Director of International Research

The Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) is a renowned international think tank dedicated to empirical approaches to analyse peace and quantify its economic value. IEP produces internationally recognised research, including the Global Peace Index and Global Terrorism Index, alongside a wide range of influential reports examining the economic, social, and political drivers of peace and conflict. Its media reach is measured in the billions, with over a million downloads of its reports each year.

Headquartered in Sydney, IEP has offices in New York City, The Hague, Manila, and Nairobi. The organisation works extensively with leading multilateral institutions, governments, NGOs, and development agencies worldwide. We are seeking an exceptional Director of International Research to lead the next phase of IEP’s global research, partnerships, and impact.

Based in Sydney, this is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering IEP’s international research agenda while expanding the organisation’s global influence and advisory capability. Working closely with the executive leadership team, you will oversee a high-performing research division, drive new research and advisory opportunities, and represent IEP internationally through speaking engagements, stakeholder meetings, media engagement, and major report launches.

The role combines intellectual leadership, operational management, and commercial capability. The successful candidate will help position IEP at the forefront of global policy discussions on peace and conflict, resilience, development, and geopolitical risk.

You will play a central role in advancing innovative methodologies for measuring peace and resilience, strengthening the impact and reach of IEP’s publications, and expanding long-term institutional partnerships with governments, multilaterals, and other stakeholders.

Relocation support is available for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

• • Lead the development and delivery of IEP’s research program, fostering a high-performance, mission-driven research culture
  • Oversee high-impact global publications driving methodological innovation
  • Manage and mentor a research team of 10 professionals with a portfolio of concurrent international research projects
  • Oversee project management, manage costs, and compile P&L for projects undertaken
  • 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 reach, influence, and impact

About You

You are an intellectually ambitious and strategically minded leader with expertise in one or more of the following areas: Economics; International relations; Geopolitics; Statistics or quantitative analysis; Peace and conflict studies; Global policy.

You have a proven track record of leading high-impact research programs and managing complex international initiatives. You combine strong analytical capability with excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

You are entrepreneurial, adaptable, and motivated by the opportunity to shape global conversations and policy outcomes through innovative research, influential publications, and strategic partnerships.

Essential Experience

• • Senior leadership within a think tank, university, government agency, international organisation, or related institution
  • Demonstrated expertise in international relations, economics, geopolitics, public policy, or related disciplines
  • Strong track record of producing influential research with demonstrated policy or international impact
  • Proven experience leading research teams and managing multi-project portfolios
  • Demonstrated success in business development, advisory growth, partnership development, or funding acquisition

Why Join IEP?

• • Lead research that shapes how governments, multilateral institutions, and development organisations understand peace and resilience
  • Drive methodological innovation in one of the world’s leading peace-focused think tanks
  • Build strategic partnerships with influential institutions around the world and contribute to measurable real-world impact
  • Help redefine how peace, resilience, and societal progress are understood and measured globally