Programme Manager

Programme Manager
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - Head Office
Salary: £34,905 per annum
Grade: Band D
Hours: Full time (Part time considered)
Contract Type: Open Ended
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire
Closing date: 11/02/24
Multiple roles available within the Research and Skills Directorate
About you
As a NERC Programme Manager (PM) you will engage with the academic community, business and policy makers to invest in and maintain the UK's position at the forefront of environmental research and innovation both nationally and internationally. You will be involved in developing and delivering NERC and UKRI investments lined with the objectives in NERC's Delivery plan. You will be working with the NERC community and other stakeholders from the public and private sectors and helping to maintain strong partnerships.
You will have an aptitude for programme delivery and management across a range of aspects including research funding (via strategic investments, international initiatives and studentships and fellowships), competition management and post-award monitoring and engagement. You will have strong organisational, team-working and time-management skills, and excellent attention to detail. You will be self-motivated, quick to learn and flexible enough to manage a diverse and constantly evolving portfolio of activities, working to deadlines.
Key Activities to be undertaken by a Programme Manager include, but are not limited to:
Supporting the development and management of a portfolio of investment in research, innovation, talent and skills within NERC's priorities. This includes supporting design and implementation of funding calls and competitions flexibly across NERC, including potential activities aimed at community building
Take responsibility for the peer review and panel assessment of proposals for funding, by; selecting appropriate reviewers and panels members, acting as secretariat for the associated assessment panel meetings. Ensure appropriate and timely communications at all times with those involved. Promoting good decision making through equality, diversity and fairness in funding opportunities
Carry out active management of funded research, international and postgraduate training investments, through specific programme activities, e.g. monitoring programme budgets; coordinating programme meetings and communications; preparing papers, reports and briefings, maintaining webpages
Engagement with communities and stakeholders both in the UK and internationally. Collaborate with researchers (universities, other environmental agencies, and research centres) and research users (business, government and policy makers), acting as interface for agreed areas of NERC activity.
Provide high quality expertise and advice in areas of responsibility informed by the latest developments in the area, evidence and engagement with relevant external stakeholders
Promoting and contributing to cross-council projects and projects funded jointly with external funders
Activity manage Assistant Programme Managers and administrative support staff in order to achieve NERC's delivery goals
Other tasks such as analysing investments (funding outcomes, outputs and impacts), data gathering and analysis.
Although advertised as full time, NERC is open to discussing part time working patterns with applicants.
Essential Skills
Degree, preferably in environmental sciences, or equivalent relevant qualifications or expertise
Working knowledge and experience of the UK research and/or innovation landscape and the science areas and/or communities supported by NERC
Ability to absorb, evaluate and communicate complex information in language appropriate to the audience
Ability to prioritise, multi-task, and work to deadlines
Ability to work flexibly and fluidly on own initiative, as well as with teams
Demonstrable track record in influencing effectively (both verbal and written media) across teams, wider organisation and external stakeholder communities
Effective use of Microsoft Office applications, e-mail and internet.
Benefits
An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
Flexible working options
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.
How to apply:
For full details on the role, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that clearly showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: £34,905.00 per year
Work Location: In person