Policy and research assistant jobs in Belfast
Project Manager, Policy Fellow
Terms: full time; 3 year contract
Salary: £36,400-46,000
Location: Remote working, option to use co-working space. There will be requirements to travel internationally.
Start Date: As soon as possible
Reports to: Programme Manager, Senior Policy Fellow, Dr Chiara Cervasio
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in either the UK, Italy or Germany and be either currently located in one of these countries or prepared to relocate prior to commencing employment. In this case, BASIC is not providing any relocation assistance and is unable to sponsor VISAs.
About BASIC
BASIC is an independent, non-profit think tank working to safeguard humanity and Earth's ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats, for generations to come. Our vision is for a global security consensus founded on multilateralism, the recognition of the indivisibility of security, adherence to Earth's planetary boundaries, and consideration of future generations.
For nearly 40 years, we have built a global reputation for groundbreaking dialogue and incisive thought leadership to strengthen international peace and security. We are an intellectually and culturally diverse team of 20 expert-practitioners with deep institutional experience, headquartered in London with additional presences in Berlin and Rome. We are independent, receive no core funding from any state, and our project work is funded transparently.
BASIC's approach to resolving contemporary nuclear dynamics is centred on dialogue as both a practice and a philosophy. We interpret dialogue broadly, recognising that meaningful engagement takes many forms: from facilitating direct strategic conversations between adversaries grounded in conflict resolution principles, to developing networks and diplomatic initiatives that build consensus around shared objectives, to shaping the intellectual foundations of policy discourse through rigorous research and thought leadership.
BASIC is a fast-paced and rewarding environment with an exceptionally positive and inclusive team culture. We have experienced rapid growth over the past decade and are well-suited to people who are motivated by our mission, able to work at a sustained pace, keen to develop professionally, and enjoy being part of a collaborative team working on consequential issues.
What We Offer
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Competitive salary with room for growth
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30 days annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure days over the December festive period
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Employer pension contributions of 5% (above the national minimum)
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Flexible working arrangements, with set days (Wednesdays required) but flexibility on hours
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Remote working with option to use co-working space
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1-2 all-staff in-person team away day per year, as well as other in-person working opportunities
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Opportunities for professional growth and development
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Excellent team culture built on respect, openness, and inclusion
The Role
The Project Manager is an adept and organised professional, esteemed within the nuclear policy community for their level. Responsible for overseeing a discrete package of work, they must demonstrate a clear understanding and alignment with broader programme goals, strategies, and objectives. The role will report to the Programme Manager.
Taking charge of project deliverables, the Project Manager will navigate the entire project cycle, from generating fundraising ideas to developing them further and building knowledge of funding relationships. The role will also include deputising for the Programme Manager during periods of absence, ensuring continuity of delivery, external engagement, and team support as required.
The Project Manager will take responsibility for the South Asia portfolio under the Responsibilities and Global Governance (RGG) Programme. The RGG Programme works to strengthen global security by supporting the development of responsible governance frameworks for weapons and dual-use technologies in cross-cutting operational domains. Under the South Asia portfolio, the RGG Programme has facilitated research and dialogue with the Indian and Pakistani nuclear policy communities with a focus on regional crisis prevention, management, and de-escalation practices.
The Project Manager should possess a solid understanding of global security and conflict resolution and a deep understanding and demonstrable knowledge of military security dynamics in South Asia, coupled with a proven ability to design and execute high-quality project management and research. The ideal candidate is an established researcher with a specialisation in nuclear weapons issues and South Asia. As the candidate will be expected to facilitate India-Pakistan nuclear dialogues, it is important that they will show an ability to engage impartially with all parties.
It is expected that the Project Manager will have solo authored, policy relevant, publications. The Project Manager should possess the skills to expand their network in their area of specialisation, benefiting BASIC, and be capable of line managing other team members within their project.
This role necessitates a formal project or programme management qualification – BASIC will provide the Project Manager with such training and qualifications if they do not already possess one. The Project Manager will collaborate with their line manager to identify a professional development plan, closing skills gaps and aspiring to become an internationally respected leader in their field.
