Job Description

The Royal Institute of International Affairs is an independent policy institute based in London. Our mission is to help improve international relations in pursuit of a secure, prosperous, sustainable and just world. We do this through original research and by convening discussion, helped by our core teams and our global network of fellows.


Convening at Chatham House is our highest profile activity which underpins our global reputation and influence, advancing our mission and reflecting the complexity and importance of changing international affairs. It includes public events with well-known speakers, panels and private roundtables as well as our flagship conferences. Whether conducted in public or in private under the Chatham House Rule, it is a central way in which we secure influence and explore and advance arguments.



We are seeking an Events Programming Developer to help shape and deliver high-quality, topical events that showcase Chatham House's independent research and convening power. You will take ownership of a portfolio of events, ensuring they are strategically relevant, well-delivered and impactful. This role requires someone with a strong interest in global affairs, who can spot opportunities and risks, sense-check the timing and framing of events, and ensure Chatham House convenes the right conversations at the right moment.


We are an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and we 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 do not hesitate to get in touch at HR@Chathamhouse.org.

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Key Responsibilities

Delivery

Take responsibility for the full content cycle of assigned events, from concept development through to post-event evaluation. Draft compelling event titles, descriptions and promotional copy that maximise reach and impact. Manage speaker engagement, including invitations, briefing materials, prep calls and follow-up, ensuring participants are well-prepared and aligned with event objectives. Work closely with Events Coordinators and the Production team to ensure event content and speakers are fully integrated into delivery plans, managing speaker communications and ensuring content objectives are met. Ensure diversity of perspectives and voices is embedded in event design and speaker selection. As needed, monitor budgets and audience targets for your events, ensuring objectives are delivered effectively. Contribute to the continuous improvement of event processes and templates to enhance efficiency and quality.

People

Build strong working relationships with researchers and programme directors, ensuring events are informed by Chatham House expertise and positioned within broader global conversations. Maintain and develop relationships with external stakeholders, speakers and partners, representing Chatham House with professionalism and credibility. Collaborate with colleagues in Communications, Marketing, Membership and Development to align event content with institutional priorities and outreach goals. Play an active role within the Events team, contributing ideas, sharing expertise and helping to maintain consistent standards across the programme.

Strategy

Develop and deliver a portfolio of events that reflect Chatham House's independence, priorities and convening principles. Stay abreast of international developments, policy debates and geopolitical sensitivities to help shape timely, relevant and responsible events. Provide informed judgement on the suitability of proposed topics or speakers, ensuring events are well-positioned in global and domestic contexts. Research and secure high-profile and influential speakers who can enhance Chatham House's convening role. Contribute to systems and processes that capture data on event outcomes and audience reach, using insights to inform future planning. Contribute to the delivery of Chatham House's EDI strategy.
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Person Specification

Essential

Strong knowledge of international affairs and genuine interest in the mission of Chatham House. Proven ability to analyse and interpret global events and apply that knowledge to ensure events are relevant, timely and sensitive to context. Experience in developing and delivering event content, ideally within policy, think tanks, international organisations, or media. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to frame complex ideas clearly and persuasively. Strong project management skills with proven ability to deliver multiple projects to a high standard under pressure. Ability to work independently and take ownership of projects, while also collaborating across teams. Experience of managing speaker relationships, including preparation, briefing and follow-up. Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in convening and content.

Desirable Experience

Experience of working in an international policy, academic or media environment. Familiarity with Chatham House and the Institute's remit and convening principles. Experience of collaborating with senior stakeholders, donors or policymakers. Understanding of audience development, impact measurement or data analysis in an events context. Experience of guiding or mentoring junior colleagues. Competence in a second language.

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:

40,000 per year.

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent

Location:

St James's Square, London. This is a hybrid role based in our London office. The successful candidate will be expected to work onsite at least 3 days per week, with flexibility around event requirements needed.

Application deadline:

Wednesday 5 November 2025, 23:59 GMT.

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