Reports to: Director, International Security
Department: International Security Research Group
Salary Range: £57,000 – £64,000 depending on skills and experience
Location: London Office
Contract: Permanent, Full Time
About RUSI
The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), based in London, Brussels and Nairobi, is the UK’s leading independent think tank engaged in cutting edge research in defence and security. Its mission is to inform, influence and enhance public debate on a safer and more stable world. RUSI is a research-led institute, producing independent, practical and innovative analysis to address today’s complex challenges.
About the team
RUSI’s International Security Research Group delivers policy-driven research and analysis on the leading developments in global geopolitics and international security, including the international impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the rise of China, the evolution of Euro-Atlantic relationships and conflict in the Middle East. Drawing on extensive regional expertise, experience, and language skills, the team comprises researchers drawn from government, diplomacy, academia, the military, and the private sector. They are supported by an international network of associates including former government ministers and senior civil servants, and distinguished academics.
The team’s expertise and advice are widely sought by governments, Parliament, civil society organisations and industry. Across all its regional programmes, projects and lines of work, the team produces new research and public and private analysis papers, briefs policymakers and parliamentarians, brings people together in high-level discussions, dialogues and networks, and contributes to public debate.
IS works closely with RUSI’s thematic research teams, covering Military Sciences, Terrorism and Conflict, Organised Crime and Policing, Cyber and Technology, Proliferation and Nuclear Policy and the Centre for Finance and Security.
About the role
The Senior Research Fellow for Latin American Security will play a pivotal role leading IS’s Latin American programme, covering geopolitics, defence and security research projects and publications, and managing a series of events that include an annual conference on Latin American security.
The post holder will generate independent research projects, often in collaboration with other members of IS and/or with other RUSI research teams (for example, on counter narcotics and serious crime with Organised Crime and Policing, or on security sector reform in partnership with the Military Sciences team).
The person appointed will closely liaise with the Chilean-based thinktank AthenaLab, RUSI’s key partner on Latin American security issues, to develop further the cooperation between the two institutions. The post holder will support the work of the Advisory Board, advise on the network of Latin American security associates, and undertake fund-raising, including consulting with potential donors to help further grow the Programme.
Working in close cooperation with RUSI experts and teams, and RUSI’s broader network of partners, there would be opportunities for the Senior Research Fellow to work in some of the following areas, depending on their own background and expertise: the role of major external powers (notably China and Russia) in Latin American security; Latin America and the geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific; the security of the Antarctic; regional naval and maritime security; the foreign, security and defence policies of Latin America; military technological advancements; serious and organised crime, policing and intelligence; and cyber issues.
The Senior Research Fellow will be expected to serve as a resource for greater understanding of the opportunities for cooperation on security issues between the United Kingdom and Latin America.
The successful candidate will be expected to generate and lead their own portfolio of work, while reporting directly to the Director of International Security. The Senior Research Fellow position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced professional with an established record of achievement working on Latin American security issues, whether in government, think tanks, advocacy, academia, or the private sector.
Key tasks
The Senior Research Fellow’s responsibilities will include:
- In coordination with the IS Director and in consultation with other relevant RUSI teams, as well as with AthenaLab, develop RUSI’s Latin American security research strategy and work plan, lead on business development in relation to research projects, co-author successful bids, and liaise with key public and private sector funders.
- Lead the programme on Latin American security, including organising events and publications, and sustaining a network of RUSI associate fellows able to contribute to the institute’s agenda on Latin American security.
- Execute and oversee delivery of research projects, including responsibility for budget management.
- Develop RUSI’s partnership with AthenaLab.
- Organise an annual event on Latin American security and defence.
- Regularly publish RUSI commentaries and undertake media engagement on Latin American security, working with the RUSI Communications team, and thereby enhance RUSI’s national and international profile and reputation.
- Work with the IS Director to contribute to the evolution and delivery of the IS business development strategy in support of the team’s research agenda and other management related responsibilities where relevant, including the supervision of junior staff.
- Contribute to debates in the United Kingdom on Latin American security and the UK’s interests and role in this area, including through working closely with national and international media.
* The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role
Person Specification
The chosen candidate will be expected to demonstrate the following:
- You hold a post graduate qualification in International Relations, Security Studies, Latin American area studies or a related subject, or equivalent professional experience
- You have significant expertise/experience in international relations, geopolitics, and the security politics of Latin America, and a strong knowledge of the United Kingdom’s engagement in Latin American security
- You have a track record of conducting research and analysis and delivering high-quality written and oral outputs related to Latin American security
- You have the ability to work autonomously to achieve agreed goals
- You have the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and functional backgrounds
- You have professional fluency in Spanish, and in Portuguese desirable.
- You have excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research
- You have the willingness and ability to contribute to the public understanding of Latin American security, including through media engagements, and ability to present complex issues in an engaging and clear way
- You have well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team.
- You have significant experience in business development and success in fundraising for research
- You have a demonstrated experience of working with governments in one of the following fields: civil service, advocacy, think tanks, the private sector or academia
- You have an existing strong Latin American contact networks
Benefits
We expect all staff to abide by and promote RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement
You should have the right to work in the United Kingdom. You should be willing to work in the RUSI office in London a minimum of two days a week and to travel internationally, should your work demand it.
- 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
- Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution
- Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to free access to RUSI’s world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
- Discretionary closure days over Christmas
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
*Depending on length of service
Equal Opportunity and Values
We expect all staff to abide by and promote RUSI’s Vision and Values and Equal Opportunities Statement
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