Key Responsibilities
1. Project Delivery
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Manage project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements
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Line manage, mentor/coach, and provide pastoral care for the project team: policy fellows, project assistants and interns
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Write high-quality, policy-relevant research reports, op-eds and briefings
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Organise international roundtables, workshops and other events with track 1 and 2 participants
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Manage relationships with stakeholders and build BASIC’s network and reputation
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Independently represent BASIC at international meetings
2. Fundraising
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Develop a project, by independently and confidently scoping funding opportunities
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Liaise with the Programme Manager on funding priorities and opportunities
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Manage projects with minimal day-to-day manager input.
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Develop new and existing relationships with funders
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Write and edit funding applications
3. Communications
Applicants will need to be able to demonstrate the ability to:
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Collaborate with various stakeholders including international partners to build strong relationships.
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Facilitate dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.
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Promote our / their work confidently and internationally
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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.
Person Specification:
Essential:
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Educated to Master’s level – or demonstrate the equivalent in work experience
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5+ years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues
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Demonstrable knowledge of South Asian military security issues
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Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security
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Demonstrated ability and track record in leading the creative development and delivery of policy projects in the UK or internationally, including budgeting and reporting
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Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function
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Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research
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Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team
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Track record of previous fundraising experience and success
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Strong track record of publications, including policy-relevant ones
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Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops
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Willingness to travel internationally including to India and Pakistan when required
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Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail
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Good personal network in their research area
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Previous line management experience
Desirable:
- Educated to PhD’s level
- 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.
Registered Charity
1 - 5
Working to safeguard humanity and Earth’s ecosystem from nuclear risks and interconnected security threats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the East Anglia region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering East Anglia you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk or Suffolk?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you are excited to learn more about this position, please take a read through our recruitment pack which is attached in this advert.
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We are asking for a CV as the first step but applicants may be asked to provide a targeted covering letter as part of the selection process. Interviews will be conducted during the application window as appropriate, and will consist of a first interview via MS Teams, progressing, if successful to a face to face second interview, held at our offices in Milton Keynes.
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Fundraiser – South East (Kent, Surrey or Sussex)
We are really excited to have welcomed our new Director of Income Generation and Development to Brain Tumour Research this month, a great new start for the new year!
This is a fantastic time to be joining our ambitious and growing charity and we are keen to share this with likeminded and talented individuals. We currently have an opening for a Community Fundraiser, to be based in the South East region.
As the Community Fundraiser covering the South East you will play a crucial role in helping the charity meet its strategic plans and objectives, which include campaigning to increase the national investment in brain tumour research to £35 million per year, while fundraising to create a network of seven sustainable Brain Tumour Research Centres of Excellence across the UK. Your role will be to generate and grow our income through community fundraising activities, contributing to a regional team target of more than £1.5 million.
- Do you want to make a difference in one of the most innovative and exciting medical research fundraising charities in the UK?
- Do you live in Kent, Surrey or Sussex?
- Do you have at least one years' experience of working in a professional Community Fundraising position?
Have you answered Yes to these questions?
Does this sound like the opportunity to really get 2026 off to an amazing start?
If you have the skills and ambition that we are looking for we welcome your application. We are really looking forward to welcoming a new member to our team!
We reserve the right to close the application window early and advise candidates to apply in good time to avoid disappointment.
We are looking for people who share our passion for finding a cure for brain tumours and who have the skills and experience to make a difference. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, and ages. We believe that diversity enriches our organisation and helps us achieve our mission. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and contribute to our vision.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
To find a cure for all types of brain tumours To increase the UK investment in brain tumour research
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Join the Iona Community as our Financial Administration Team Leader, a pivotal role overseeing the day-to-day operations of our finance department. You will ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely financial processes, supporting the wider organisation and reporting directly to the Head of Community Resources.
We are looking for someone self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently and as part of a team, experienced in using Xero, with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and effective time management.
