OVERVIEW The Director of International Research is a senior leadership role based in Sydney, responsible for shaping and delivering the Institute for Economics & Peace’s global research agenda. The position combines intellectual leadership, people management, and commercial responsibility, with a strong external-facing component. The role plays a central part in expanding IEP’s global influence, advisory capability, and long-term institutional partnerships. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES – Lead the development and delivery of IEP’s international research program and foster a high-performance, mission-driven research culture – Oversee high-impact global publications, including driving methodological innovation – Manage and mentor a research team of 10 professionals delivering concurrent international research projects – Oversee project management, cost control, and compilation of project P&L – Identify and develop new research, advisory, and partnership opportunities – Drive business development, pipeline management, and revenue growth – Manage senior client and stakeholder relationships, including project negotiation, delivery, budgeting, financial reporting, and risk management – Lead recruitment, team development, management, and capability-building – Work collaboratively with other IEP directors to maximise organisational reach, influence, and impact – Represent IEP internationally through speaking engagements, stakeholder meetings, media engagement, and major report launches REQUIREMENTS – Senior leadership experience within a think tank, university, government agency, international organisation, or related institution – Demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: economics, international relations, geopolitics, public policy, peace and conflict studies, statistics, or quantitative analysis – Proven track record of leading high-impact research programs with policy or international impact – Experience managing research teams and complex, multi-project international portfolios – Demonstrated success in business development, advisory growth, partnership development, or funding acquisition – Strong analytical capability combined with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills – Entrepreneurial, adaptable mindset with motivation to shape global policy discussions through research and partnerships WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS This role directly influences how governments, multilateral institutions, and development organisations understand peace, resilience, and geopolitical risk. By leading globally recognised research and publications, the Director helps translate rigorous analysis into frameworks that inform policy and decision-making. The position also strengthens institutional collaboration across borders, contributing to long-term, evidence-based approaches to peace and development. BONUS: APPLICATION ADVICE – Clearly demonstrate how your previous research leadership has led to measurable policy, institutional, or international impact – Highlight experience that combines intellectual leadership with operational management, particularly budget oversight and team leadership – Provide concrete examples of business development, advisory work, or partnership growth linked to research programs – Emphasise your ability to communicate complex research findings to senior policymakers, media, and non-technical audiences – Showcase experience working across cultures and geographies, particularly in international or multilateral contexts – If relocating, briefly address your readiness to be based in Sydney and operate globally from Australia