Policy and Secretariat Manager

Location: Polaris House, Swindon, SN2 1SZ  We are looking for a Policy and Secretariat Manager to coordinate and support the delivery of strategic projects in MRC’s Research Policy and Governance team. This is a key role in ensuring that MRC and UKRI effectively meet public accountability requirements.  You will participate in a range of MRC and UKRI policy groups and committees, keeping abreast of developments in the relevant policy areas and contributing to policy discussions. Reviewing, maintaining and updating the MRC policy webpages and corporate hub resources, you will manage annual reporting on research integrity and the use of animals in MRC-funded research, working with colleagues across the office and MRC establishments You will support the coordination of engagement with external and internal stakeholders, including MRC institutes, units and centres, on research Policy and regulatory issues relating to biomedical, life sciences and health research. Provide support for processing queries and cases related to research integrity, and compliance with MRC policies and guidance on research governance and support managing risks relevant to corporate governance and research policy Provide effective secretariat function for a range of MRC and UKRI policy groups and governance committees. Duties involve; drafting agendas, papers and co-ordinating workplans, timely circulation of papers, drafting minutes and following up actions  Person Specification Educated to a degree level or equivalent Experience of working in science policy, research management, or a research environment with relevance to the MRC remit Management of work areas or projects involving the coordination of input from different sources Experience of information research and analysis and in communicating findings, such as through briefings, presentations and report writing Experience of providing an effective secretariat function for Policy and/or governance committees Track record of planning and delivering on multiple projects to tight deadlines Able to build effective working relationships and to effectively network with and influence stakeholders from a diverse range of roles and levels of seniority, demonstrating negotiation and influencing skills where necessary Confident at working from first principles - exercising judgement and discretion Able to lead and manage a focused area of work and be accountable for when and how results will be achieved with a proven ability for problem solving and troubleshooting Highly developed planning and organisational skills and able to work under pressure managing conflicting priorities effectively; responding flexibly and positively to unexpected changes or demands Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal UKRI is a hybrid working employer. We encourage staff to work flexibly from home and other locations when and if necessary. The post holder will be asked to work at the Swindon and London MRC sites when required by the business needs. Some travel within the UK, occasionally with the need to stay overnight.  Our Benefits: Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits including a flexible working scheme, a defined pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. To apply, please click on the ‘Apply’ button above