Key Responsibilities include
- Lead the daily operations of the finance administration function
- Support weekly, monthly and year-end processing and reports
- Support for annual audit, respond to queries and collate documentation
- Assist with annual budgeting and provide budget spend reports to senior managers
- Oversee processing of sales ledger, purchase ledger, expenses and monthly journal inputs
- Assist in filing financial, regulatory and legal information with statutory bodies as and when required
- Supervisory responsibility for the Finance Administration Assistant.
Why Join Us?
- Generous holiday allowance — 37 days pro-rata, including public holidays.
- Membership for NEST pension scheme.
- Home working with regular meetings in Govan, Glasgow and occasional meetings on Iona.
- The opportunity to develop our systems
- Friendly colleagues.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
We believe in the transformational power of community to change lives and that work for justice, peace and an equitable society is a matter of urgency
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Role outline and purpose
The Head of External Relations leads strategic engagement and influencing activities to ensure hunger and hardship remain a priority for key external audiences, to build the breadth and depth of support needed to help end the need for food banks. This role engages and influences target stakeholders in government, business, civil society and faith communities to prioritise hunger and hardship in their decisions and actions.
This role is part of Trussell’s Prioritising Hunger and Hardship programme, the goal of which is to keep hunger and hardship at the forefront of conversations and decision making – both amongst the public and key individuals and organisations relevant to our cause. This role is focused on the successful delivery of the overall programme outcomes, contributing to the fulfilment of our long-term vision of a UK without the need for food banks.
Role responsibilities
· Leading the organisation’s external influencing strategy to shape key conversations, decisions, and activities among target audiences to ensure hunger and hardship remain a national priority. Working closely with colleagues across the organisation focused on influencing and advocacy with relevant stakeholders (e.g. policymakers, advice sector, local authorities).
· Develop and maintain high-impact senior relationships with key parliamentarians, civil servants, faith leaders, youth organisations, the wider charitable food sector and other partners to build strategic support and unlock change.
· Oversee targeted engagement programmes that deepen collaboration with, and activate, key stakeholders and organisations to build and amplify the long-term wide-ranging support needed to end the need for food banks – including youth and wider civil society organisations, charitable food providers and faith communities.
· Shape and support coalitions that align around shared priorities, build a unified narrative, and strengthen the collective voice of organisations working to support people facing hunger and hardship.
· Act as an external spokesperson representing the organisation in media, at external events and high-level meetings and through written commentary.
· Provide team leadership, direction, support and line management. This will include regular 1:1s and reviews to ensure object and targets are met.
Person Specification
Technical skills and minimum knowledge:
· Proven track record of developing and delivering successful influencing strategies, focused on wide-ranging and high-profile external audiences
· Extensive experience in senior stakeholder engagement, coalition building, and influencing with impact across a wide range of partners, including a strong understanding of the UK political landscape and policy processes
· An understanding and appreciation for faith communities, particularly the role churches play in mobilising communities to end the need for food banks
· Knowledge of issues related to hunger and hardship, with an ability to translate complex policy into accessible messaging
Behaviours and competencies:
· Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate and respond to changing political and social environments
· Role model inclusive behaviour, values and leadership including empathy for people from disadvantaged, marginalised or socially excluded backgrounds
· Comfortable working in a fast-paced and high-performing organisation, combining problem-solving with collaborative interpersonal skills
· Effective communications and influencing skills: diplomatic, builds rapport, accessible and audience-appropriate presentation, and highly persuasive
Key Stakeholders
· Programme Leadership Team, particularly Heads withing Prioritising Hunger and Hardship (Head of Programme, Communications, and Research)
· Key influencing stakeholders within Making Social Security Work, Sustainable Holistic Advice, and Supportive Communities programmes (including Heads of Policy, Advice Advocacy, Community Building, and Community Design)
· Senior Audience messaging specialist (in programme)
· Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland leads
· Assistant Director of Income Generation
· UK parliamentarians and officials
· Senior sector partners
· Senior Church leaders
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.