The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an International Programmes Manager (Mobility) to join the international department, providing key support in the delivery of the Academy’s work related to the Global Talent Visa.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The International Programmes Manager (Mobility) will report to the Deputy Head of International (Engagement and Net Zero) and take forward the management of the Academy’s role as an ‘endorsing body’ for the Global Talent Visa and lead on the programme’s delivery and improvement. The role will also include managing members’ engagement on international mobility and immigration in relation to the research and innovation sector.

You will line manage a small team to deliver the programme and have excellent planning, organisational, and time management skills. You will also be an effective communicator with both external and internal stakeholders.

The British Academy’s international team promotes and supports international collaboration and mobility, develops and maintains links with sister academies, international organisations and other partners overseas, and leverages the expertise of Fellows and award-holders to further the Academy’s reach, impact and influence internationally.

The Academy’s international programmes are multi-year endeavours which entail a wide array of activities: from providing research funding to talented individuals in the UK and overseas, to informing international policy and public debates, to using the Academy’s convening power to showcase the value of international and interdisciplinary collaborations for addressing today’s global challenges and ensuring that the UK maintains its place as a world-leader in the social sciences and humanities.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Programme delivery

• Oversee the processing of applications across various streams and engaging with internal and external stakeholders when needed

• Work closely with colleagues to deliver the Global Talent visa work programme with a high degree of precision, and exceeding service standards

• Direct on the monitoring and reporting of outcomes, producing statistics and summary reports as required

Programme improvement

• Inform and oversee the improvement and usability of the Global Talent visa scheme

• Initiate opportunities to improve internal operations and processes

• Engage with colleagues to identify ways to improve internal operations and processes

Relationship management

• Lead on the Academy’s relations with other Academies and Endorsing Bodies to deliver a coherent and cohesive Global Talent visa

• Lead on the Academy’s relations with the Home Office and UK universities and research institutes

• Manage relations with internal stakeholders (including British Academy Fellows) to inform the application and endorsement review

• Liaise with internal stakeholders (including British Academy Fellows) to facilitate the application and endorsement review

Mobility policy

• Inform the Academy’s recommendations for changes to guidance and immigration rules

• Contribute to the development of briefings, speeches, papers, and reports related to mobility

• Represent the Academy at appropriate meetings and events

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• International Team

• Research Directorate

• Global Talent Visa Panel members and Chair

• British Academy Foreign Secretary

External

• Endorsing Bodies and Academies

• Home Office

• Higher Education Institutions

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

An effective communicator who treats all colleagues fairly and equally, with openness, empathy and respect

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

• 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.

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

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

• Ability to communicate effectively, with the ability to clearly articulate thought processes and opinions.

• 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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Comfortable with year-round, routine responsibilities whilst maintaining focus, precision, and self-motivation.

• Confident in managing a complex and varied workload, with multiple deadlines.

• Adept at using Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to learn new programs effectively and efficiently.

• 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, 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

• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills.

• Keen eye for detail, taking pride in high quality work, with the ability to pick up minor mistakes and discrepancies.

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

• Prioritise tasks to meet deadlines and manage conflicting priorities.

• 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 a varied and ongoing workload.

• Takes ownership of tasks.

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

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 proactively acts on them

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure

• Anticipates conflict and thinks ahead to resolve them quickly

• Problem solving skills including a pragmatic approach to risks and issues.

LEADERSHIP

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

• Supportively and respectfully lead, motivate and organise a team

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Evidenced commitment to equality and diversity

• Takes a flexible approach to your 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 hours on occasion.

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, which will incorporate a task component. There will also be an opportunity to meet the team.

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 week commencing 8 January 2024, we aim to inform applicants on 20 December 2023, but this may be subject to change.