Researcher and Junior Project Manager - Defence and Foreign Policy

Company Description The Gulf Defence Industry Initiative (GDII) is a consultancy focused on the defence sectors in the MENA region. GDII connects leading defence stakeholders with current and former members of national defence, as well as defence-focused executives and academics. The opportunityWe are looking for an intellectually curious, diligent and confident Junior Project Manager to join our small, ambitious and dynamic team working across defence, foreign policy and strategic communications.This role would particularly suit an Arabic language graduate or someone with relevant experience in the Middle East who is keen to use and develop their language skills in a professional setting. We welcome applications from candidates with backgrounds in government, journalism, NGOs, international affairs or related fields. Recent graduates with the right aptitude, judgement and enthusiasm are strongly encouraged to apply.The position is based remotely in London and may involve frequent travel to the Middle East for the right candidate.The roleYou will support and, as your experience develops, take ownership of a varied portfolio of projects. Our current work includes several strategic communications initiatives, commercial intelligence projects and will include the launch of a new Arabic-language defence journal.Initially, a significant part of the role will involve project administration and coordination. You will be expected to approach this work with care and precision, while quickly developing the knowledge and confidence needed to manage projects independently.Responsibilities will include:Coordinating project plans, schedules, meetings and deadlinesMaintaining accurate project documentation, records and action listsConducting research on defence, foreign policy and Middle Eastern affairsSupporting the development of Arabic- and English-language communicationsLiaising professionally with clients.Preparing briefing materials, reports and presentationsMonitoring progress, identifying risks and helping resolve problemsTaking ownership of specific projects and workstreamsSupporting projects and colleagues during busy or time-sensitive periodsTravelling to the Middle East when requiredAbout youThe most important qualities for this role are curiosity, diligence, confidence and sound judgement. You will be eager to learn, comfortable taking responsibility and able to build rapport with people from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds.You will be a genuine news enthusiast who lives and breathes current affairs. You will read widely across newspapers, journals and other credible sources, follow global developments closely and be able to form thoughtful, well-informed views. At interview, you should be prepared to discuss current geopolitical events and explain the relationships between key countries, regions and international actors.You should be:Highly organised, reliable and attentive to detailAble to work calmly and effectively under pressureWilling to take ownership of projects and follow tasks through to completionAn excellent professional communicator, both in writing and in personDeeply curious about international affairs, defence and the Middle EastAn avid and discerning consumer of international news and analysisAble to discuss current geopolitical developments clearly and confidentlyComfortable working independently as part of a close-knit remote teamProactive, adaptable and willing to help wherever neededSensitive to different cultural and political contextsExperience and language skills:Some knowledge of Arabic would be highly advantageous. The position may be especially well suited to an Arabic language graduate with a genuine interest in applying their language skills to practical work in international affairs and strategic communications. Candidates who do not have this existing skill should be able to show their desire to learn them outside of their working day, with support from the company.Knowledge of other languages would also be particularly advantageous, including Farsi, Russian, French, Spanish or Chinese.Experience in government, journalism, an NGO, public policy, research, communications or project delivery would be welcomed. However, extensive professional experience is not essential: recent graduates who demonstrate strong aptitude, maturity and motivation will be considered.Knowledge of the Middle East, whether gained through work, study, travel or language learning, would be an advantage.What we offer:You will join a small team with an excellent working atmosphere and high morale. The role offers substantial opportunities to learn on the job, take on responsibility and develop experience across project management, strategic communications and international affairs.Our benefits package includes:Generous Pension ContributionsHealth insuranceContinued Language Training Opportunities Clear Professional training and developmentOpportunities for travel to the Middle EastExposure to varied and engaging international projectsRemote working Competitive paid annual leaveThis is a full-time, remote position for a candidate based in the United Kingdom. Some in-person meetings in London and frequent international travel may be required, depending on the needs of individual projects and on project requirements. How to applyPlease submit your CV and a short covering letter explaining:Why you are interested in the roleYour interest in defence, foreign policy and the Middle EastThe capital city of Saudi Arabia Your ability in Arabic or any other relevant languages, particularly Farsi, Russian, French, Spanish or ChineseHow you keep abreast of international news and geopolitical developmentsAn example of a project, assignment or responsibility you have taken ownership of