At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
This role would be suitable for an early career business specialist or policy professional with an interest in policy, organisational reporting and change management.
This is a fixed term position with duration of two years and will be based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.
The Role
This position sits within the Strategy Team, which is part of the Office of the Director-General. The Strategy Team at the SKAO is the hub for strategic planning and coordination of SKAO's business activities. The team focuses on among other things the development of SKAO's Strategic Plan, the SKAO Annual Report, Impact and Benefits Monitoring and Reporting, Policy Management, Change Portfolio Management as well as the implementation and oversight of the provisions of the SKA Observatory Convention. This role reports to Head of Strategy.
We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for this role relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO’s recruitment portal.
SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.
There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.
Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties
* Monitor, track and report on relevant changes in policy and processes implemented by SKAO Member States and supporting the tracking and reporting process for change and risk management to ensure timely and accurate updates.
* Assist in planning, scheduling and coordinating activities across the Strategy area as required.
* Work according to the SKAO Policy Framework to support the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of the SKAO Policy Portfolio.
* Organise and manage documentation to support the Strategy Team’s knowledge management efforts.
* Support organisational reporting requirements, including the SKAO Annual Report, and other reporting as required.
* Foster effective working relationships across the organisation in support of activities of the Strategy Team.
* Provide administrative support to the Strategy Team as required.
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Demonstrable experience in managing dynamic workloads, setting priorities and adapting to evolving demands.
* A collaborative team player with flexibility and a proactive approach to change.
* Experience in supporting change management functions (or similar) including planning, tracking performance and maintaining documentation.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with demonstrated experience in research and writing.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly and concisely.
* Proficiency in the use of Microsoft applications.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience in change and process management.
* Ability to work across functions and with people at different levels of the organisation.
* Awareness of risk management practices.
* Experience working in a multicultural environment.
* Knowledge of collaborative tools such as Jira, Confluence and SharePoint.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement
SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.
Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.
Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.
Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.
SKA Observatory welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.
The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.
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