We need an enthusiastic individual to join the Energy, Environment and Resources department as a Senior Research Fellow in Circular Economy on a full-time basis. We are hiring a deeply committed, established leader on the circular economy or related sustainability issues. We are searching for a researcher with excellent analytical ability and strong writing skills to join our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team and deliver on work that is a key strategic priority for our department.

We are seeking an individual who can conceive and undertake creative and vigorous research to a high standard for online and print media, journals and publications. We want to find an inspiring individual to lead our ambitious research agenda and make the case for an open and collaborative approach to the circular economy. We want someone who is enthusiastic about accelerating the mainstreaming of circular economy concepts among a wide cohort of international actors with the potential to drive transformation at speed and scale.

We are an equal-opportunities employer, and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. If we can provide assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us on HR@chathamhouse.org or call us on 0207 389 3294.

REQUIREMENTS

Research

Leading our work on the circular economy agenda, you will work closely with EER Department staff and Associate Fellows. You will build new coalitions and partnerships, and drive forward research that raises the overall ambition around scaling the circular economy globally and in key countries. You will explore strategic questions including:

• who wins and who loses from the transition to a circular economy;
• how to enhance cooperation across borders and address potential trade-offs;
• how to accelerate investment in circular value chains and disruptive new business models, and;
• how to ensure alignment between circular economy and climate change and biodiversity goals.

You will establish and maintain links with key individuals, businesses, and institutions around the world. You will lead the production of agreed research outputs, and you will take particular responsibility for research quality, liaising closely with internal staff and external publishers. In addition to specific publications on circular economy issues, you will write op-eds and journal articles and contribute to the Department’s promotional material around a range of sustainability issues and initiatives.

Fundraising

You will design, formulate and draft research proposals in collaboration with the Research Director, other Senior Research Fellows, Research Fellows and Department Managers. You will use your strong network of contacts to develop funding leads and create momentum around our important research.

Project Management

You will secure and lead our research on circular economy. You will manage the execution of new and existing projects, including defining objectives, goals and outputs, and set timelines for the project activities (including research, events and publications). You will assist the project team in meeting project reporting requirements, maintain relationships with funders and involve them in relevant meetings.

Event Management

You will give high level support to research events, conferences and expert roundtables. You will develop dynamic meeting agendas, and utilise your network to develop dynamic speaker and attendee lists.

Requirements

We are looking for an engaged and dynamic individual with the following experience and skills:

Experience

• You have significant amount of years of research expertise on international sustainability issues, including specific experience relating to the dynamics of circular economy issues in different countries.
• If you have not worked specifically on the circular economy you will still be considered if you have sufficient experience in a related discipline and can demonstrate your capability to lead a body of research on the circular economy.
• You enjoy designing and delivering research studies, methodologies and activities.
• You have extensive experience researching and writing thought pieces and policy recommendations for diverse audiences and experience of publication for in academic publications and grey literature.
• You have experience managing the delivery of research communications activities, including identifying creative solutions to present research in innovative ways.
• You have drafted concept notes, have formulated successful research grant proposals and enjoy collaborating with project donors and supporters.

Skills / education

• You are an organised researcher with desk research and data analysis skills. You write clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• You have donor engagement and fundraising skills and have previously undertaken financial and project reporting to funders.
• You are a collaborative colleague with excellent communication skills. In particular, you enjoy liaising with project partners and managing external project stakeholders and the media.
• You are able to handle a wide range of tasks and deliver to tight deadlines.
• You hold a higher degree in a relevant discipline.

BENEFITS

Benefits include approximately 37 days annual leave (inclusive of public holidays and Chatham House closure days), pension scheme, employee assistance programme, life assurance, staff canteen providing complimentary tea and coffee and lunch and many more benefits designed to suit your own personal lifestyle. All of this, in a professional, engaging environment.

Salary: £57,000 – £75,000

Closing date: 31st January 2019

We will continuously review applications on a rolling basis therefore applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as they can.

Please note that we are able to offer visa sponsorship for this role