Research Fellow - Sustainability Accelerator

The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help build a sustainably secure, prosperous, and just world through improvement in international relations.

Housed within Chatham House's Environment and Society Centre, the Sustainability Accelerator is a major initiative to explore and catalyse new frontiers of action towards just and sustainable futures. Ambitious in scope and innovative in approach, we focus on emerging and novel opportunities at the intersection of government with a range of non-state actors, including business, finance and civil society.

Over the past three years, projects have included research and convening activities focused on innovation systems in the bioeconomy, regenerative design in the built environment, and systemic reform of the financial sector.

We have announced a new research cycle which will form the basis of our work over the next two years, exploring ideas of Collapse, Deep Uncertainty and Transformative Adaptation. Working with a diverse and influential group of stakeholders, this Research Cycle will explore how ideas of governance, business and society adapt to meet the demands of a new climate reality during a time of societal upheaval. More information on this research is available via our website.

Your role will form a central part of our dynamic, multi-disciplinary team at an exciting time as we explore these topics. You will be involved in the development and realisation of a wide range of research and convening activities on each strand, as we explore the opportunities between emergent and innovative practices and broader international dynamics. This will include helping to shape and deliver individual research projects, as well as helping to form and maintain a diverse, high profile cohort of project partners and stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will combine a rigorous approach to research with an enthusiasm for creative approaches, and a willingness to explore early-stage and emerging topics. They will thrive on collaboration, be able to navigate a range of research topics with ease, and generate insights that can inspire and catalyse action across multiple stakeholder groups. Most of all, they will demonstrate an innovation mindset, helping us to frame and socialise transformative actions for the transition.

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 .

Principal Responsibilities

Strategy and Delivery

• Create, design and deliver research projects that contribute to the strategic goals of the Accelerator and Chatham House.
• Gain appropriate publicity and visibility by promoting our research through presentations and engagement at conferences/roundtables/other events, through publications and via the media.
• Shape and deliver innovative approaches to project design and research to generate impact across our work.
• Produce high-quality, policy-relevant research for publication by the institute - including briefing papers and expert comments.
• Support the delivery of projects and other researchactivities in line with objectives, budgets and timelines.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate distribution of project findings, through seminars, workshops, publications and the full range of online resources.
• Play a key role in the management of our horizon-scanning capabilities, including both research on emerging trends and engagement with the Accelerator's broader network of thought leaders internationally.
• Partner with team members to develop funding leads, prepare applications, and secure core and research funding; strengthen relationships with existing donors.
• Write meeting agendas and utilise your network to develop diverse speaker and attendee lists.
• Contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.

People

• Establish and maintain links with key individuals, businesses, and institutions around the world and help to build new coalitions and partnerships.
• Establish relationships and work closely with research teams as well as partners for the development and execution of projects.
• Assist the project team in meeting project reporting requirements and maintain relationships with funders.
• Coordinate the work of other project participants and partners (internal and external).
• Coordinate and work with the rest of the team to evaluate funding needs.

Experience:

• Demonstrable research expertise in sustainability at one or more levels - for example of cities, bioregions, municipalities or international institutions.
• Experience in forward-looking research and / or insight projects that engage directly with emerging trends and innovative approaches in either commercial, governmental or third sector contexts.
• Experience writing thought pieces and recommendations for diverse audiences.
• Ability to lead research projects, including communication and dissemination activities.
• Successful track record in fundraising for research/projects, including proposal drafting and donor engagement.
• Ability to form relationships both internally and with external organizations.
• Experience in media relations, event speaking, and digital communication channels.

Skills

• An emerging researcher with strong research skills.
• Capable of writing clearly and concisely for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to form relationships.
• An outstanding communicator who presents information and arguments persuasively.
• A strategic problem solver who aligns research with organizational strategy and societal frameworks.

Desirable experience

One or more of:

• Experience in design research, innovation.
• Experience in projects that engage with multiple geographies.
• Engagement with a mix of governmental, private and third sector stakeholders.

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:£45,000 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 two days a week

Closing Date:Monday 7 July 2025,23:59 BST.

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Please retain a copy of the job description for your records following the submission of your application