The British Academy – the UK’s national body for the humanities and social sciences - is seeking an International Programmes Manager to join our international department, providing key support in the delivery of the Academy’s Researchers at Risk programme.

ROLE PURPOSE / OVERVIEW

The International Programmes Manager (Researchers at Risk) will report to the Deputy Head of International (Special Projects) and take forward the management of the Academy’s Researchers at Risk programme’s delivery and development. The role will also include engaging with the established cohort of researchers, supporting their time in the UK .  

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.

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

Programme Administration and Line Management

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to manage and administer the Academy’s international programmes with specific focus on the Researchers at Risk programme.

• Manage two International Programmes Officers and support their professional development.

• Represent the Academy at appropriate meetings and events, including giving formal presentations.

• Work on the production of regular and ad-hoc programme reports, updates and financial analyses.

Compliance, Financial Processes, Monitoring and Reporting

• Oversee budgets associated with international research funding, including allocation, payments, and financial monitoring and reporting.

• Review and implement robust monitoring and evaluation processes and ensure rigorous compliance with reporting requirements.

• Prepare and provide reports to relevant bodies, both internal and external to the Academy.

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

• Contribute to the development and implementation of appropriate and efficient working systems, policies and processes, and to take responsibility for finding solutions to operational problems that may arise.

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

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build positive relationships with award holders and develop opportunities to engage them in the work of the Academy and the wider UK landscape.

• Provide support and advice to Academy Officers and senior staff.

• Liaise and work with colleagues across the Academy to take advantage of, and ensure, joined-up working in relevant areas.

• Assist committees, steering and working groups to help deliver strategic projects.

• Develop and maintain strong and positive relationships and agreements with external stakeholders, including contributing partner organisations.

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

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Internal

• International Team

• Colleagues in the Research Funding Team

• British Academy Foreign Secretary

• British Academy committees

• Colleagues in the Digital and Communications Teams

• Colleagues in the Finance Team

• Front of House colleagues

External

• Applicants and award holders

• Council for at Risk Academics

• Other National Academies and Research Councils

• Government departments (e.g. DSIT, FCDO)

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

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 challenges and co-operation with colleagues

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Demonstrates and develops appropriate knowledge and skills 

• Ability to develop and work to efficient office practices/ administrative processes

• Demonstrable understanding of working with committees/expert panels/steering groups

• Ability to develop and improve programmes

• High level of literacy and numeracy skills

• Knowledge of ODA 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 international research landscape

• Shares knowledge and skills 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

• 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 

• Prioritises tasks to meet deadlines

• Displays resilience in coping with workload

• Keeps relevant colleagues informed and seeks input

• 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  

LEADERSHIP

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

• Ability to work on own initiative, plus lead and direct a team

• Positive attitude to challenges and co-operation with colleagues

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

• Ability to manage others

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 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

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 week commencing 12 February 2024 but this may be subject to change.