Terms: Part-time, one year contact with the possibility for extension; 6 month probation period
Salary: £28,600-33,000 (pro-rata depending on hours)
Location: Remote working, with the opportunity to work from co-working space if desired and quarterly in-person team away days
Closing date: Friday 15th September 2023
Submit applications (CV and cover letter) via email to [email protected] with ‘Programme Assistant 2023’ in the subject line. Please note that you must have the right to work in the UK.
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.
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, and 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 Assistant is a highly-motivated early career expert who has a strong sense of affinity with our mission and who has longer term career ambitions to work in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. They will have mastered the core professional skills around drafting, research, speaking and organisation and will be comfortable working as part of a close-knit and friendly team. They will be familiar with the general working of a think tank or research institute and show initiative when identifying and completing tasks but are still largely in a supporting role, being closely supervised by a Policy Fellow or Programme Manager.
The Programme Assistant will be working on BASIC’s Risk Reduction Programme. The programme identifies risks of conflict and their escalation, and develops risk reduction tools and confidence-building measures to assist states and other actors with research-based policy advice to reduce the risk of conflict and the escalation of conflict. Specifically, the Programme Assistant will be working on our flagship project ‘Turning Point: Realising a Sustainable Security Architecture in Europe’ that is concerned with climate change, human security and peace. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in these areas being able to clearly evidence their experience and skills.
Main Duties
Day-to-day Responsibilities
Project related
- Can independently take charge of end-to-end organisation of events: first drafts of participant lists, first draft of invitation text, sending all invitations and keeping track of RSVPs; arranging any necessary travel arrangements, room bookings, catering etc. independently; has a good knowledge of all the tasks that are needed for events management and can keep track of them themselves.
- Confident drafter who can independently transform event notes into a roundtable report; good research skills.
- Strong proofreading skills; can provide feedback to colleagues, including senior colleagues.
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Educated to Master’s level | x | |
| 2-4 years of work experience in a think tank, research institute, NGO, foundation or government working on international security issues | x | |
| Passion and commitment to our organisational mission of promoting dialogue to advance global security | x | |
| Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders from a variety of professional and cultural backgrounds and with broad variations in seniority and function | x | |
| Excellent analytical and methodological skills, and an organised approach to research | x | |
| Well-developed interpersonal skills, including evidence of working successfully as part of a team | x | |
| Experience organising policy roundtables and workshops, international travel | x | |
| Willingness to travel internationally when required | x | |
| Strong organisational skills and an eye for detail | x |
What’s in it for you?
An excellent basic salary with 30 days holiday entitlement (pro rata for part time roles), in addition to bank holidays and closure days over the festive period.
A flexible work environment. We understand that a work/life balance is necessary and are happy to offer flexibility in how you deliver your hours, although we require all staff to work on Tuesdays.
Joining a fantastic team with an excellent culture and rapport. Enjoying the benefits of a flat structure where we operate equally and everybody’s voice matters.