Researcher and Strategist

Introducing ZInc Network

Zinc Network is an ISO certified business with a mission to nurture open societies and protect them from threats such as disinformation, violent extremism, and malign influence. Zinc conceptualises and creates programs, interventions, and strategic communications campaigns around some of the world’s most complex problems – from disinformation to extremism, media capture to authoritarianism. We are headquartered in London with 60+ team members from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Zinc works with a broad range of governmental, NGO, and private sector clients, including the UK Home Office (HO); the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); the United States Agency for International Development (USAID); the U.S. Department of State (DOS); UN agencies and missions; and foundations.

The Researcher and Strategist will be based in London and be expected to be in our London office at least 3 days per week.

Outline of the role

We are seeking a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) strategist who can blend rigorous research capabilities, strategic thinking, and creativity. As a Researcher and Strategist, you will both conduct and commission research, generate insights, design evidence-based communications strategies, and work with our creative, production and digital teams to turn this into impactful outputs.

Focused on Latin America, this role offers the opportunity to contribute to both live projects and new business development across a variety of thematic and geographic contexts.

The position is full-time until 31 March 2026. Extension beyond this date is subject to ongoing funding.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research Design & Synthesis (30%)

· Conduct desk research and literature reviews across political, socio-economic, security and information sectors.

· Lead OSINT collection and analysis through public datasets, media monitoring, and social listening.

· Design research methodologies and data collection tools for regional implementers 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 (20%)

· Conduct systems-mapping to understand behavioural drivers, social norms, and environmental barriers.

· Identify and map key stakeholders, actors, and audiences.

· Develop audience profiles using behavioural science frameworks such as COM-B.

3. Strategic Planning (20%)

· Translate research insights into communication strategies using behavioural change communications frameworks.

· Draft SMART behavioural objectives and 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.

· Co-design and facilitate workshops focused on intervention design, creative ideation, or narrative development.

4. Writing & Drafting (20%)

· Write research reports, audience profiles, communication strategies and campaign briefs.

· Prepare workshop materials and translate outputs into actionable strategic plans.

· Draft technical sections of concept notes and proposals for business development opportunities.

· Ensure all documents are clear, consistent, and professionally formatted.

5. Coordination & Data Management (10%)

· 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.

· Support monitoring, evaluation and learning

What we are looking for

· A minimum of 6 years’ experience in research and strategic communications.

· Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, international relations, social sciences, a related field, or equivalent experience.

· Familiarity with human-centred design and social and behaviour change communication approaches.

· Knowledge and experience of working with audiences across Latin America.

· An AI first mind-set, including proficiency with basic tools, proactive approach to adopting new technologies, and the curiosity and hunger needed to stay on top of trends.

· Proven ability to convert research insights into creative strategies and narratives.

· Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex information.

· Excellent writing and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and the use of OSINT tools.

· Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

· Experience in contributing to proposal development is desirable.

· Willingness to occasionally work outside standard hours to meet deadlines.

What we can offer

The opportunity to work with colleagues from a diverse range of professional and cultural backgrounds including the very best ex-diplomats, television producers, digital media strategists, linguists, researchers, and behavioural scientists from both the public and private sector.

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, identity confirmation, and anti-terrorism vetting.

Diversity and Inclusion

Zinc Network is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds, experiences, and identities to apply. Your perspective is valuable to us and critical to the success of our mission.

How to apply

Please include a CV showcasing how your background meets the position requirements. If you require an accommodation to be made at any point throughout the recruitment process, please let us know when you are contacted.