Senior Programme Manager, Talent & Skills
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) - Head Office
Salary: £45,272 per annum
Band: UKRI E
Hours: Full time or Part time (minimum 30 hours per week)
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire - (Flexible hybrid working arrangement, requiring occasional office presence as per business needs.)
Closing Date:09/02/25
This role provides oversight and leadership for NERC Fellowship investment - one of the three core areas of activities within Talent & Skills team (alongside Landscape and Focal Studentships). Alongside the core activity in leading the Fellowship portfolio, NERC is seeking an individual who will be fundamental in taking a lead role in shaping NERCs Fellowship offering in the context of UKRI and greater collective fund opportunities.
Therefore, primary focus of this role is the leadership and management of NERCs Fellowship portfolio including:
- Management and delivery of NERCs Fellowship and related activities (including Independent Research Fellowships, Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowships and Training Short Courses).
- Leadership and management of NERCs Fellowship portfolio including financial management, cross council interactions, post-award relationship management, reporting and evaluation and strategic development of the portfolio.
- Oversight and management of NERCs Fellowship related data to include analysing investments (funding outcomes, outputs and impacts), data gathering and analysis.
- Strategic input to, and development of, the NERC Fellowship portfolio as part of UKRI Collective talent working.
- Influence and oversight to maximise NERC opportunity through fellowship funding working with cross-UKRI colleagues to ensure interest and engagement of the environmental science community.
- Lead on NERCs contribution to the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) scheme to include oversight of the assessment of proposals for funding and providing strategic input to the development of the scheme as it relates to NERCs wider portfolio.
- 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.
- Activity manage Programme Manager(s), Assistant Programme Manager(s) and administrative support staff in order to achieve NERCs delivery goals.
The post-holder will also contribute to strategic direction of the Talent & Skills activity and, where required, deputise for the Head of Talent & Skills.
Person Specification
- Degree, preferably in environmental sciences, or equivalent relevant qualifications or expertise
- Excellent and demonstrable understanding of how research and innovation system functions in the context of skills and training and how this relates to UKRI agendas, policy, business and societal need.
- Demonstrable experience and evidence of developing and managing complex, multi-partner grants or projects preferably in relation to skills and training.
- Demonstrable experience and evidence of strategic level thinking
- Ability to resolve complex problems, balancing a number of factors.
- Demonstrable track record in influencing effectively (both verbal and written media) across teams, wider organisation and external stakeholder communities.
- Ability to build links and effective working relationships.
- Ability to prioritise, multi-task, work to deadlines, and work flexibly on own initiative.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and across organisations with people of all levels.
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! Were committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
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, please visit our careers site. Please submit an application including your CV and a Cover Letter that showcases how your skills and experience align to the requirements of the role.
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