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.


The Environment and Society Centre (ESC) provides governments, businesses and societies with the information, networks and tools to tackle environmental challenges and accelerate the world towards a sustainable future. We conduct independent, thought-leading research on some of the biggest environmental challenges, researching, assembling and incubating the ideas and expertise needed for policy impact. The centre analyses and informs international processes, convenes diverse perspectives, and brings new ideas into the international arena.


The Programme Manager role will support the strategy, operations and financial management across a diverse portfolio of the Environment and Society Centre's activities and projects, with primary responsibility for the management and delivery of our work on sustainable resource use.


This includes managing our research, convening and partnership engagement for the Fair Water Footprints project, which seeks to transform how water is used in the global economy for good. The role also involves managing the Signatory Support Unit, ensuring tailored communication and support for partners across government, the private sector and civil society organisations.





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 HR@Chathamhouse.org.

Principal Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Research Operations, you will:

Delivery

Support the management of core centre activities including complex, high-worth projects, ensuring objectives, outputs, evaluation requirements and timelines are met, and that projects deliver on their impact objectives. Lead the centre's delivery of activities within given projects and activity budgets, in close coordination with colleagues. Ensure that centre events and convening activities are delivered professionally, managing team to deliver effectively. Assist in the preparation and revision of budgets for new projects - with the support of the Head of Research Operations- and ensure budget control through effective bookkeeping of expenditures, tracking of budgets, accounting records and invoicing. Support the preparation of grant applications to funding bodies. Provide support to ensure compliance with the audit processes.

People

Build and maintain relationships with colleagues, funders and partners ensuring you contribute to meeting the programme's goals. Manage outreach and influencing strategies with internal and external stakeholders, consultants and partners. Help to establish and maintain links with key individuals, businesses, and institutions around the world working on relevant issues. Effectively line manage staff, providing guidance, supporting in professional development, and ensuring effective delivery of work. Deputise for the Head of Research Operations, as needed.

Strategy

Support the implementation of the centre's strategy and understand how this fits into Chatham House's mission and overarching strategy. Assist the Head of Research Operations, Research Director and Research Leads in developing work streams and identifying, planning and developing projects. Collaborate with other Programme and Centre Managers across the House to build efficiencies and resilience. Support the Head of Research Operations in evaluating programme practices and procedures, and lead on the agreed implementation of new processes. Maintain strategic relationships with experts, academia, businesses, governments and not-for-profit organisations to expand our reach, visibility and impact. Assist in the development of the centre's profile and media relations. Actively contribute to the delivery of the Chatham House EDI strategy.
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Requirements

You will be an experienced programme manager, a self-starter who is capable, flexible and keen to be an integral part of a diverse team and able to demonstrate the following:


An accomplished programme manager, with demonstrable skills of managing complex projects or programmes with numerous outputs and partners; Demonstrable interest in the work of the Environment and Society Centre, and experience working on projects focused on sustainable resource use, the energy transition or climate change; Excellent interpersonal skills, able to communicate effectively with a wide range of people and project partners, including project and programme funders; Excellent financial knowledge and experience of building budgets, effective budget management and reporting financially to donors; Experience in designing and delivering processes to ensure effective management across multiple projects and outputs; Able to work in a busy environment and have the ability to think on their feet, using initiative to make decisions effectively under pressure;

Desirable:

Some line management experience, or an appetite to learn; Knowledge or experience working on projects related to sustainable water use; Experience in supporting the development of funding proposals.

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:

42,000 per year.

Contract:

Full-time, Permanent.

Location:

St James's Square, London. Chatham House operates a hybrid working environment with staff expected to attend our stunning building typically two days a week

Closing Date:

Wednesday 3 September 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