Research Leader Defence

RAND is an independent not-for-profit research institute, whose mission is to help improve public policy- and decision-making through objective research and analysis. Part of the RAND Corporation, RAND Europe has over 30 years of experience in conducting client-funded policy research for governments, international organisations, research councils, charitable foundations and other organisations. Our mission is to help improve public policy and decision making through evidence-based research and analysis.

The Defence & Security (D&S) research group conducts a wide-ranging portfolio of research for a diverse client base in the Europe and beyond. Our clients include the National Coordinator for Terrorism and Security (NCTV), the Ministry of Justice and Security, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other national government departments, EU institutions (e.g. European Commission, European Parliament), international defence and security organisations (e.g. Foreign Affairs ministries across Europe, NATO, UN), and various third sector and humanitarian organisations.

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

• Defence Strategy, Policy and Capability (strategy; policy and planning; capability)
• Defence Industry and Acquisition (industry; acquisition; international cooperation & institutions)
• Defence Workforce and Skills (public sector; industry; Armed Forces community)
• Security (national/international security, counter terrorism, preventing and countering violent extremism, human security, border security)
• Technology, Disruption and Uncertainty (cyber and information; emerging technology; future threats and uncertainty; defence innovation)
• Sustainability and Resilience (climate and decarbonisation; energy and energy security; critical infrastructure; emergency response) 

Researchers in the Defence & Security group originate from a diverse range of nationalities, disciplines, and professional backgrounds including consultancy, academia, international institutions, NGOs, the civil service, and the military. There are many opportunities for career progression within RAND, for diversification of research working alongside the other groups and in the specialist centres within the organisation, and for collaboration across the wider RAND Corporation.

We are specifically looking for an individual with a strong, proven track record of delivering research on issues related to: Defence capability and acquisition; Defence industry, strategy and policy; armed forces, personnel, doctrine and resources. We are also interested in individuals with expertise in a range of methods.

Key Responsibilities

Your primary role will be to design, lead and manage research and analysis on topics related to defence capability development and acquisition, industrial base analysis and policy questions on behalf of our government clients.

You will work as part of our wider research leadership team to ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the highest quality standards.

This role will involve:

• Leading or managing the development of competitive research proposals, including designing an effective approach and project management plan that delivers against the client’s requirements

• Leading or managing research projects, working collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary project team and demonstrating mature understanding of the policy context, applying relevant knowledge and research methods, and using strong project management, teamwork and leadership skills to support junior researchers

• Contribute to the management of the Dutch office under the leadership of the office director, and contribute to the growth strategy in the Netherlands

• In consultation with the Research Group and office leadership, proactively developing relationships with current or prospective clients, as well as wider networks of experts and collaborators

• Frequently liaising with government and industry stakeholders as part of the research projects

• Mentoring and developing junior researchers through training and development activities, and performance management processes

• Demonstrating mature understanding of the policy context of the Netherlands and European defence and an ability to apply relevant knowledge on defence studies, whilst also remaining agile to work across a broad range of topic areas within the portfolio of the Defence and Security Research Group

• Demonstrating excellent time management skills to manage involvement in multiple parallel projects, proposals, corporate initiatives and other activities (e.g. outreach, speaking roles at conferences, publication of op-eds etc.)

• Supporting and contributing as required to the wider management and leadership of the research group and RAND Europe as a business

Requirements

Benefits