CISES Opens Applications for 6th Cohort of Volunteer Policy Analysts ·Unknown

The Centre for International Security and Economic Strategy (CISES), a London-based independent think tank, has opened applications for its sixth cohort of Policy Analysts. The remote, voluntary opportunity is designed for students and recent graduates seeking practical experience in policy research, international security, defence, economics, and global affairs.

The programme offers participants an opportunity to contribute to policy discussions while developing analytical and research skills through mentorship and editorial guidance. Although the position is unpaid, successful applicants will gain exposure to think tank research, publish policy analyses under their own names, and collaborate with fellow researchers on projects addressing global challenges.

About the Policy Analyst Role

CISES focuses on producing research at the intersection of international security and economic strategy while also exploring related fields such as:

• Emerging technologies

• Defence and military strategy

• International trade

• International law

• Global governance

Policy Analysts will have the flexibility to propose their own research topics while working closely with the editorial team to develop publishable policy analysis. The role is particularly suitable for individuals interested in building careers in research, public policy, international relations, economics, or strategic studies.

Key Responsibilities

Selected Policy Analysts will be expected to:

• Conduct independent research on international security, economics, defence, strategy, and related policy issues.

• Develop original research proposals in consultation with editors.

• Produce policy articles that meet CISES publication standards.

• Collaborate with fellow analysts on working-group research projects.

• Communicate effectively with editors and meet agreed publication deadlines.

The organisation encourages analysts to pursue areas that align with their academic interests while contributing meaningful insights into contemporary policy debates.

Flexible Output-Based Workload

Unlike traditional volunteer positions that require fixed working hours, CISES operates an output-based contribution model. Analysts are expected to complete one of the following each month:

• Four short-form policy pieces.

• Two medium-form articles.

• One long-form research article.

Applicants may also combine different article formats to satisfy monthly expectations. For example:

• Two short-form articles plus one medium-form article.

Analysts participating in collaborative working groups are generally expected to complete at least one short-form article during the month unless alternative arrangements are agreed with the editorial team.

CISES recognises that volunteers may have academic or professional commitments. Participants who anticipate difficulties meeting their targets are encouraged to communicate with editors in advance so adjustments can be made where appropriate.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the following criteria:

• Be a current undergraduate, postgraduate, or doctoral student.

• Alternatively, be a recent graduate who completed higher education in 2024 or later.

• Have completed at least the second year of tertiary education.

• Demonstrate a strong interest in international security, economics, defence, strategy, or global governance.

• Possess excellent written English and analytical writing skills.

• Be reliable, organised, and capable of meeting agreed deadlines.

• Previous research or policy experience is desirable but not mandatory.

CISES notes that applicants are ideally based in:

• United Kingdom

• European Economic Area (EEA)

• North America

• Australia

• New Zealand

Applicants should also possess Professional (C1), Fluent (C2), or Native-level English proficiency to produce high-quality analytical writing.

Career Development Opportunities

Although voluntary, the programme provides several professional development benefits.

Participants may receive:

• Promotion to Senior Policy Analyst after nine months of consistent contributions.

• Mentorship from experienced editors.

• Editorial guidance to strengthen policy writing and analytical skills.

• A LinkedIn recommendation from the Director of Policy after four to five months of active contributions.

• Permanent public authorship of published work, even after leaving CISES.

• Freedom to explore diverse policy themes and research formats.

These opportunities allow participants to build a professional portfolio that may support future careers in research institutions, government, international organisations, or academia.

Optional Video Analyst Role

Applicants may also volunteer as Video Analysts.

This optional responsibility includes producing:

• Two to four short policy videos each month.

• Videos lasting approximately 45–60 seconds.

• Scripts containing fewer than 125 words.

Participants may choose whether to appear on camera or create voice-only videos.

CISES states that active Video Analysts may receive additional leadership and visibility opportunities within the organisation.

Application Process

Applications are reviewed weekly according to the following schedule:

• Applications reviewed every Thursday.

• Decisions communicated every Friday.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications before Thursday afternoon (European time) to maximise their chances of being considered during the same review cycle.

The application requires candidates to provide:

• Academic background.

• Research interests.

• Programme preferences.

• CV.

• Cover letter.

• LinkedIn profile.

• Research pitch.

• Policy analysis exercises.

Applicants are also required to complete several written assessments demonstrating analytical thinking, policy writing, and critical evaluation skills.

AI Policy for Applicants

CISES has introduced a strict Artificial Intelligence policy covering both the application stage and subsequent volunteer work.

According to the policy:

• AI may only be used for limited assistance such as grammar, spelling, formatting references, and brainstorming.

• All analysis, arguments, structure, and conclusions must be the applicant’s own work.

• Any AI assistance must be declared.

Importantly, CISES states that any application containing AI-generated responses to assessment questions will be automatically rejected. The organisation also notes that applications are screened for AI-generated content.

Opportunity for Future Policy Professionals

The sixth CISES Policy Analyst cohort presents an opportunity for aspiring researchers to gain practical think tank experience while contributing to discussions on international security, economics, defence, and emerging global challenges. Through flexible remote participation, editorial mentorship, and publication opportunities, the programme seeks to develop the next generation of policy professionals capable of producing evidence-based analysis on issues shaping international affairs.

VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY

For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.