The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an International Funding and Operations Manager to join our Funding Assurance Team in the Research Directorate, providing key support in the delivery of activities relating to funding assurance within the International Funding and Research Funding portfolios, as well as supporting the Global Strategy, Policy, and Engagement (GSPE) team with their budget management, process mapping, and reporting.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The role of the International Funding and Operation Manager is to deliver activities relating to funding assurance within the International Funding and Research Funding portfolios, supporting the Head of Funding Assurance. The International Funding and Operation Manager will also be responsible for supporting the Global Strategy, Policy, and Engagement (GSPE) team with their budget management, process mapping, and reporting.

The International Funding and Operation Manager will work closely with colleagues in Finance, Research Funding, International Funding to ensure that organisational systems, controls, and processes meet regulatory obligations to support the successful delivery of funded programmes and will contribute to the development and implementation of various working systems and processes within funding assurance. The role will also be responsible for supporting the International Funding team and GSPE team with financial record keeping, budget management, grant payment monitoring, and ensuring all standards are met for external financial reporting requirements.    

The ideal candidate will have experience in and be confident with financial reporting, forecasting, budget management and reconciliation. They will have and very strong eye for detail and be able to work pro-actively and collaboratively across multiple different teams and with colleagues across different grades. You will be able contribute to the operational effectiveness of various working systems and processes, while also being able to develop and maintain strong working relationships both internally and externally. We are looking for someone with excellent organisational skills, and who can work confidently both independently and within a collaborative team environment. Previous experience working within the research funding sector is desirable but not essential. Previous experience working in a highly numerate environment is essential.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Compliance and Assurance

• Manage the development and implementation of the organisations funding assurance strategy and framework

• Be the key liaison person with institutions and internal stakeholders with regard to the due diligence procedures

• Manage assurance reviews, audits, investigations, and compliance assessments across funded programmes and projects.

• Regularly monitor due diligence processes and policies, such as ODA compliance, value for money outcomes, Overseas Payment Policies, and Safeguarding Policies.

• Support in the creation of quarterly reports on risk, due diligence, assurance, and mitigating actions

• Ensure that the funding guidance and programme scheme notes are updated in accordance with the latest British Academy funding rules and compliance tasks, such as timely checking of and/or submission of financial returns within the portfolio of funded research.

2. Budget Management and Financial data and reporting

• Maintain accurate records of payments across finance codes and throughout the financial year.

• Ensure that international funding grant payments are made accurately and on time and that all budget lines are accurately reconciled each quarter and at the end of the financial year.

• Reconcile and maintain an accurate record of payments on relevant tracker documents to match against the Academy’s finance system records to ensure that grant payments are recorded correctly and on time against relevant budget headings for both International Funding and Global Strategy, Policy, and Engagement.

• Lead on the monitoring and profiling of award payment schedules and modelling implications for annual budgets forecasts.

• Review and implement robust financial reporting processes and ensure rigorous compliance with reporting requirements as set out by our government funders.

• Support with the International Team’s external reporting to government, including engaging with government officials and coordinating internally to ensure such reporting is to a high-quality standard and on time.

• In tandem with the Finance Business Partner, analysing and advising on financial performance of all such external funding projects and schemes and analysis of the International Funding and GSPE Team’s budgets, working closely with managers in the team, the Deputy Heads as well as Heads of International and Research Funding, and the Directors of Research and Resources.

• Oversee the forecasting and modelling of annual expenditure of new International funding schemes under discussion with DSIT or other funders to inform future call development or spending review submissions.

• Take responsibility for the development and management of the International Funding Team’s external reporting to government, including engaging with government officials and coordinating internally to ensure such reporting is to a high quality standard and on time.

3. Processes and Development

• Proactively contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate and efficient working systems and processes, and to take responsibility for finding solutions to operational problems that may arise within funding assurance.

• Work with the International Funding Team and GSPE Team to ensure their work processes, work plans, and timelines for delivery are monitored and work with the team to identify and mitigate against bottlenecks or crunch points.

4. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with the Finance Business Partner – International to coordinate all financial activities between the International Team and Finance.

• Actively engage with the research community to raise awareness of and engagement with the Academy’s international programmes.

• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and flexibility in the team and support the team in achieving other team and Academy objectives.

• Ensure at all times effective communication with colleagues internal and external, to drive forward the International Team’s compliance and financial responsibilities.

 Key Stakeholders

Internal:

International Funding Team; Global Strategy, Policy, and Engagement Team; Research Funding Team; Finance Team

External:

Government departments (DSIT, FCDO etc.); Finance / research awards departments in research institutions; BIRI

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Undergraduate degree – desirable but not essential. 

• Finance qualification is desirable but not essential.

• Experience of working in a highly numerate environment is essential

• Experience of working with research offices or within the research funding sector – desirable but not essential.

• Experience working with a CRM is desirable (for example, Salesforce)

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Works and communicates effectively

• Commitment to working within a team, with an ability to work independently and show initiative and exercise sound judgment

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• A professional approach when dealing with a variety of people

• 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. 

• Is willing and able to compromise and negotiate, including to resolve possible conflicts.

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity & respect.

• Promotes a positive impression of the Academy both internally and externally.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• Demonstrates knowledge around the work the British Academy does. 

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

• Proactively makes suggestions for improving processes and policies.

• 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.

• Experience of office practices and administrative processes

• Experience of working with committees/expert panels/steering groups

• High level of literacy and numeracy skills

• Experience of monitoring budgets for specific activities and/or programmes

• Strong IT skills and confidence in using key Microsoft packages including Office 365, Excel, Word and PowerPoint

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Ability to meet deadlines while under pressure, accurately and with attention to detail, often balancing conflicting priorities to meet agreed deadlines

• Ability to use tact and diplomacy and to handle confidential information

• Demonstrable knowledge of UK higher education system

• Demonstrable knowledge of the research landscape

• Shares knowledge and skills with others

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

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

• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills

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

• Takes ownership of tasks, including delegating effectively where appropriate.

• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Ability to plan and deliver role-specific tasks and be an effective team worker with strong interpersonal skills to deal with multiple tasks in parallel

• Displays resilience in coping with busy workload

• Takes ownership of tasks

• Responsive, flexible, and willing to work across a range of tasks within changing priorities.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Results-focused attitude

• Strong problem-solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

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

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

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

• Anticipates conflict and thinks ahead to resolve 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 your 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.

• Ability to work on own initiative, plus lead and direct colleagues without direct line management responsibility

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

• Maintains, demonstrates, and expects high levels of honesty and integrity

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Commitment to high quality service and efficiency in all aspects of the organisation’s operations

• Personal commitment to the values, vision, and objectives of the British Academy

• Evidenced commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity

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

• Willing to travel on British Academy business

• Able to be flexible about working location and hours on occasion

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.

To apply, please submit your CV and complete the application questions.

Applications will be assessed in two stages. We will first review and shortlist candidates based on their CVs. Following this, the application questions of shortlisted candidates will be reviewed and scored to determine who progresses to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that we use AI screening software to identify responses that have been copied from AI sources and are not your own work.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on 27 November 2026, however, we may close this role sooner if we receive a high volume of applications.  In these circumstances we will give those who have shown interest 24 hours notice of the change of deadline.

Interviews for this role are currently scheduled for w/c 14 December 2026 but this may be subject to change.