Senior Research and Policy Manager, Extremism

ISD is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to safeguarding human rights and reversing the rising tide of polarisation, extremism and disinformation worldwide.

Why work for ISD?

ISD is not your ordinary think tank. We turn research into action that changes the world. Our insights don't gather dust on shelves - they power the fight to protect democracy and human rights on the front lines. We're committed to delivering real change, from the grassroots to the highest levels of global institutions. And we're looking for passionate individuals who share our commitment to making a difference. Join us and be part of an organisation that's making an impact.

ISD's Guiding Principles of integrity, collaboration, agility and courage  define who we are as a team and an organisation. These principles reflect our culture and guide the way we work and the choices we make.

Our benefits

• Flexible and remote working based on ISD's Time Principles of trust, communication and flexibility.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays.
• 1 week of additional paid time off over Christmas, outside of your annual leave entitlement.
• Additional paid time off for development.
• Sick pay and enhanced family friendly policies and compassionate leave.
• Company pension with 5% employer contribution.
• Annual personal development budget.
• Remote working budget.
• Employee Assistance Programme and dedicated counsellors for those working with potentially traumatic content.
• Inclusive wellbeing programme with regular wellbeing initiatives e.g. early finish on a Friday.

Salary

£45,000 - £60,000 per annum (pro rated), depending on experience.

Location

You may work from our office in central London or on a hybrid arrangement to suit you. Please note you will be required to attend the office at least two days a week in this role.

Hours and contract

This is an initial 9 month fixed-term contract for 4 days per week (0.8 FTE). We are open to considering flexible working arrangements.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

ISD is committed to promoting diversity throughout its workforce and aims for its team to be truly representative of all sections of society. We make a concerted effort to ensure our workplace, employment policies and organisational culture creates an inclusive, positive and progressive environment in which all members of our team are treated with dignity and respect. For further information about this policy or our recruitment practices, please email vacancies@isdglobal.org.

We strongly encourage applications from people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, neuro-divergent people, carers, and people from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

The role

The Senior Policy & Research Manager, Extremism, is responsible for driving forward ISD’s policy and research work on extremism and terrorism, with a focus on Europe and the UK. This will involve managing extremism-focused research, pioneering cutting-edge digital analysis on online extremism, driving thought leadership on emerging extremism threats, and establishing new partnerships with policy makers and platforms. This position’s focus on extremism in the UK and Europe will involve working closely with ISD teams in both London and Berlin, as well as regularly engaging with colleagues in the US.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading research on extremism across the ideological spectrum online and offline
• Driving thought leadership around emerging ‘hybridised’ extremism threats
• Forging partnerships with policy makers in the counter extremism domain (including regulators)
• Driving new business development with both private and public sector partners.

To view the full job description and responsibilities, please click here.

The ideal candidate

The ideal candidate should have a Master's degree in a related field (or equivalent experience), 6+ years of relevant research or policy experience, management experience, proficiency in digital analysis, and deep subject matter expertise in extremism across the ideological spectrum, as well as the related policy landscape.

Please review our  job description for essential criteria, and keep in mind that no candidate will meet every requirement in the advert. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified, but you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to hear from you.

How to apply

Please submit your application by 7 May 2024. ISD reserves the right to interview and appoint candidates prior to the advertised closing date.

If you have any further questions about this vacancy or want to speak to a member of our recruitment team, please contact vacancies@isdglobal.org.