Head of Research

The Coalition for Global Prosperity (CGP) brings together political, military, business and faith leaders who believe that an effective development budget, alongside an active diplomatic and defence strategy, keeps Britain at the forefront of saving lives, alleviating poverty and bringing freedom, security and prosperity to those who need it most.

At a time when the UK’s role in the world is being redefined, Britain is at its best when it acts as a global leader in development as well as in defence and diplomacy.

With a smart and effective aid budget, which leverages British expertise, the UK can transform lives.

CGP brings together a wide coalition of aid supporters, with backgrounds from across the military, faith, business and political communities.

We organise public and private events to explore the UK’s role as a global leader.

We regularly host influential figures and thought leaders to speak at our events, previously we have hosted Sir David Attenborough, Julia Gillard, Theresa May, Gordon Brown, Boris Johnson, Bill Gates and David Cameron as speakers.

You can find out more information about the Coalition and its work on our website.

Overview / purpose of the role
The Head of Research will develop and lead CGPs new research and thought leadership function.

This innovative research function will work to create a new vision, and new model, for international development and Global Britain for policy makers.

The Head of Research will set a positive agenda for British leadership in international development (embedded within the broader foreign policy, defence and diplomacy context) through a combination of policy reports and the building of a Parliamentary Caucus.

The objectives of the research function are:

1) To create a positive agenda and develop new ideas for British leadership in international development through substantive and high-profile policy reports.

2) To build a network for like-minded parliamentarians who are supportive of British leadership in international development, defence, and diplomacy.

As this is a new function within CGP there will be lots of scope for the successful candidate to shape this area of our work.

Responsibilities

• Leading on the publication of 3-5 policy reports each year, exploring innovative new policy ideas for an international development programme ready for the challenges of the 2020s and 2030s.

  The reports might cover topics such as: Development and Diplomacy; Development and Defence; Development and Climate Change and Development, Trade and the Economy etc.

• Project managing at least two strategic polling projects per year, exploring public opinions and perceptions of the Global Britain agenda.

  This would entail working with third party consultants, data analysis and writing up summary reports of key findings, working closely with our Communications Manager.

• Working with colleagues to build and support a new Global Britain Parliamentary caucus to drive debate and engagement on foreign policy issues and the UKs place in the world.
• Event Management: organisation and delivery of a regular quarterly caucus dinner event within Parliament.
• Networking and attending relevant conferences and third party events to build strategic connections and generate innovative ideas and collaborations.
• Establishing themselves (and CGP) as a key thought leader on foreign policy and international development issues in Westminster.
• Working closely with our Operations Manager to develop an effective monitoring and evaluation framework for our research and thought leadership function, tracking and recording key programme indicators to support long-term programme evaluation.
• As a small team, all staff members are expected to work collaboratively and flexibly to support colleagues across all of our work streams during busy periods.

Line Management

This role has direct line management responsibilities for our Senior Advocacy & Research Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting them in their role, providing guidance when necessary and facilitating their long-term professional development and growth.

Reporting to: Director of Advocacy

Qualifications

• A background in policy research related to one or more of the following fields of study: international development, foreign policy, defence, international relations, economics, international security.
• A strong knowledge of Parliamentary processes, structures and the UK policy making landscape.
• Strong demonstrable track record of policy research and evaluation work, having previously authored multiple publications.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with an ability to clearly communicate complex information to an non-specialist audience.
• An interest in foreign affairs and support for UK leadership in international development.
• Experience working in a Government advisory role or with a think tank.
• Experience of building networks or coalitions
• Experience of Line Management
• Experience of commissioning and working with third party contractors and consultants to collect survey data.

What we offer

Our small and dedicated team works with the policy makers, politicians and journalists to support and promote Global Britain.

It’s an exciting time to join our coalition as the team grows and expands its activities.

We offer a flexible approach to working, with a hybrid mix of home and office working; 25 days paid holiday entitlement per year (plus bank holidays); access to an individual training budget; enhanced maternity/paternity paid leave; mentorship opportunities; and an inclusive, supportive working environment.

If you have any questions about this role, the Coalition or our approach to working please contact us.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate that you saw this position on Globaljobs.org

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