NIRD Impact Development Officer

With the world’s population set to rise to nine billion by 2050, we face huge challenges in providing enough nutritious food for everyone, using methods that are environmentally sustainable. At the same time, as the population ages, more people will experience non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, dementia and cancer. Our world-leading research in Agriculture, Food and Health is addressing these challenges.

We apply our expertise to address global issues including climate change, resource degradation, hunger, poverty, diet and health. Our experts work with partners globally and locally to influence both policy and practice to ensure evidence-informed decision making.

Working primarily with the Agriculture Food & Health Theme, for projects related to the National Institute for Research into Dairying (NIRD) Trust Fund remit, you will be contributing to the continuous improvement in the development of economic, environmental and societal benefit from the theme. You will work on the development of the impact culture within your remit and provide support to a pipeline of projects within the theme, working with external partners where necessary to ensure opportunities for impact are maximized and captured. You will also have a major role in the delivery of the REF and the University’s impact strategy. Specifically, you will assist in mapping impact activity in REF Unit of Assessment 6 (Agriculture, Food, and Veterinary Sciences) and support related REF Impact Case Studies.

You will have:

• Knowledge of impact and the routes to achieving it
• The ability to work with a diverse range of academic and professional services stakeholders
• Experience of managing projects in a research setting
• The ability to work as part of a team to progress a programme of work
• Good communication skills
• Demonstrable knowledge of the AFH Theme sectors

The role holder will join a newly formed and delightful impact team within Research Services and will work alongside the Impact Development Managers/Officer from the other Themes to jointly deliver on the University’s impact, and all on our beautiful and green campus.

If unsure of criteria, this can be taken from the person specification.

Closing date: 17 March 2025

Interviews will be held: 31 March 2025

Contact details
Contact Name: Zainul Leitch
Contact Job Title: AF&H Impact Development Manager
Contact Email address: z.leitch@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Lisa Lazareck-Asunta
Alternative Contact Job Title: Senior Impact Development Manager
Alternative Contact Email address: l.j.lazareck-asunta@reading.ac.uk 

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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