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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 post provides oversight and leadership for NERC Fellowship investment - one of the three core areas of activities within the 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 NERC's Fellowship offering in the context of UKRI and greater collective fund opportunities.
Whilst the focus of the role will be on Fellowships, the post holder will be required to work with colleagues across the Talent and Skills team to accommodate and respond to resource needs.
Therefore, the primary focus of this role is the leadership and management of NERC's Fellowship portfolio including:
1. Management and delivery of NERC's Fellowship and related activities (including Independent Research Fellowships, Daphne Jackson Trust Fellowships, and Training Short Courses).
2. Leadership and management of NERC's Fellowship portfolio including financial management, cross-council interactions, post-award relationship management, reporting and evaluation, and strategic development of the portfolio.
3. Oversight and management of NERC's Fellowship related data to include analysing investments (funding outcomes, outputs, and impacts), data gathering, and analysis.
4. Strategic input to, and development of, the NERC Fellowship portfolio as part of UKRI Collective talent working.
5. 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.
6. Lead on NERC's contribution to the UKRI Future Leader's 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 NERC's wider portfolio.
7. 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.
8. Activity manage Programme Manager(s), Assistant Programme Manager(s), and administrative support staff in order to achieve NERC's delivery goals.
The post-holder will also contribute to the strategic direction of the Talent & Skills activity and, where required, deputise for the Head of Talent & Skills.
Person Specification
The below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential skills
1. Degree, preferably in environmental sciences, or equivalent relevant qualifications or expertise (S)
2. Excellent and demonstrable understanding of how research and innovation systems function in the context of skills and training and how this relates to UKRI agendas, policy, business, and societal need. (S/I)
3. Demonstrable experience and evidence of developing and managing complex, multi-partner grants or projects preferably in relation to skills and training. (S/I)
4. Demonstrable experience and evidence of strategic level thinking (S/I)
5. Ability to resolve complex problems, balancing a number of factors. (I)
6. Demonstrable track record in influencing effectively (both verbal and written media) across teams, wider organisation, and external stakeholder communities. (S/I)
7. Ability to build links and effective working relationships. (I)
8. Ability to prioritise, multi-task, work to deadlines, and work flexibly on own initiative. (I)
9. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and across organisations with people of all levels. (I)
Desirable skills:
1. Creativity and motivation to develop and take forward new ideas. (I)
2. Experience and exposure to investment case construction, writing and development in a public and/or private sector context. (I)
3. Experience of working with senior academics and policy makers, other public sector bodies, and businesses. (S/I)
4. Understanding of Grants management systems. (S/I)
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:
1. An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
2. 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full-time equivalent)
3. Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
4. Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
5. Flexible working options
Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work-life balance!
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.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
About Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
NERC is the UK's leading funder of environmental science. Our scientists study and monitor the physical, chemical, and biological processes on which our planet and life itself depends - from pole to pole, to the deep Earth and oceans, to the atmosphere and space. The science we fund has an impact across all sectors. It provides a platform for future UK prosperity by contributing to a safe, healthy, productive nation.
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