RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

 

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge and Brussels, and employs approximately 140 researchers: just over half of our research staff have doctorates with the balance holding other post-graduate degrees. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation, and our experience shows that our most successful researchers closely align their behaviours with our value set.

 

The Defence & Security (DS) research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the UK, Europe and beyond. Our clients include UK government departments (e.g. MOD, FCDO, Dstl, Cabinet Office, Home Office), EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), and international defence and security organisations (e.g. national defence departments across Europe, NATO, UN), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations

 

Given our impartiality and close relationship with government, we do not work for the defence industry, though we often work with them on MOD studies.

 

Our team’s work covers a broad range of public policy issue issues, including:

• Defence Strategy, Policy and Capability (strategy design and assessment; policy and planning; capability analysis)
• Defence Industry and Acquisition (industry analysis; acquisition support; international cooperation & institutions)
• Defence Workforce and Skills (Front Line Commands; industry; charities; Armed Forces community including ex-Serving personnel)
• Security (national/international security; human security; resilience; energy; climate and sustainability; infrastructure and transport security)
• Technology, Disruption and Uncertainty (futures and foresight; cyber and information; emerging technology; future threats and uncertainty; defence innovation)

Researchers in the Defence & Security group originate from a diverse range of nationalities, disciplines and professional backgrounds including the military, ex-government employees, industry, consultancy and academia. There are many opportunities for career progression within RAND, for diversification of research working alongside the other groups within the organisation (we pride ourselves on our multi-disciplinary approach) and for collaboration across the wider RAND Corporation.

 

RAND Europe is looking for an experienced defence and security Research Analyst to develop, lead and deliver public policy research and analytical or educational wargames focused on the UK government, European Union and beyond. You will conduct collaborative research and wargaming activities in an intellectually stimulating, fast-paced and diverse working environment. You will directly inform government policy and decision-making at the highest levels and generate impact from your research for the public good. RAND Europe offers the chance to work on a variety of topics and teams, learning from a range of different colleagues, clients and collaborators.

 

You will be expected to conduct a variety of research, applying different methods and to support wider research group and corporate activity as required. We are especially looking for individuals able to help design and deliver wargames for both educational and analytical purposes (incl. seminar games, matrix games, table-top exercises and other types of manual or computer-assisted gaming methodology).

 

Specifically, the Analyst role will involve:

• Conduct high-quality research, game design/delivery and analysis on research projects for clients on a wide range of defence and security topics
• Manage research and gaming projects that may involve a diverse and interdisciplinary mix of RAND researchers and external partners, under the guidance of an experienced project leader, including monitoring budget, timetable and deliverables
• Working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary project team and demonstrating strong teamwork and leadership skills to support research assistants and other junior staff
• Supporting or managing the development and submission of competitive research proposals to meet client needs
• Demonstrating agility to work across a broad range of topic areas within the portfolio of the research group
• Supporting the identification of research opportunities and wider business development initiatives
• Demonstrate excellent time management skills to manage involvement in multiple parallel projects, proposals, corporate initiatives and other activities.
• Draft sections of research reports or proposals with minimal supervision, but under the guidance of experienced research and proposal leaders
• Contribute to the wider promotion of our research and its impact by communicating research findings to a broader audience, including attendance at and support of external events, seminars and panels
• Manage the development and submission of small proposals with minimal supervision once embedded at RAND
• Ensure outputs (e.g. wargames, research reports, briefs, etc.) meet RAND quality standards (i.e. peer review standards) and client needs

You will bring relevant professional research experience in one or more areas covered by the Defence & Security Research Group and you will have applied a broad range of research methods in either an academic or consultancy environment.

Essential

• You are familiar with a variety of wargaming techniques and the principles of game scoping, design, facilitation and analysis
• You have prior experience applying wargaming techniques for educational or analytical purposes
• You have managed or coordinated small projects or individual research tasks with minimal supervision
• You are able to work in a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• You can very effectively communicate research findings to policymakers through written and verbal means
• You have some experience of working with clients in the public sector
• You have an excellent command of English language
• You are proficiency in using Microsoft Office tool suite

Desired

• You have experience delivering wargames for UK/European MODs or other governmental or military clients
• You have experience as a research project manager
• You have networks and relationships in relevant organisations and fields
• You possess experience of working with external research partners and collaborators, including multinational consortia
• You are eligible for UK Security Clearance (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) – note: this does not require you to be a UK citizen
• You have additional language skills beyond English, especially Russian or Mandarin Chinese
• You can conduct research using additional software and technical skills (e.g. data analytics, statistical software, data visualisation, etc.)

- 8% Employer contribution pension
- BUPA medical insurance
- Income protection
- Group life assurance
- Employee Assistance scheme
- Enhanced holiday allowance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Fresh fruit every day
- Free parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company bikes
- Employee wellbeing initiatives
 
Salary
Starting from £30,000 per annum

If you feel that you have the qualities to be a part of our team please submit an application via the RAND Europe’s online careers portal.

 

You application will need to consist of a CV and covering letter submitted as one document (only applications with both documents submitted will be considered).

 

Please note, if selected for interview a short writing sample may be requested. 

 

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th June, if you have not received a response within one month of the closing date, your application has not been successful.