Associate Strategist

We are seeking an Associate Strategist who can blend rigorous research capabilities with creative strategic thinking and agile evaluation. In this role, you will work across the research, strategy and evaluation functions of the organisation, helping to generate insights and translate them into evidence-based interventions and compelling strategic narratives. As a technology-first organisation, we also expect strategists to use AI and digital tools effectively to accelerate research, strengthen analysis and uncover insights that create greater value for clients.

You will support the delivery of qualitative and quantitative research projects, apply behavioural science and human-centred design, collaborate closely with creatives to shape the strategic direction of our communications outputs, and support the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and iteration of projects. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to both live projects and new business development across a variety of thematic and geographic contexts. You should be comfortable working with our existing tools and workflows, proactive in identifying opportunities for new ones, and enthusiastic about experimenting with AI-assisted ways of working. While no technical background is required, we value curiosity about technology, an openness to low-code and AI-enabled problem solving, and a willingness to help develop, test and refine bespoke tools, automations and functions that improve how we work.

This role is dependent on contract award. Once awarded, it will be a three year contract due to start from September.

What you’ll be doing

1. Research Design & Synthesis

• Conduct desk research and literature reviews across political, socio-economic, and media resilience domains.
• Support OSINT collection and analysis through public datasets, media monitoring, and social listening tools.
• Support the design research methodologies and data collection tools such as questionnaires, focus group guides, and discussion protocols.
• Synthesise findings from qualitative and quantitative data into clear, actionable insights.
• Maintain an organised archive of research tools and past insights for reuse.

2. Stakeholder & Audience Mapping

• Identify and categorise key stakeholders, influencers, and audiences.
• Contribute to systems-mapping to understand behavioural drivers, social norms, and environmental barriers.
• Help develop audience profiles using behavioural science frameworks such as COM-B and EAST.

3. Strategic Input & Framing

• Contribute in translating research insights into communication strategies, strategic narratives, and behavioural frameworks.
• Draft SMART behavioural objectives and contribute to the development of Theories of Change (ToC).
• Assist in crafting messaging frameworks, campaign pillars, and creative briefs.
• Collaborate with creative teams to ensure strategic coherence in campaign execution.

4. Writing & Drafting

• Draft sections of concept notes, proposals, analytical reports, and strategy documents.
• Prepare workshop materials and translate outputs into actionable strategic plans.
• Ensure all documents are clear, consistent, and professionally formatted.

5. Coordination & Data Management

• Track deliverables and coordinate inputs across research and strategy teams.
• Support the planning and logistics of internal and client-facing workshops.
• Capture lessons learned and contribute to internal knowledge management systems.

Requirements

Requirements

What we need from you…

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in research and communications strategy.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, international development, social sciences, related field, or equivalent experience.
• Familiarity with human-centred design and social and behaviour change communication approaches.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex information.
• Proven ability to convert research insights into creative strategies and narratives.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in AI tools
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Experience in contributing to proposal development
• Willingness to work outside standard hours to meet deadlines.

Area of Selection

We’re committed to hiring a diverse workforce from different professional and cultural backgrounds, and to that end we encourage a variety of people to apply to join our company to represent the diverse range of subjects associated with our projects.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates who receive a job offer will be required to:

• Disclose any previous disciplinary action against them resulting from a substantiated safeguarding (including any breaches involving trafficking- related activities) or workplace investigation.
• Undergo background checks including employment verification, sexual offender registry (as available), identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.