Job Description:
Contract Type: Fixed Term until January 2030.
Location: Bristol (hybrid).
About The Role
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions, with the most recent exercise concluding in 2021. It is a peer review assessment process involving submissions from higher education institutions across the UK. The REF is delivered by Research England on behalf of the four UK higher education funding bodies.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain a good general knowledge of the REF process and administrative requirements of the exercise, and report on progress to the senior colleagues as appropriate.
- Proactively and effectively manage multiple complex diaries, making appropriate use of time and resources.
- Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
- Plan meetings, visits and other events ensuring all details are correct and that plans are within budget.
- Organise and circulate relevant papers, briefing notes and action notes for meetings. This may include agenda setting and minute taking as required.
- Support the delivery of panel projects, assisting the Project Manager with large mail outs and data management.
- Point of contact for Panel and Advisory Group members’ administrative queries by telephone, email and occasionally in person and ensure members are well informed about all administrative arrangements.
Essential
- Self-starter – able to prioritise, manage and organise time well, anticipating peaks and troughs in workload, and to keep up to date with routine jobs. (S&I)
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft software packages (Word, Outlook, Excel) and a willingness to learn new IT packages as required. (S)
- Ability to write emails, letters and draft papers clearly, accurately and following in-house style, appropriately tailored to the audience. (S)
- A creative, flexible and positive approach to problem solving and the ability to show initiative and manage ambiguity. (I)
- Good team worker – committed to collaborating to achieving results, willing to assist other members of staff during busy periods, able to identify and respond positively to the needs of colleagues. (S & I)
- A flexible and positive approach to developing, maintaining and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders. (S&I)
- Experience of organising and supporting high volumes of meetings or external events. (S &I)
- Experience of working with databases and/or spreadsheets and maintaining accurate records. (S)
- Ability to demonstrate accountability and ownership – consistently taking responsibility for tasks and outcomes, exhibiting commitment to see projects through to completion. (S & I)
- Interest in developing knowledge of the higher education sector and the REF. (S)
- Flexibility to travel to meetings, including sometimes working outside office hours and staying away overnight. (S)
Team members are expected to attend the office for monthly team meetings and quarterly planning days. In addition, they should be available to work on-site for extended ad hoc periods—typically 2-3 consecutive days—when required to support business-critical, collaborative projects.
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!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)