The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking two Early Career Researcher Network Officers to join our department, providing key support in the delivery of the ECRN Programme.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

As part of the Academy’s Research Directorate, the ECRN Team is friendly, fast-paced, supportive and a growing team (currently four people). These roles will support the scaling-up plans to deliver the Network throughout the UK.

The ECRN Officer role is the main point of contact for three Early Career Researcher Network (ECRN) regional clusters, providing support in the day-to-day operational delivery of the Network, as well as coordinating events, Seed Funding Grant calls, and skills development opportunities. These roles will support the recruitment and roll out of new regional clusters, maintaining, and improving operational practices and policies and working closely with early career researchers (ECRs), regional partners, Fellows and staff of the British Academy, and other stakeholders.

This is a key opportunity to establish relationships and make an early positive impact within the ECRN. You will be an effective communicator, a team player who is able to collaborate with both external and internal stakeholders, be self-directed, and happy to take initiative. A keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem solving, in terms of planning, prioritisation and demonstrating resilience when faced with adversity is essential. 

The ECRN will have nine Clusters by 2025 and the 3 ECRN Officers will have a focus of three Clusters each. The division of Clusters is likely to be

1.       South West/South Wales; Midlands/ mid-Wales; North West/ North Wales

2.      Scotland; Northern Ireland/North East; Yorkshire

3.      London; South East; and East of England

We are recruiting 2 Officers to cover the non-London based regions (1 and 2 above) These roles will require travel between the regional clusters that you will be responsible for.  This will be to attend events and meetings with delivery partners where appropriate.  There will be an expectation to be in the London Office once a month.

OFFICE LOCATION - 10-11 Carlton House Terrace, St James Park, London, SW1Y 5AH

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Network Management and Delivery

• To maintain working knowledge of the Network and remain abreast of how the Network operates and its activities and programmes.

• In consultation with the Deputy Head of the ECRN and other members of the ECRN team implement transparent and effective Network management processes.

• To effectively support three Clusters of the Network, including the onboarding of new regional clusters.

• To respond to and deal with enquiries from internal and external stakeholders regarding the Network. 

• Review the narrative reports of regional partners and provide feedback on the level of achievement, need for further information and recommendations for improvement.

Communication and Events

• To provide regular written and verbal reports, communicating information with British Academy Senior Management, the Early Career Researcher Network Advisory group, Vice-Presidents of the Academy, and at external meetings with Learned Societies and other Research Organisations.

• To demonstrate effective stakeholder management and effective communications approaches to ensure effective engagement.

• To scope and plan training opportunities for researchers in the Network, engaging with external suppliers and experts and overseeing the delivery of contract.

• To plan and deliver events with Partners, ranging from small ad hoc events to annual larger events. To host events and training for researchers in person, online and hybrid.

• To liaise and coordinate with the Communications directorate for external promotion and communication about the Network when required. As well as working with Delivery Partners to ensure event promotion is effectively communicated.

• To support with maintaining and updating the Online Community platform.

 Team Working and Other

• To work as part of a small team, supporting others as required.

• To contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and implement processes to improve operational delivery, working within agreed parameters, policies and procedures.

• To proactively work with colleagues across the Academy to support the achievement the Network and the wider Academy’s objectives.

• To undertake other tasks and responsibilities that reasonably may be requested.

Support, Training and Learning

• To build positive and trusting relationships with ECRs, regional partners and other key stakeholders.

• To assist in developing new or updated resources for Network members and regional partners.

• To work with the Deputy Head of ECRN to identify specific performance issues that need to be addressed and agree appropriate action to help resolve them.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

Director of Research, members of the ECRN team, members of the Research, Policy, Communications and Development directorate and Fellows.

External

ECRs, Regional Partners, Learned Societies and Subject associations, other external stakeholders across the Higher Education Sector and beyond.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Project Management Training or equivalent experience – desirable but not essential

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Is proactive in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with others internally and externally.

• Demonstrates a positive attitude towards helping others by providing appropriate support, using initiative and not waiting to be asked.

• Adopts a communication style appropriate to the situation and the audience, understanding that communication is two-way.

• Is sensitive to different working styles and views, adapting where appropriate

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills 

• Demonstrates knowledge around the British Academy's work.

• Is receptive to new ideas and change, adapting own ways of working as appropriate.

• Proactively makes suggestions for improving processes and policies and overseeing implementation when appropriate.

• Has budget management experience, including creating, tracking and monitoring financial spend.

• Is aware of own strengths and weaknesses and capabilities.

• Seeks and uses opportunities to learn and develop and is quick in picking up new tasks.

• Shares knowledge and skillset with others

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

Manages time and resources effectively in order to achieve own and organisational objectives

• Project management approach with careful planning and meticulous coordination that is adaptable to respond to partner and programme priorities.

• Excellent time management skills and capability to work on multiple projects.

• Grant management understanding to manage Seed Funding Applications.

• Keeps relevant colleagues up to date with workload and tasks. Seeks input where needed.

• Can prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Approaches tasks with a positive attitude and is not afraid to ask for help when needed.

• Identifies problems early on and acts on them.

• Anticipates conflicts and thinks ahead to resolve them quickly.

• Takes a flexible approach to their work, happy to take on different responsibilities in the interests of the Academy.

LEADERSHIP

Gives a clear sense of direction while inspiring others with vision and actions

• Is happy to support other team members during busy periods, whilst not compromising their own workload.

• Treats other staff members and stake holders with respect and honesty.

• Sets the right balance between referring decisions to the appropriate level and taking things forward without referral.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Professional, Flexible and Adaptable

• Ability to travel regularly to events within the regional cluster is essential

• Professional and confident approach when dealing with a variety of people

• Demonstrates a commitment to equality and diversity

• Willing to travel regularly on British Academy business, including overnight stays, within UK

• Able to be flexible about working hours on occasion

• Travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with the Academy’s expenses policy

BRITISH ACADEMY WORKPLACE VALUES

The Academy’s workplace values and supporting text are set out below. We share these core values with each other. They guide how we work together and with others. We demonstrate them through our behaviours.

COLLABORATION- We consistently work together to a common purpose, supporting each other, communicating openly and sharing knowledge. We are flexible and adaptable, receiving feedback constructively

CREATIVITY - We bring imagination and curiosity to our work, valuing learning, diverse thinking, and innovation. We are open-minded, receptive, and responsive, taking account of alternative perspectives

EMPATHY-We are understanding, sensitive, compassionate, and considerate, mindful of our own wellbeing alongside that of others

EXCELLENCE - We always do our best, without striving to be perfect, applying our expertise and experience to develop and grow

INTEGRITY - We are open and honest with each other, accepting personal responsibility and demonstrating loyalty. We are reliable and dependable, having belief that we will be transparent and clear

RESILIENCE - We are confident, bold, and tenacious, knowing when to listen as well as when to speak up. We respond positively to challenges and overcome problems

RESPECT - We are inclusive in our regard for each other, showing courtesy and appreciation. We treat people fairly and equally, welcoming everyone’s contribution and difference

APPLICATION PROCESS

We have a two-step approach to hiring, beginning with submitting an application through the Applied platform. This will be followed by a panel interview and may involve a task component.

Please note that you may be asked to reference any literature that you may refer to, as applications that are highly plagiarised and not your own work. e.g. ChatGPT, will be declined.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for mid-February 2024.