when the standing of international law is contested on many sides. We aim to build a stream of work – discussion (in public and in private under the Chatham House Rule) and influential writing – that will consider the questions of which international agreements will persist, which are worth attempting to save, which need reform and which might be created. The work will have a global perspective, recognising both the value of parts of the post-WWII order which the US helped create, and how other countries are using the current flux to shape new arrangements. A commitment to the rule of law not the rule of force is one of Chatham House’s founding principles; an examination of which laws and institutions work best and which are designed best for future global or regional governance is a theme which extends through our work.
The person we are looking for will have a keen sense of these questions (and indeed, possible answers) as well as contacts in the UK and internationally in law, business, government and academia. We are looking for someone who can (and will enjoy) writing and leading these discussions, with some research and organisational support and the contribution of associate fellows and experts across the House.
The role will sit within our Centre for Global Governance and Security. The Centre brings together the extensive work that Chatham House conducts on global governance and security, at a moment when international rules and institutions are being questioned and reimagined, particularly by countries which want more say in a future order. This role will report to the research director of the Centre, Dr Samir Puri, and involve frequent discussion with him and with Bronwen Maddox, director of Chatham House. Part of the requirement of the role is fund-raising for the work on international law and for the Centre, helped by our experienced fund-raising team.
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.
Principal Responsibilities
Strategy and Delivery
- Author original and policy-relevant research and expert commentary on the challenges facing international law. With specific focus on how international law is being impacted by geopolitical fragmentation; and on the role of Global South countries in seeking reform of the system.
- Work with the Centre’s research director and the director of Chatham House to frame the questions to explore and the intended influence.
- Raise funding for the law programme and Centre, writing grant and corporate applications, working closely with other programmes and the central fundraising team.
- Generate impact by writing and speaking in the media and social media identifying the most appropriate people to receive and discuss our ideas, in governments, parliaments, companies and more widely. Raise Chatham House’s profile through development of strong networks.
- Influence policy expert-level debates in both national and international settings around the future of international law.
- Conceptualize, and securing fresh project funding, for impactful research and convening activities in international law.
- Serve the main point of contact for Chatham House's well-regarded existing work on international law, with stakeholders in national governments, international NGOs and in multilateral organizations.
- Manage Chatham House's expert network of Associate Fellows in international law.
- Actively contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy including recognition of the importance of a diversity of opinions in discussion.
People
- Build and foster productive and positive relationships across the institute, ensuring Chatham House standards of behaviour and collaboration are embraced.
- Build and maintain relationships with project funders; take responsibility for timely and efficient delivery of work and for profitability of the stream of work overall within the Centre.
- Influence a positive working culture for colleagues, ensuring Chatham House standards of behaviours are shared and followed.
Personal SpecificationEssential Skills and Experience:
- Experience in international law, whether in an academic, business, operational or public policy context, with an ability to use this to recommend policy.
- Experience in writing and delivering research; competent use of research methods.
- Expertise in writing high quality thought pieces and policy recommendations for diverse audiences and, ideally, external publications.
- A track record of successfully fundraising for research/projects.
- Experience of delivering work with high impact or influence.
- Experience of collaborative teamwork and of delivering projects to tight budgets and timeframes.
- Track record of effective communications through different mediums.
Benefits
Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (including public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension salary exchange, employee assistance programme, parental leave, flexible working and other benefits designed to suit your lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging and intellectually stimulating environment.
Salary: £75,000 per year.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent.
Location: St James's Square, London. Chatham House operates a hybrid working environment with team members expected to attend our stunning building typically three days a week. However, please note this role may require higher levels of in person attendance, travel within the UK and beyond and attendance of events and meetings out of hours.
Closing Date: Sunday 8 June 2025, 23:59 BST.
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