Contract Type: Fixed-term contract until 31 December 2026
Working mode: Full-time or part-time (subject to negotiation)
Application deadline: Until position is filled
Position Overview
CAPS Unlock is seeking a Research Fellow (China Studies) at a junior–mid career level to support and expand the organization’s research and policy engagement related to China. The position is designed for candidates with strong academic training, demonstrated research capacity, and professional proficiency in the Chinese language.
The Research Fellow will contribute to policy-oriented research, implementation of donor-funded projects, fundraising and proposal development, and the strategic development of CAPS Unlock’s China research agenda, with a particular focus on China’s role in Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region.
Key Responsibilities
Research and Analysis
Conduct policy-oriented research on China’s domestic issues, foreign policy, economy, and regional engagement
Analyze Chinese-language primary sources, including official documents, policy statements, media, and expert commentary
Produce high-quality research outputs such as policy briefs, analytical notes, background papers, and reports
Contribute to comparative and cross-regional research initiatives
Monitor key political, economic, and strategic developments related to China including media monitoring in Central Asia
Participate in internal peer review and research quality assurance processes
Project Design and Implementation
Contribute to the design and implementation of research, dialogue, and policy engagement projects related to China
Support project planning, timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements
Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment between research, communications, and management
Support the organization of expert meetings, roundtables, workshops, and public events, including communication with Chinese participants
Fundraising and Proposal Development
Identify funding opportunities relevant to China-focused research and programming
Support the preparation of concept notes, grant proposals, and project budgets
Contribute research and analytical inputs to donor reporting
External Engagement and Networking
Build and maintain professional networks with China scholars, policy experts, and research institutions
Represent CAPS Unlock in conferences, expert discussions, and policy briefings, as appropriate
Support the development and maintenance of partnerships with think tanks, universities, and research platforms
Institutional and Strategic Development
Contribute to the development and refinement of CAPS Unlock’s China research agenda
Identify emerging themes and policy-relevant issues for future research and programming
Support internal knowledge-sharing and mentoring activities, where appropriate
Required Qualifications and Skills
Master’s degree or PhD in political science, international relations, China studies, economics, or a related field
Professional proficiency in Chinese (ability to work with Chinese-language sources is mandatory)
1–4 years of relevant experience in research, think tanks, academia, policy-oriented organizations, media
Strong analytical and writing skills in English
Ability to work within project-based environments and meet deadlines
Demonstrated interest in China’s role in regional and global politics
Familiarity with communication tools (newsletter platforms, social media)
Sensitivity to confidentiality and experience working using safe communication
Preferred Qualifications
Research focus on China–Central Asia relations or China’s regional engagement
Experience in living, studying or working in China or in a sinophone society
Experience with donor-funded research or policy projects
Experience organizing academic or policy-oriented events
Additional regional language skills are an asset
Knowledge of Chinese sources (media, social media, academia)
January 20, 2026 
5 min read 
