Position description

is an international think tank. It researches issues relating to defence and security in Europe and beyond. It is a not-for-profit organisation, independent of government and committed to objectivity, integrity and impartiality in all its work.

RUSI Europe collaborates closely with its parent organisation, RUSI, by exchanging expertise, jointly delivering projects and by developing relationships with international stakeholders. Our current joint fields of expertise and programming include the critical issues of radicalisation, extremism and counter-terrorism.

This post is based in RUSI Europe’s office in Brussels, and is also linked to the RUSI Terrorism and Conflict group that includes staff in London and Nairobi.

About the Position

RUSI is hiring a Senior Research Fellow (SRF) on Counter Terrorism, with a specific focus on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE), to be based in RUSI Europe. The SRF will carry out key roles on RUSI and RUSI Europe projects, including delivering training and other learning activities on P/CVE, as well as contributing to design and implementation of other relevant RUSI projects and activities.

The Senior Research Fellow will be part of the broader RUSI Terrorism and Conflict Group, as well as playing an active role in RUSI Europe and working closely with the RUSI Europe Director to develop RUSI Europe’s profile and engagement on CT and P/CVE.

The position will carry out the lead key expert role on the European Commission funded CVE training project, acting as Project Director and overseeing design and delivery of training (including taking part in that training). Depending on the profile of the preferred candidate, they may also undertake the RUSI training lead role on the Radicalisation Awareness Network project, and/or act as the Project Director for a highly complex P/CVE project working in Afghanistan. The position may also play a role on other funded projects as appropriate, and work closely with the Directors of RUSI Europe and the RUSI Terrorism and Conflict Group to identify and secure new funding opportunities in line with business development objectives.

Job Specification

The Senior Research Fellow, Counter Terrorism and Extremism, will undertake the following activities:

• Lead design and delivery of training courses on P/CVE, CT and radicalisation, in Europe and globally, including curriculum and training material design, project management,  M&E, lesson learning, and oversight of trainings delivered by project partners;
• Execute and oversee delivery of P/CVE and CT research and training projects, including acting as Project Director and/or key expert where needed, and taking responsibility for managing staff/consultants and overseeing project planning, budgets and financial management;
• Contribute to RUSI’s business development in relation to research projects, co-author successful bids, and liaise with key public and private sector funders;
• Make a substantial contribution to published commentary and media engagement on counter-terrorism, and thereby enhance RUSI’s national and international profile and reputation;
• Propose and organise policy relevant events on P/CVE and Counter Terrorism, and liaise with government, NGO and multilateral organisations to promote uptake of RUSI outputs.

***The above list of duties is not exhaustive. The post holder will be required to undertake such duties that may reasonably be expected within the scope and grade of the role***.  

Person Specification

Please note some of the specifications below, particularly around length of experience, are set by the European Commission in their terms of reference for specific project roles, and are not decided by RUSI.

Essential

• At least 10 years working experience in sectors relevant to this role, specifically in counter-terrorism;
• At least 5 years of experience in international and European security issues, with particular reference to counter terrorism and P/CVE;
• At least 5 years of experience in formulation of EU funded programmes including a very good knowledge of procedures as applied to various types of EU external assistance projects, including PCM;
• Advanced University degree in International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, or other disciplines relevant to this role;
• Fluency in oral and written English;
• Excellent communications skills, including facilitating communication between researchers and policy makers;
• Good knowledge of EU counter-terrorism/radicalisation policies;
• Experience in the development of curriculum design, and publication-quality training materials;
• Experience delivering in-person and virtual trainings using innovative and engaging methods;
• Experience of research methodologies and publications;
• Willing and available to travel internationally if given adequate notice.

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment;
• Working knowledge of French;
• Expertise in the areas of disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration in the context of regions affected by returning foreign terrorist fighters;
• Experience and understanding of good practice in relation to M&E of P/CVE;
• In-depth understanding of relevant country contexts, in particular Afghanistan;
• Proven experience of building relationships and liaising with senior stakeholders, particularly across EU institutions and bodies.

Contract

This is a full time, permanent role, based in RUSI Europe’s office in central Brussels, near the EU institutions. However, flexible working arrangements, including part-time working (minimum 3 days per week), can be discussed with the recruiting manager as part of the recruitment process.

Depending on the profile and availability of the selected candidate(s), more than one appointment may be made based on a clear division of projects and responsibilities. The successful candidate(s) should have the right to work in the location/ EU.

Salary and Benefits

The contract follows Belgian labour law regulations and will attract a monthly salary, 20 days of annual leave, a pension contribution of 3% of your gross annual salary, and participation in a group insurance.

Application instructions