Associate Strategist

Role overview

Zinc Network is looking for an Associate Strategist who can combine disciplined research, sharp strategic thinking and flexible evaluation skills. The role sits across research, strategy and evaluation, turning evidence into practical interventions and persuasive strategic stories. The team also expects strong use of AI and digital tools to speed up research, improve analysis and surface insights that add value for clients.

You will contribute to qualitative and quantitative research, bring behavioural science and human-centred design into project work, partner with creative teams on communications strategy, and support monitoring, evaluation and ongoing refinement of work. The position also involves helping with live delivery and new business opportunities across different subjects and regions. Comfort with existing tools and workflows is important, along with a proactive mindset toward identifying better ways of working. An interest in technology, willingness to test low-code and AI-enabled approaches, and enthusiasm for helping build and refine custom tools and automations are all valued.

This appointment is tied to contract award. If the contract is secured, the assignment will run for three years and is expected to begin in September.

Research design and synthesis

• Carry out desk-based research and literature reviews covering political, socio-economic and media resilience topics.
• Support OSINT gathering and analysis using public datasets, media monitoring and social listening tools.
• Help build research methods and data collection instruments such as surveys, focus group guides and discussion frameworks.
• Pull together qualitative and quantitative findings into concise, usable recommendations.
• Keep research assets, tools and previous insights neatly organised so they can be reused.

Stakeholder and audience mapping

• Map and classify important stakeholders, influencers and target audiences.
• Assist with systems mapping to understand behaviour drivers, social norms and environmental obstacles.
• Support audience profiling using behavioural science models such as COM-B and EAST.

Strategic input and framing

• Help convert research findings into communication strategies, strategic narratives and behavioural frameworks.
• Draft SMART behavioural goals and contribute to theories of change.
• Support the creation of messaging frameworks, campaign pillars and creative briefs.
• Work closely with creative colleagues to keep campaign output strategically aligned.

Writing and drafting

• Draft parts of concept notes, proposals, analytical reports and strategy documents.
• Prepare workshop materials and turn outputs into practical strategic plans.
• Make sure all documents are clear, consistent and professionally presented.

Coordination and data management

• Monitor deliverables and coordinate contributions across research and strategy teams.
• Assist with planning and logistics for internal and client workshops.
• Document lessons learned and support internal knowledge management systems.

Additional information

The role requires at least 2 years of experience in research and communications strategy. A bachelor’s degree in communications, international development, social sciences or a related discipline is preferred, though equivalent experience may also be considered. Applicants should be comfortable with AI tools, collaborative work in fast-moving multicultural settings, and working beyond standard hours when deadlines require it.

Conditions of employment

Anyone offered the role will need to disclose any prior disciplinary action related to substantiated safeguarding issues, including breaches involving trafficking-related activity, or workplace investigations. Pre-employment screening will also include employment verification, identity confirmation, sexual offender registry checks where available, and anti-terrorism vetting.

Equal opportunity note

The organisation aims to build a diverse team with a range of professional and cultural backgrounds and encourages a wide variety of applicants to apply.