Research Analyst (Organised Crime and Policing) London 2024

The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) is the world’s oldest, and 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

Across the UK and globally, the damaging impact of organised crime is felt by individuals, communities, and the public and private sectors. Yet the national and global response has failed to keep pace with an evolving and increasingly technologically enabled threat.

This rapidly changing environment has placed the public and private sector under unprecedented pressure to both comprehensively understand these complex and changeable issues, and to respond in real time to the threat to national security.

In this context, our research explores the scale and nature of the shifting threat from serious and organised crime, the harm it causes, and how best to respond. We also focus on how governments and law enforcement actors can best respond to related security threats and social challenges and effective measures to enhance integrity and reduce corruption.

The work of the Organised Crime and Policing group currently spans the UK, Europe, Africa and Latin America, covering areas such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption, environmental crime, strategy to counter serious and organised crime, and law enforcement responses. The group also runs the Strategic Hub for Organised Crime Research (SHOC), a major resource for academics, practitioners and policymakers working on organised crime in the UK and internationally.​

About the role

RUSI wishes to appoint a Research Analyst to work across the Organised Crime and Policing portfolio.

RUSI’s analysts are early-career researchers who are expected to make a significant contribution to RUSI’s research (projects, publications, events), to support the implementation and administration of existing projects, and to develop their professional skills and knowledge when in post. These are busy, challenging and highly rewarding roles, offering the potential to become a high-profile, internationally recognised expert.

The successful applicant will be required to support several current funded research projects, and will have ample opportunity to pursue their own research interests. An initial focus will be on delivering current funded projects relating to insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, with significant scope to input expertise across the broader range of OCP initiatives.

Research and logistical support are another crucial component: the role will support the implementation of existing projects, including grant management, reporting in line with contract requirements, coordinating technical assistance in the form of remote and in-country workshops, supporting the logistics of research activities, and ensuring that projects are run effectively from an administrative perspective

Key tasks

The Research Analyst will work on the following activities day-to-day:

• Conduct primary and secondary research across the Organised Crime and Policing project portfolio. This will involve conducting literature reviews, deploying a range of research methodologies, as well as drafting, editing, production and publication of topic-relevant research, including peer-reviewed research publications, conference reports, literature reviews, short articles, blogs and guidance papers.
• Support development and lead delivery of key research-related events, such as workshops and conferences, both online/remote and in person.
• Provide programme support across the Organised Crime and Policing research group, including support to grant management, reporting in line with contract requirements, coordinating technical assistance and supporting research logistics.
• Contribute to identifying new research funding opportunities for innovative new projects, engaging potential donors and supporting the development of proposals to generate funding for key research areas.
• Provide administrative support to research projects, including maintaining accurate records, and organising travel (e.g. flights, accommodation and visas) where relevant.
• Support the maintenance of an extensive network of contacts, including other experts (think tank and academia), law enforcement, governments, international organisations and the private sector.
• Support the development of new and existing policy and in-country stakeholder relationships, in the relevant area of subject matter expertise.
• Support external communications by the research group, including, for example, research communication, newsletter development and growing social media audiences.

The above list is not exhaustive, the Research Analyst will be required to undertake such duties that may be reasonably expected within the scope and grade of this role.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• Early-career researcher with a demonstrable interest and/or existing record of research and expertise in organised crime, policing or related areas, with the motivation to develop your career in this specialism.
• Excellent research skills (whether qualitative or quantitative), as well as the ability to communicate to a high standard orally and in writing.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Original thinker, highly motivated to develop new knowledge through original research, and to apply new and existing knowledge to real-world problems.
• Excellent teamworking skills, proficient time management, and the ability to meet multiple deadlines promptly in a dynamic, fast-paced and team-oriented environment.
• Masters’ degree in a related field or demonstrable relevant experience.
• Excellent organisational skills, experience of project administration and organising and supporting events.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to present complex information and demonstrating strong literacy skills.

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience conducting research or managing projects in a range of locations worldwide including sub-Saharan Africa.
• Project administration and management knowledge and skills (e.g., experience in using PRINCE 2 methods).
• Experience of budget tracking and management.
• Experience of working in a think tank or not-for-profit sector organisation.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (rising with service)
• Additional days off during Christmas - RUSI Christmas closure days
• Generous pension contributions at 6% employer contribution,
• Access to 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket loan
• Free access to RUSI's world leading programme of events and conferences, research materials and library
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• *Enhanced sick pay
• *Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

*Depending on length of service.​

Application process

To apply, please click on the apply button and follow the instructions to submit:

• Your CV.
• Cover Letter, no longer than 1 page, explaining your interest in the role and any significant relevant skills and/or experience.

The closing date for applications is 23:59 pm on Friday 8th of March 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a written test as part of the recruitment process.

Please DO NOT submit multiple applications for this vacancy. We no longer accept applications to our recruitment mailbox, applications received in our mailbox will not be processed.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the closing date brought forward if needed. Early application is encouraged. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal opportunities and values

At RUSI you will be appreciated and valued. Our stakeholders, transactions, and projects are international and diverse, so we work hard to create inclusive teams that support our efforts and each other.

We are committed to promoting equality and diversity in our workforce and to making it as diverse as the communities we serve. Our recruitment data helps us monitor the effectiveness of our recruitment practices in order that we can continue to improve on creating a more diverse workforce.

We’re aware that the questionnaire may not capture the rich complexities of our backgrounds and identities, so we apologise if these are not best described. Please note that this data will be kept confidential and separated from your job application. If you are uncomfortable sharing, choose "Prefer not to say" or skip the questions entirely.