Impactful research & partnerships. Expert communication. Global vision.
Senior Programme Manager (International Partnerships)
£56,000 - £59,000 (+ )
Reports to: Head of Strategic Evidence
Department: Policy, Information and Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 35 hours per week
*Due to its international nature, this role will regularly involve attending morning and evening meetings and events outside of 9am-5pm hours. We know that flexibility is important and we pride ourselves on the level of flexibility we offer. As a part of our commitment to work-life balance, you will receive time off in lieu (TOIL) for attending these meetings and events.
Location: Stratford, London. Office-based with high flexibility (1-2 days per week in the office). This role will involve international travel c.1-2 time per annum.
Visa sponsorship: Cancer Research UK can consider visa sponsorship for this vacancy. If this applies to you, please ensure that this is clearly marked on your application.
Closing date: 07 March 2025 23:55
This vacancy may close earlier if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate is found, therefore we strongly recommend that you apply early to avoid disappointment. If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: One to two competency-based interviews (depending on application volumes)
Interview date: From the week commencing 17 March 2025
How do I apply? We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer.
We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That's why we're looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
The programme is essential to Cancer Research UK's life-saving mission. The ICBP (owned by Cancer Research UK and our international partners across 22 jurisdictions, 8 countries, and 3 continents) is a unique and innovative collaboration uniting clinicians, policymakers, researchers, and data experts globally. This programme produces high-quality research to measure and understand international variation in cancer survival rates, identify best international practices, and generate insights needed for policy and practice change. Through this multi-disciplinary international collaboration and knowledge sharing, we aim to improve global cancer services, outcomes, and survival rates, helping to create a world where everyone can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.
As a Senior Programme Manager, you will lead and coordinate this complex, multi-faceted programme and our partners. You will drive the ICBP's delivery and impact, achieving evidence-based improvements in cancer-related policy and practice across international jurisdictions. Your responsibilities will include overseeing research collaborations, acting as the programme ambassador, engaging with industry leaders to translate research into actionable policy and practice, ensuring compliance, managing the budget, and leading the Programme Management Team.
This varied and autonomous role offers the chance to be part of our global effort to make a significant impact on cancer policy and care. If you are a research, policy, or international development professional with experience managing partnerships, programmes, and projects who possess strong research, communication, organisational, and leadership skills, we'd love for you to join our mission.
What will I be doing?
Programme Management:
* Overseeing and coordinating the day-to-day management of the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership (ICBP) programme, ensuring key milestones are met and progress is communicated across the partnership.
* Developing strong relationships with key international and UK stakeholders ensuring a coordinated approach to engagement by the Programme Management Team.
* Ensuring appropriate legal agreements and funding are in place with ICBP partner jurisdictions and commissioned researchers; and onboarding any new jurisdictions.
* Ensuring appropriate governance structures are in place to support the successful delivery of the programme (including clinical committees, local leads groups etc).
* Collaborating with the Senior Research Manager to ensure the successful delivery of all commissioned research projects.
o This may include grant management, facilitating support for principal investigators, and sharing evidence through ICBP communication channels.
* Managing risks, developing appropriate mitigations, and escalating effectively.
* Coordinating and leading communications with the ICBP Programme Board (PB) and providing regular programme updates to the ICBP chair, deputy chair, and Cancer Research UK PB member.
* Undertaking other projects/activities as required (including other international activities as appropriate).
* Managing and overseeing the ICBP budget ensuring that income and expenditure are tracked and allocated appropriately.
* Overseeing and contributing to agenda, minutes, action lists, and papers for all meetings ensuring good communication between all parties and chairing meetings.
* Maintaining delivery against the ICBP's vision and strategic priorities.
Communications:
* Overseeing ICBP communications including correspondence, newsletters, web pages, and online events.
* Leading on the organisation of ICBP networking events at conferences etc.
* Ensuring a high profile for the ICBP across Cancer Research UK by networking with colleagues across the charity to identify opportunities to advance the vision of the partnership.
* Developing a strategic approach to maintaining and raising the profile of collaborative work through the development of impactful communications.
* Proactively developing and consolidating relationships with stakeholders and positively influencing senior stakeholders ensuring communication across all levels to build a consensus between all partners
* Acting as an ambassador for ICBP and Cancer Research UK.
Line Management:
* Line managing the Programme Management Team (c.2 direct reports).
* Assigning responsibilities and having oversight of work plans as well as developing personal and professional development plans.
What skills will I need?
* Background in research, policy, or international development with experience managing partnerships, programmes, and projects.
* Professional or post-graduate qualification in a relevant field with a research component (e.g., health, biomedical science, policy, international development).
* Proven track record in building credible and collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders (including health professionals) and experience in negotiating, influencing, and building consensus at all levels (including leadership and Board).
* Experience commissioning and managing research and tendering processes with an understanding of legal and governance frameworks.
* Strong organisational, prioritisation, and planning skills with a proactive and flexible approach to managing fast-paced projects, responding to changing priorities, and managing and escalating risks.
* Budget management experience (c. £2-3m+) with an ability to negotiate with funders and suppliers for quality and value for money.
* Excellent written and verbal communication with the ability to write concise and engaging reports, briefings, and papers; distil complex information, and make clear recommendations for action.
* Experience interpreting research findings and drawing contextually sound conclusions.
* Coaching and mentoring experience with the ability to manage, inspire, and motivate a team, set clear objectives, and evaluate performance effectively.
Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.
Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We're looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.
If you're interested in applying and excited about working with us but are unsure if you have the right skills and experience we'd still love to hear from you.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.
You can explore our benefits by visiting our .
Additional Information
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