UK Research and Innovation Salary: £34,905 Hours: Full time Contract Type: Open Ended. Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working Available) Closing Date 03/11/24 We are looking for an Assurance Manager, to work within the International Research and Innovation Portfolio Management Office (IRI-PMO), with a focus on supporting the development and implementation of assurance processes to deliver the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and manage the closure of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), and Newton Fund. This role is an excellent opportunity to support a wide portfolio of work related to governance, strategy, policy, fund allocation, risk management, project delivery and reporting, by assuring delivery to international and UK legislation, best practice standards and Government priorities. You will work closely and collaboratively with the range of external Partner Organisations who deliver these funds (such as UK Research and Innovation, the National Academies, the Met Office, the British Council, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the National Physical Laboratory, Universities UK, the Catapult Network, and the Faraday Institute) as well as with Senior Government Officials, and Other Government Departments. This is an interesting and varied post within a fantastic team, with opportunities to develop your skills and experience, and be innovative in your approach to doing so. It is also a superb opportunity to develop your experience in ensuring value for money in Government spending through assurance and project/programme management; with considerable space for development, training and working with a wide range of stakeholders. Please note the IRI-PMO is a UKRI team that works closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Applicants should be aware this permanent role is likely to transfer from UKRI to DSIT in early 2025. Key Responsibilities This role reports to the Senior Assurance Manager and will support the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an effective Assurance Management Framework to support the delivery of our international Funds. This is crucial for the provision of support and guidance to the wider IRI-PMO team, to evidence that we are managing and coordinating our Funds in line with best practice standards. Key elements of the job include: Supporting the development and implementation of the Assurance Management Framework and Assurance Plan. Working closely with external Partner Organisations and DSIT colleagues on the production of grant funding agreements. Ensuring recommendations and processes are followed (e.g., external reviews, legislation, policies, due diligence and fraud processes, audits, Government commissions) Providing guidance and on risk and issue management and reporting within the IRI-PMO (risk register, mitigating actions) Developing and implementing processes and guidance across the IRI-PMO to drive continuous improvement. Working with colleagues in the IRI-PMO and DSIT to implement new Government policies (inc. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and environmental targets) using project management best practice standards, tools, and techniques. Supporting governance processes (reporting to boards, roles, and responsibilities) These activities form a core part of wider transformation activities aimed at improving how the Funds are delivered. You will also: Work flexibly in response to changing demands and collaboratively with colleagues across the IRI-PMO. Proactively suggest solutions to address concerns and raise potential issues to Line Manager at an early stage. Support a learning and development culture across the IRI-PMO Essential Skills Experience using project/programme management techniques and tools (e.g., risk management, stakeholder engagement, governance, progress, time, compliance). Ability to identify and monitor risks and issues, planning how to mitigate, and respond to those risks and issues, implementing the responses. Show initiative and act proactively, be able to think and adapt quickly. Experience of developing strong, collaborative partnerships across diverse teams and stakeholders. Resilience and the ability to cope with uncertainty, ambiguity, and change Desirable Skills A recognised project or programme management qualification such as one of the following: APM Project Fundamentals or Management Qualification PRINCE 2 Foundation or Practitioner Managing Successful Programmes Foundation or Practitioner APMG International Project Planning and Control Foundation PMI Certificate in Associate Project Management Knowledge of Research and Innovation Funds and their delivery, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend. Knowledge of policy development and implementation process Benefits We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning A list of benefits below: 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 For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer. Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitmentukri.org About UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK. Together we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org. Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working for UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment. How we support EDI in the workforce At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ' How we support EDI in the workforce '. Disability Confident Employer As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation. How to apply Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application. UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us. Additional Information Organisation: UKRI - Official Development Assistance Group Contract Type: Open Ended External Closing Date: Nov 3, 2024 Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 34,905 Hours: Full-time