Assurance Manager

UK Research and Innovation

Salary: £34,905
Hours: Full time 
Contract Type: Open Ended.
Location: Polaris House, Swindon (Hybrid Working Available) 
Closing Date 03/11/24

We are looking for an Assurance Manager, to work within the International Research and Innovation Portfolio Management Office (IRI-PMO), with a focus on supporting the development and implementation of assurance processes to deliver the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) and manage the closure of the Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), and Newton Fund.

This role is an excellent opportunity to support a wide portfolio of work related to governance, strategy, policy, fund allocation, risk management, project delivery and reporting, by assuring delivery to international and UK legislation, best practice standards and Government priorities.

You will work closely and collaboratively with the range of external Partner Organisations who deliver these funds (such as UK Research and Innovation, the National Academies, the Met Office, the British Council, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the National Physical Laboratory, Universities UK, the Catapult Network, and the Faraday Institute) as well as with Senior Government Officials, and Other Government Departments.

This is an interesting and varied post within a fantastic team, with opportunities to develop your skills and experience, and be innovative in your approach to doing so. It is also a superb opportunity to develop your experience in ensuring value for money in Government spending through assurance and project/programme management; with considerable space for development, training and working with a wide range of stakeholders.

Please note the IRI-PMO is a UKRI team that works closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Applicants should be aware this permanent role is likely to transfer from UKRI to DSIT in early 2025.

Key Responsibilities

This role reports to the Senior Assurance Manager and will support the creation, implementation, and maintenance of an effective Assurance Management Framework to support the delivery of our international Funds. This is crucial for the provision of support and guidance to the wider IRI-PMO team, to evidence that we are managing and coordinating our Funds in line with best practice standards.

Key elements of the job include:

• Supporting the development and implementation of the Assurance Management Framework and Assurance Plan.
• Working closely with external Partner Organisations and DSIT colleagues on the production of grant funding agreements.
• Ensuring recommendations and processes are followed (e.g., external reviews, legislation, policies, due diligence and fraud processes, audits, Government commissions)
• Providing guidance and on risk and issue management and reporting within the IRI-PMO (risk register, mitigating actions)
• Developing and implementing processes and guidance across the IRI-PMO to drive continuous improvement.
• Working with colleagues in the IRI-PMO and DSIT to implement new Government policies (inc. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and environmental targets) using project management best practice standards, tools, and techniques.
• Supporting governance processes (reporting to boards, roles, and responsibilities)

These activities form a core part of wider transformation activities aimed at improving how the Funds are delivered.

You will also:

• Work flexibly in response to changing demands and collaboratively with colleagues across the IRI-PMO.
• Proactively suggest solutions to address concerns and raise potential issues to Line Manager at an early stage.
• Support a learning and development culture across the IRI-PMO

Essential Skills

• Experience using project/programme management techniques and tools (e.g., risk management, stakeholder engagement, governance, progress, time, compliance).
• Ability to identify and monitor risks and issues, planning how to mitigate, and respond to those risks and issues, implementing the responses.
• Show initiative and act proactively, be able to think and adapt quickly.
• Experience of developing strong, collaborative partnerships across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Resilience and the ability to cope with uncertainty, ambiguity, and change

Desirable Skills

• A recognised project or programme management qualification such as one of the following:
  • APM Project Fundamentals or Management Qualification
  • PRINCE 2 Foundation or Practitioner
  • Managing Successful Programmes Foundation or Practitioner
  • APMG International Project Planning and Control Foundation
  • PMI Certificate in Associate Project Management
• Knowledge of Research and Innovation Funds and their delivery, and Official Development Assistance (ODA) spend.
• Knowledge of policy development and implementation process

Benefits

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package! We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!

A list of benefits below:

• An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme
• 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent)
• Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities
• Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice
• Flexible working options

Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!

For further information on our benefits please see:

Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer.

Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org