Head of NRO Secretariat
Head of NRO Secretariat
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Job Description
Salary:
24month fixed term contract (with potential for extension) which could also be taken up as a secondment. Hybrid working anticipated with multiple possible locations across the 32 organisations that make up the NRO.
60100% (preferred) FTE
Closing date for applications Friday 30th May 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate so we encourage you to apply early.
Are you passionate about supporting worldclass science and influencing the future of UK research The National Research Organisations (NRO) is seeking a dynamic and proactive individual to help drive forward its ambitious mission. Backed by ministerial support and working closely with Government departments the NRO represents a powerful collective of independent and governmentaffiliated research institutions delivering strategically critical research for the UK and beyond.
As part of a small dedicated team this role offers a rare opportunity to work at the interface of research and policy supporting strategic collaboration across leading scientific organisations and senior Government stakeholders. If you thrive in a fastpaced environment enjoy building relationships and want to make a difference at the national level we want to hear from you.
The National Research Organisations (NRO) is a newly formed group representing the UKs independent and government affiliated research institutions. These organisations deliver world class science and research for the benefit of the UK and the rest of the world. They are especially critical in delivering strategically important national research for the UK. The NRO has been formed to enhance the landscape of research institutions in the UK by working with the Government and others to make UK research more financially sustainable and easily accessible for evidencebased policy. It has the support of the Science Minister and will work with DSIT to achieve its initial aims while building relationships across Government departments to promote evidencebased policy decisionmaking and increase the coherence and efficiency of UK research to ensure long term financial sustainability.
The newly created role of Head of the NRO Secretariat is a unique and exciting opportunity to work closely with the Directors of member organisations1 and the Chief Science Advisors and civil servants of various Government departments. Reporting directly to the NRO Steering Group you will support the above stakeholders with achieving the following aims over the next 12 years:
- Raise awareness of the value of nonuniversity research organisations to government and other sectors.
- Address the challenges highlighted in recent reviews of the research landscape to further enable our organisations to succeed.
- Determine how best our organisations can support/ engage in the Governments five missions to rebuild Britain;
1. Kickstart economic growth
2. Make Britain a clean energy superpower
back our streets
4. Break down barriers to opportunity
5. Build an NHS fit for the future
Key activities include:
- Work with DSIT other government departments 2 and devolved administrations to undertake policy analysis relating to science governance and funding drawing on the expertise of NRO Directors and CEOs
- Coordinate positions on behalf of the NRO on key issues and events as they arise
- Develop briefings for NRO members attending events/ meetings
- Engage with officials in DSIT and UKRI together with NRO Directors/ CEOs
- Maintain awareness of the wider science community and its various bodies
- Oversee the development of the NROs branding including the development of a website and presentation materials for NRO ambassadors to use
- Support the Steering Group in a review at end of year to establish future structures
- Manage the Executive Lead for Operations and Secretariat which is a further role being recruited in line with this post
This role requires an experienced communicator with experience of policy analysis and stakeholder management. You must be able to work productively with a wide range of key stakeholders and organisations with varying needs and able to push actions forward at pace. The right candidate will be highly effective at external and internal engagement and confident in influencing at executive level both in and outside of Government.
Apply today!
If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.
2 Government departments include DSIT DESNZ Defra DHSC GO Science FCDO.
Please note: Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. However this position may qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally if you are considering pursuing selfsponsorship please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
Required Experience:
Director
Employment Type
Full-Time
