Manager, Research​/Development

The Tony Blair Institute's Geopolitics practice helps political leaders and governments translate systemic shifts in the global order into concrete strategic advantage by strengthening bilateral and regional engagements, positioning on AI technology and economic transformation. The Manager will be a core member of the Geopolitics practice, supporting a high‑impact government advisory engagement based in Riyadh, with an expected commitment of approximately 2 years working closely with a senior executive‑level client.

The role requires a highly analytical and detail‑oriented professional capable of producing rigorous research‑driven insights that directly inform strategic decision‑making at the highest levels of government. It is for someone who combines strong research discipline and analytical precision with the ability to operate in a small, high‑performing team.

• Lead analytical and research work streams, ensuring outputs are grounded in rigorous evidence and structured methodologies.
• Produce a wide range of deliverables, including strategic briefs, deep‑dive research notes, and macroeconomic and geopolitical assessments.
• Conduct rapid‑response analyses tailored to senior decision‑makers.
• Apply structured analytical frameworks and research methods to generate robust, defensible insights.
• Ensure accuracy, consistency, and analytical integrity across all outputs.
• Translate complex analysis into clear, concise, and actionable recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively within a small, fast‑paced team, contributing flexibly across multiple work streams and deliverable types.
• Adapt quickly to client needs, balancing high‑level strategic thinking with granular research tasks.
• Analyse intersections between macroeconomic trends, emerging technologies (incl. AI), and geopolitical dynamics, focusing on implications for government strategy.
• Maintain situational awareness and produce timely, well‑evidenced assessments on evolving developments.
• Uphold consistently high standards of analytical rigor, intellectual honesty, and quality control.

• Experience in management consulting, geopolitical advisory, public policy, or a top‑tier research institution (e.g., think tank, international organisation, economic research firm).
• Demonstrated track record of delivering high‑quality analytical or research outputs for senior stakeholders.
• Exposure to economic and geopolitical issues, with the ability to connect macro‑level trends to policy and strategic implications.
• Experience contributing to or supporting policy development, strategic advisory, or advocacy efforts is an advantage.

• Master’s degree in international relations, public policy, economics, political economy, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., economics, politics, international studies, history).
• A PhD in a relevant field is advantageous but not required.

• Exceptional analytical rigor and attention to detail; ability to produce precise, well‑structured, evidence‑based analysis.
• Strong research capability; experience conducting structured, hypothesis‑driven research using diverse and credible sources.
• Structured problem‑solving; ability to break down complex issues and develop clear, defensible conclusions.
• Clear and disciplined communication; ability to translate complex analysis into concise, decision‑ready outputs.
• Interest in macroeconomics, technology/AI, and geopolitics, with the ability to operate across these intersecting domains.
• Familiarity with AI and advanced analytical tools (e.g., data analysis platforms, AI‑assisted research tools) is a strong advantage.
• Adaptability and versatility; comfort working across both high‑level strategic deliverables and detailed research tasks.
• Team‑oriented mindset; ability to operate effectively in a small, collaborative team environment.
• Strong ownership and work ethic; high level of accountability for quality, timelines, and delivery.