Senior Programme Manager - UKRI Global Food Security

Contract Type: 12 Months 

About us

The UKRI Global Food Security programme team is based in BBSRC and works across UKRI councils to improve coordination and collaboration on food security research. 

Purpose 

This role will support the development of a UKRI vision and strategy for food security research and innovation, working in collaboration with a wide range of external stakeholders. It will also support coordination and collaboration across UKRI councils in key interdisciplinary food system areas. 

Job Description 

The Senior Programme Manager role is varied and broad, working flexibly to undertake a wide range of activities, the focus of which may vary to meet key priorities and foster/respond to new opportunities: 

• To develop and maintain a clear understanding of the national and international progress of food security research and/or policy; for example, by developing supporting evidence from relevant academic and user communities, or data analysis.
• To contribute to the development and implementation of UKRI and BBSRC strategy and policy on food security, working with UKRI councils and external stakeholders.
• To develop and manage programmes of strategic research investment, working in partnership with other teams across BBSRC and UKRI
• To provide support to internal and external committees on food security, developing the agenda, writing papers and taking forward actions.
• To undertake proactive external representation to: (i) facilitate an increase in the research community’s awareness of strategic priorities, programmes and practices; and (ii) engage researchers in activities that will lead to development and delivery of strategic priorities.
• To build and maintain good relationships with partners including UKRI Councils, government, business, and NGOs.
• To contribute to internal and external communication activities, including providing expert briefing to the Executive and senior managers, inputs to inquiries and consultations, and responses to government and stakeholder requests.
• The role may require line management responsibility (prior experience of formal line management is not essential). 

Person Specification 

• Degree in a science-related subject
• Good interpersonal skills and a demonstrable ability to work with and influence internal and external stakeholders at different organisational levels
• Highly organised with the ability to plan and prioritise your own work
• Ability to both lead and work as part of a team
• Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex information in an accessible way
• Excellent analytical and writing skills, including the ability to present complex information concisely under tight deadlines
• A good understanding of the challenges involved in food security and food systems
• Willingness to travel in the UK and abroad, including occasional overnight (or longer) absences 

Additional information 

Developing talent: 

We are committed to developing employees in their roles throughout their career. Learning and development plans enable employees to continue their professional development through training and development opportunities such as e-learning, classroom training and on-the-job experiences. We encourage our employees to share their learning across teams and organisations. 

Benefits: 

UKRI can offer the successful candidate: 

- Flexible Working
- 30 days annual leave + Public Holidays
- Access to Civil Service Pension Scheme
- Various everyday discounts through our dedicated provider

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