UPEN Network Coordinator (Part Time)

About us

The Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) was set up in 2018 by approximately ten higher education institutions. It now has more than 110 UK university and policy members. Institutional leads from each university comprise the knowledge exchange brokers/policy impact colleagues whose responsibilities include disseminating opportunities to relevant colleagues within their institution. The network is voluntary, and we are funded entirely by voluntary donations. In 2025 UPEN was awarded funding from Research England and ESRC to deliver a project focused on infrastructure and capabilities for academic-policy engagement in the UK.

The role is based in the UCL Public Policy team, in UCL Research, Innovation and Global Enterprise. UCL Public Policy is UCL’s strategic institutional programme to build engagement between researchers and policymakers and enhance the contribution of UCL’s academic expertise to public policy. It supports capacity-building within UCL, undertakes coordination and brokerage across the institution, delivers knowledge exchange and policy engagement activities, and strengthens the communication and dissemination of UCL research.

About the role

This is a part-time, 24 month fixed-term contract, offered at 20 hours per week (0.55FTE).

This role is responsible to provide comprehensive administrative, operational, membership, communications, and events support to UPEN. This role acts as a central hub, facilitating internal operations, fostering strong member relationships and ensuring effective communication and outreach.

The post holder will be reporting to the Head of Membership and Network Development, and working closely with the Head of Operations and Head of Communications and Impact. The post holder will be able to confidently navigate a developing and fast paced environment and contribute to building the organisations foundation.

A full list of duties and person spec can be found attached.

Interviews will take place on 8th April (9am-2pm).

In addition to the panel interview, candidates will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation, full details can be found in the attached briefing pack.

About you

This is a busy role in a fast-paced environment, where you will be expected to be adaptable, quickly assimilate information and establish your own support networks across UCL. An excellent eye for detail, superb organisational skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels both internally and externally are a must. You will be able to proactively and efficiently maintain records of information and impact, and report this clearly to key stakeholders.

You should have proven experience in providing support to senior management in a large, complex and preferably member-led organisation. You should have demonstrable experience effectively managing multiple audiences and stakeholders, as well as supporting with management of activities including events. You should have a good working knowledge and experience of organisational finance.

A full list of duties and person spec can be found attached.

What we offer

This role is offered at a UCL Grade 7 and is part-time at 0.55 FTE. As such, the pro-rated salary banding for this role is £23,855 - £28,424.

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits including 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) and more. Please note that the annual leave days will be pro-rated in line with the 0.55 FTE (14.5).

Customer advert reference: B09-01209

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