Global Policy Institute Manager

Job Title:        Global Policy Institute Manager 
Department:         School of Government and International Affairs
Grade: Grade 7 
Salary range:        £35,333 - £42,155 per annum - (pro rata)
Working arrangements: Part time (0.5). Working arrangements are flexible within the normal working week and will be negotiated with the successful applicant. Due to the part time nature of the post it is not suitable for job sharing arrangements. We are undertaking a hybrid pilot looking at how best our staff can work flexibly, on and off campus. 

Closing date:        9th September 2022
Potential interview date:    TBC
   
The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here  
 

The Role and Department

At the Global Policy Institute we conduct multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research focused on the scholarship, politics, and policy of pressing global collective action problems. Our network of world-class researchers, practitioners, and policymakers provides international intellectual leadership in the field of global challenges, and multilateral and transborder governance arrangements.

Our network includes the indexed, peer-reviewed journal Global Policy, and the competitive MSc Global Politics programme at the School of Government and International Affairs.

The Manager will play a crucial role in the administration and development of the Global Policy Institute. Working directly with the GPI Co-Directors you will support the execution of the Institute’s research strategy and associated academic and outreach activities. Liaising with academic colleagues throughout the Institute you will provide administrative support and some research assistance as appropriate to ensure research and outreach activities are enabled and publicised.
The post-holder will work directly with the Global Policy Institute Co-Directors and will be an able and enthusiastic research administrator. He/she should have a genuine interest in, and commitment to developing the overall international profile of the Institute. The post holder will undertake a range of activities which will include supporting the Co-Directors in the execution of research policies and the co-ordination of a wide range of research activities - including research grant applications, supporting the public engagement of the Institute, and ensuring its work is promoted. The post holder will also be required to carry out literature searches, develop small scale research proposals and gather, analyse and interpret academic data relevant to research projects. Thus a background in University research with experience of research methods relevant to the Institute and strong written communication skills is essential.

The successful candidate will have the ability to use his/her own initiative and creativity in developing, working on and promoting research projects in close collaboration with academic staff across the Institute, in particular the Co-Directors. You will be required to plan and manage activity and resources, using your initiative to identify areas for research, both for yourself and academic colleagues, whilst at the same time carrying out administrative activities which support the implementation of the Institute’s research strategy.

Further information about the role and the responsibilities is at the bottom of this job description.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role.  Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description.  

Where a criteria has an asterix* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered.  Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria  

1.    Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to develop excellent working relationships both internally and externally.   
2.    Excellent digital competence with demonstrable skills in using core digital tools including internet, email, digital communication tools, and Microsoft 365 applications
3.    Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).   
4. Educational qualifications or prior professional experience linked to global governance.
5.    Professional practitioner with knowledge and expertise used to contribute to the delivery and development of services, events and activities within the organisation.   
6.    Experience of implementing policy and procedures and involvement with future changes for a service area.   
7.    Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.   
8.    Experience of being able to network effectively and develop strong and productive working relationships, to influence perceptions of the University.   

Desirable Criteria

1.    Continuing professional development required to maintain professional recognition.   

2.    Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines.    
How to Apply   

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
  
Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.
  
What you need to submit   

•    A CV: and   
•    A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out above.    
 

Contact details   
  
For a chat about the role or any further information please contact Kyriaki Nanou ([email protected])

Typical Role Requirements

  
Service Delivery

•    A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.
•    Contribute to development of operational service activities to ensure excellence in the stakeholder experience. 
•    Responsible for managing small budgets for consumables and some capital items, keeping records and processing invoices.  
•    Provide management for stakeholder service areas and/or processes ensuring a high-quality and timely service to all stakeholders, including prospective, existing and past students and staff. 
•    Ensure the review and improvement of systems and procedures in line with University, School, Department or unit frameworks. 
•    Distribute service information and provide advice to stakeholders regarding compliance and regulations. 
•    Ensure regulations and procedures are updated to take account of internal and external changes. 

• To proactively identify possible sources of research funding, working with the Research and Innovation Service, and communicate research opportunities to academic colleagues.
• To conduct small scale research projects to support the Co-Directors and other academic colleagues.

Planning and Organisation

•    Implement changes to the design and development of service processes, techniques and deliverables for one or more service strands or project streams. 
•    Collect and analyse stakeholder feedback to help define needs and requirements and the design and planning of services. 
Gather and analyse service data, including information relevant to the development of research projects, and provide reports to Service Heads making recommendations for improvement as appropriate.

Teamwork

•    Contribute to operational leadership teams and decision making to shape the nature and level of support services. 

Communications and Networking

•    Internal and external relationship development and partnership working, networking and participation to engage and influence future services and the University reputation. 
•    Deliver training, teaching and/or development delivery for stakeholders  including formulating and arranging a programme of relevant workshops for staff in relation to research, liaising with appropriate external contributors and University Departments.
•    Contribute to and lead business meetings, working groups and sub-committees at departmental and operational service levels. 
•    Provide proactive and comprehensive input and support to Head of Services, School and/or Department to achieve strategic and operational priorities. 
•    Provide advice to stakeholders in relation to University, School and or Department policy, procedures and regulations. 
•    Coordinate and oversee committee working and deal with complaints. 

- Identify ways of disseminating Institute research beyond traditional research publications, including the media, the web and national dissemination initiatives

• To work with Marketing and Communications to develop and maintain the Institute’s website and publicity to ensure research findings, outputs and engagement activities are disseminated.

Knowledge and Experience

•    Recognised professional practitioner and service specialist. 
•    Provide specialist expertise and support with complexity of data and information sources, interpretation and analysis. 
•    Identify and design activities to meet learning objectives and outcomes. 
•    Maintain an awareness of current policy for University business goals such as widening participation and access, and provision of advice using specialist knowledge. 
•    Awareness of the external environment and sector best practice to support high quality services.   

•    Any other reasonable duties.   
  
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   

SECONDMENT
The post is part time, fixed term untill 31st July 2023 and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.
If an internal member of staff is appointed to this role on a secondment basis, for pension purposes this will be processed in line with Step-Up arrangements.  For further details please click here.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.