Plastics Network Project Officer

Background

The Birmingham Plastics Network (BPN) is an interdisciplinary research group that works with stakeholders across the plastics value chain to create new, innovative solutions for society’s use of plastics. With over 80 University members across all five colleges from a wide range of academic disciplines. In January 2023, the BPN launched its ‘Call for Action’ report, which argued for joined-up action on the plastics crisis whilst recognising the value of plastics. This groundwork paved the way for an evidence-based Policy Commission which engaged 12 commissioners and over 40 evidence givers through four strands of evidence collection. 

The University of Birmingham Plastics Network Policy Commission was successfully launched at the House of Commons in March 2024 and outlines eight recommendations for the UK Government. The 8-month Project Officer post will support the Project Manager to deliver and galvanize activity which has been activated by external interest from the Commission, supporting The Birmingham Plastics Network in building national impactful research, impact and policy. The Project Manager and Officer will work with the academic team and associated professional services colleagues, to drive these recommendations to reality whilst working to leverage external funding for the Network through business, policy engagement and research awards. The Project Officer will also work with the Project Manager to deliver activity on behalf of the Network, such as newsletters, events, responses to Government consultations, and work with key partners such as the NHS and colleagues from other central university functions.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Educated to Degree level (or equivalent qualifications). Where no equivalent qualification is held, significant practical relevant experience and expertise in a similar role will be required.
• Significant practical experience in a similar role, experience of using project management tools.
• Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to analyse information and data.
• Highly proficient IT skills, including the wider MS Office suite of programmes including excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to understand policy, processes and procedures, but also to recommend improvements and implement changes.
• Excellent analytical skills used to produce reports, identify issues and resolve them decisively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills. The post holder must inspire confidence and command authority with a range of colleagues and provide excellent customer service at all times.
• A high degree of professionalism, tact, and diplomacy, and the ability to exercise discretion regarding the handling and management of sensitive information/issues. 
• A high degree of initiative, personal judgement, resourcefulness, flexibility, and a self-motivating approach. 
• Ability to work effectively in a large, complex organisation, and to develop a good understanding of how the University and higher education institutions work.
• Enthusiasm for working to improve environmental sustainability.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquiries to Robyn Macpherson, r.macpherson.1@bham.ac.uk.

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply button above.

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