Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow

Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow

Terms: full time; 3 year contract
Salary: £44,000 - £55,000 depending on experience 
Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if desired and quarterly in-person team away days.
Start Date: September 2024, sooner possible
Line management: Project Managers, Project Officer and Project Assistant
Line Manager: Research Director 

Closing Date: 1 September 2024. On submission of your application, please add ‘Programme Manager -  2024’ in the subject line. 

You must have the right to work in the UK or Germany. Please note that the advertised salary range in sterling is based on United Kingdom employment terms and conditions. Salary offers for positions based in Germany take into account local tax and social security regulations, which may result in different net salary outcomes compared to those in the UK.

About BASIC

BASIC is an independent think tank whose mission is to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear weapons risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Founded in 1987, we have 36 years’ experience of convening meaningful dialogues across complex political divides, and a reputation for generating innovative, high-quality research and policy advice.

BASIC is a fast-paced, inclusive, and rewarding environment in which to work. We have experienced >5x growth since 2017, and our intention is to continue this growth trajectory. We have an exceptionally positive team culture.

BASIC sees its role as one of drawing together different perspectives within the nuclear weapons / security debate and pushing the boundaries of policy discussions. We cherish our independence and freedom of speech. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.
 

Role Description

The Programme Manager is a highly-efficient, well-organised, and internationally-respected member of the nuclear policy community.They are expected to be able to take primary ownership of project delivery management as well as lead the development of multiple new projects, including developing ideas leading to successful fundraising.They will have strong knowledge of several methodologies which could be used for new projects and will have a track record of winning funding, as well as some knowledge of funding relationships. 

The Programme Manager will have specialisation in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Regime and will need to have a good general knowledge of global security and conflict resolution, and a demonstrable ability to design and carry out project management and research to a high standard. They are expected to be an internationally recognised researcher with a strong area of specialisation related to nuclear weapons issues, specifically in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty regime. 

The Programme Manager will implement the Non-Proliferation Treaty Monitor (NPT Monitor), a platform that provides independent analysis and information on the effectiveness and implementation of the Treaty by the NPT-recognised nuclear-weapon States. The key objective for the Programme Manager will be to develop this project to a level where the NPT Monitor becomes a permanent and essential fixture of the NPT regime, providing significant analysis on treaty implementation for States Parties (especially smaller delegations), NGOs, and academia. 

The Programme Manager will demonstrate exceptional leadership and vision within the nuclear policy community. They will have a robust track record of policy-relevant publications. A strong network in their area of specialisation is essential, and they are expected to maintain and expand it to benefit BASIC. The Programme Manager will also be responsible for line managing team members across multiple projects, demonstrating exceptional leadership and fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.

For the Senior Policy Fellow title, we expect a well-developed professional network, particularly in fundraising relationships; we expect the ability to manage large scale, complex projects with budgets exceeding £400,000/year; and we expect an independently developed vision for the growth and further development of the programme including a fundraising strategy to match this ambition. This role also demands a formal project or programme management qualification, although we are open to discussing the provision of training if this has not already been achieved.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

1. Programme delivery 

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements

• Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns

• Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings

• Manage organisation of international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants

• Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation

• Independently represent BASIC at international meetings

2. Fundraising

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Build our programmes, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities

• Liaise with Programme Director about funding priorities and opportunities

• Manage projects with minimal day-to-day Director-level input.

• Develop new and existing relationships with funders

• Write and edit funding applications

3. Communications

Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Use online and offline communications skills to promote our / their work

• Confidently use online social media platforms, and if possible, press contacts

4. Office support

Applicants will need to be able to support the running of the organisation and colleagues with a range of administrative tasks wherever required.

Role Requirements

Essential Criteria for the role

• Educated to Master’s level

• 8-15+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues

• Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security

• Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting

• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function

• Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research

• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team

• Strong track record of previous fundraising experience and success

• Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops

• Willingness to travel internationally when required

• Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail

• Good personal network in their research area

• Previous line management experience

Desirable Criteria

• Formal programme/project management qualification

Please note that, due to the large number of applications we receive, we are not able to acknowledge receipt of all applications and only shortlisted candidates will be notified. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, you have not been successful.