The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking a Deputy Head of International to join our International Department, providing key leadership in the delivery and management of high-quality performance across a range of the Academy’s International special projects including the Researchers at Risk Fellowships and a new training and development programme.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The Deputy Head of International (Special Projects) will work closely with the Head of International and the three other Deputy Heads of International in the delivery of the Team’s strategic goals and mitigating the risks faced in delivering the Academy’s international programmes and activities. The role will also include engaging with external partners, stakeholders, funded researchers and representing the Academy externally.

You will lead a small team across a range of programmes and have excellent planning, financial, communication, organisational, and time management skills, providing support and advice to colleagues and senior leadership.

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

OVERSEEING AND LEADING THE ACADEMY'S INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL PROJECTS PORTFOLIO

• Working closely with the Head of International and the three other Deputy Heads of International in the delivery of the Team’s strategic goals and mitigating the risks faced in delivering the Academy’s international programmes and activities.

• To provide expert knowledge and advice about developments in the relevant external policy environment and recommend any changes for the Academy, procedures and systems, including systems of due diligence and award monitoring and reporting.

• To advise and support the Head of International, the Academy’s senior management and Officers, Committees and personnel relating to the international dimension of the Academy’s work.

LEADERSHIP AND LINE MANAGEMENT

• To take a lead role ensuring excellent communication systems are in place to share information in an effective and timely manner across the Department and with the wider Academy.

• To manage four International Programmes Managers and a lead a team with 5 additional International Programmes Officers, supporting their professional development.

• To oversee the work of team members, taking a lead role in advancing the Department’s strategic planning.

• To advise, support and be responsible for cascading best practice in the International Department and more widely within the Academy where appropriate.

OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• To be responsible for the operational management of the Academy’s international special projects portfolio, and for ensuring these are continuously improved in line with a strong understanding of relevant best practice and reporting requirements.

• To oversee the work of the International Programme Managers on the production of regular and ad hoc programme reports, updates and financial analyses

• To oversee day-to-day compliance tasks (such as checking of and/or submission of financial returns).

• To assist colleagues with and oversee where appropriate independent/external reviews of the Academy’s international operations.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• To develop and maintain partnerships with external bodies acting as a central contact where required and represent the Academy at appropriate meetings and events.

• To assist committees, steering and working groups to help deliver special projects.

• To work with the wider Academy and the other UK national academies where relevant on specific projects and initiatives, to ensure a joined-up approach.

• To provide support for other Academy activities as requested from time to time.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Colleagues across the Academy

• Fellows of the Academy

External

• Award holders and other researchers

• UK National Academies

• Research institutions

• Training providers

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

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.

• Values others’ input and expertise, treating everyone with respect.

• Shares all relevant or useful information.

• 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.

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments.

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

• Encourages commitment and positivity in self and others

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills

• 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.

• Shares knowledge and skillset with others.

• Seeks and responds to feedback from others.

• Identifies ways to support the development of other colleagues.

PROACTIVITY AND PLANNING

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

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines.

• Displays resilience in coping with workload.

• Sets clear and structured objectives.

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input.

• Evaluates and manages risk effectively.

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

• Monitors progress effectively and adapts plans where possible.

• Evaluates and reflects on plans and delivery and applies learning to future planning.

• Continuously manages, and monitors, resources, challenging waste or inefficiency.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING

Ensures good decisions are made through a rational and methodical approach

• Identifies problems and opportunities and acts on them.

• Has a pro-active, can-do, attitude, taking personal responsibility for correcting problems or resolving issues.

• Focuses on solutions and manages pressure.

• Copes with the unexpected.

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

• 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

• Inspires personal trust, engenders kinship around a shared vision.

• Shows integrity and wisdom, decisiveness and consistency, sincerity and honesty, especially under pressure.

• Tackles and owns difficult issues, resolves rather than avoids conflict.

• Looks to the medium and long-term future, anticipates change.

• Enables and empowers others to effect change.

• Is courageous, making and seeing difficult decisions through in a calm manner, handling crises well.

• Takes responsibility, leads by example, attracts support.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Hybrid working is available for this position, with the understanding that attendance at our London office will be required as dictated by job responsibilities.

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 will 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 w/c 15 April 2024 but this may be subject to change.