The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking 2 Programmes Officers to join our International team, providing key support in the delivery of activities within the portfolio of funding schemes managed by members of the team with a focus on the Researchers at Risk Fellowship scheme.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The UK National Academies with Cara (the Council for At-Risk Academics) are supporting a Researchers at Risk Fellowships Programme. The Fellowships will cover the natural sciences, medical and health sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and the arts with applications made via UK-based institutions.

The Researchers at Risk Fellowship programme aims to complement and be additional to the work already being done by UK institutions, including through their existing cooperation with Cara as members of Cara Universities Network, enabling them to provide additional two-year fellowships to researchers at risk with funding of circa £37,000 per annum. Researchers and innovators supported through this Programme will be able to take up these temporary fellowships at UK institutions, continue their research, enhance their skills and build long-lasting collaborative links with UK counterparts.

You will work with colleagues to ensure the efficient and effective delivery of international programmes. Reporting to an International Programmes Manager you will work to support the Researchers at Risk Fellowship programme, working close with the Academy’s award holders to facilitate their research and the Academy’s reporting requirements.

For further information about the International activities of the British Academy, see https://www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/international.

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

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Co-leading on the opening, closing and award-making aspects of the International Programmes, specifically the Researchers at Risk

• Deliver specific programmes while also working flexibly as and when required across a range of different activities; and to support colleagues proactively as part of a high-performing team delivering evolving research opportunities across the humanities and social sciences

• Manage the Academy’s funding system Flexi-Grant, to set up the schemes and review applications received

• Move the applications through the appropriate eligibility, assessment, and shortlisting stages

• Manage the shared inbox to answer queries from applicants, award holders, university research offices and assessors

• Prepare draft text and collaborate with the Communications team to ensure the promotion of schemes via e-bulletins and social media as appropriate

• Collate assessment and application information for the preparation of Research Awards Committee panel papers

Maintaining key relationships with Fellows, Officers, and other stakeholders

• Work closely with the Fellows of the British Academy to provide assessments for applications – including providing them with guidance and support on the Flexi-Grant system

• Collaborate with Fellows, Officers and Committees of the Academy in ensuring robust decision-making processes for the delivery of funding schemes and awards, including organising and managing selection meetings

• Engage actively 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 

• Organise events related to the Academy’s international programmes and other relevant associated activities for award-holders, researchers and other stakeholders

Financial tracking and monitoring

• Take responsibility for monitoring expenditure within an allocated budget

• Monitor the financial tracker for the scheme by making regular payments, reviewing final expenditure statements, and identifying and processing refunds against specific awards

• Provide senior members of the team with up-to-date statistics and summary reports of expenditure

• Collaborate with the Finance team in managing refunds and payments monthly

Pre- and post-award monitoring

• Monitor and report on award outcomes, chasing for submission of final reports by award holders as necessary

• Maintain effective information databases

• Collaborate in producing diversity statistics and summary reports

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• Director of Research

• International Team and wider Research Directorate

• Development Team

• Finance Team

• Communications Directorate to promote schemes

External

• Research Awards Committee

• University Research and Finance Offices

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

5 GCSEs Grade A-C or equivalent

Undergraduate degree - 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 

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

• Handles difficult situations with sensitivity and respect

• Communicates effectively with staff across departments

• 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

• Shares knowledge and skillset 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.  

• 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 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

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 these roles are currently scheduled for 25 and 26 January 2024 but this may be subject to change.