Grants Manager, International Grants - Maternity Cover

Interested in supporting excellence and innovation in UK science?

The Royal Society is the independent scientific academy of the UK dedicated to promoting excellence in science. The organisation runs a range of grant schemes, supporting early career and senior scientists pursuing both discovery led and applied research, investing in industry and innovation schemes, working with partners overseas to facilitate international collaborations and strengthening research capacity in developing countries. In addition, the Society provides a range of activities to support the development of the next generation of research leaders including opportunities for training, mentoring, support and networking.

We are now looking for an outstanding and highly motivated candidate, with excellent organisational and time management skills and strong attention to detail to join our Grants team, with a focus on our Newton International Fellowships Scheme. This post would suit a candidate that can multitask and who enjoys handling high volume caseloads and working in a fast-paced environment.

Working as part of a team, the successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the day-to-day management and administration of the Newton International Fellowships Scheme. They will be the main point of contact for applicants, peer reviewers and award holders. Experience of research management or working in a grant funding environment is desirable but not essential.

The main purpose of the role is:

• To deliver the application, selection and awarding process for defined research funding calls, in accordance with agreed standards
• To act as a knowledgeable liaison for external researchers and administrators, providing advice, guidance and support on RS funding schemes, policies and grant management approach
• To support ongoing improvement in the context of grant-making and scheme development.

Reports to: Programme Manager, International Grants

Line manages: N/A

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week

Location: Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working   

Salary: £38, 005                                 

Pay Band: C

Contract type: Maternity cover, 9 month fixed-term contract 

The application closing date will be 7 April 2025 at 23:59. 

Interviews will take place on between 14 and 16 April 2025. 

Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

• To manage relationship with applicants as main point of contact throughout application process, preparing call documentation/forms, answering enquiries via email/phone
• To manage relationship with Panel members and external peer reviewers, including reviewing panel membership needs on annual basis, identifying and recruiting new members in line with diversity, equity and inclusion principles, inducting and retiring members
• To conduct selection processes, including carrying out eligibility checks, managing panel assessment and external peer review, arranging applicant interviews and recording panel decisions
• To act as Committee Secretary, supporting Chair and panel in an equitable award decision-making process, providing accurate information on all applications and briefings on funding related developments, organising meetings and preparing minutes     
• To carry-out post-Panel meeting outcomes, including preparing Grants Committee paperwork, preparing and issuing Award Letters, reviewing award financial breakdowns, setting up awards and payment profiles
• To monitor progress of individual grants and manage individual case work decisions, including administer change requests, financial management of tenure changes, review annual reports and provide support, as main point of contact for award holders
• To close grants, including scheduling and reviewing final reports and conducting reconciliation
• To provide payment profile information for payment authorisation and assist budgeting and forecasting
• To support the promotion of funding schemes and calls to key audiences, including giving presentations and participation in events
• To be responsible for accurate record keeping and data collection/retention, and provision of data, analysis, reports & summaries of award/scheme-level information as required
• Work collaboratively with others to support continuous ongoing improvement and implementation of good practice in the context of grant-making, including contributing to review of documentation, procedures and processes and scheme development/evaluation to ensure funding provision is relevant for the science community and is delivered efficiently and effectively
• To support activities within the Grants team aimed at increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion including encouraging participation from under-represented groups and supporting the development and maintenance of policies and practices to foster greater inclusivity and to ensure that those who have followed a non-standard career path are encouraged to apply
• To role model desired behaviours in line with the Grants Team Charter
• To share experience and ideas with others in the Section and the Society and contributing broadly to the Royal Society’s mission and priorities.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE

Educated to degree standard or equivalent                                                                   Essential

A good understanding of academic and/or research activities in science                      Desirable

A good understanding of procedures and best practice in research funding and/or

      grant making                                                                                                            Desirable

Science degree                                                                                                              Desirable

SKILLS

Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills                              Essential

Excellent organisational and time management skills                                                    Essential

Strong IT skills                                                                                                                Essential

Good presentational skills                                                                                              Desirable

Strong influencing and negotiation skills                                                                        Desirable

Strong attention to detail                                                                                                Essential

Excellent numeracy skills                                                                                               Essential

EXPERIENCE

Experience of working in a team and across teams                                                      Essential

Experience of effective internal and external engagement with people

      at all levels of seniority, including managing meetings and events                         Essential

Experience of funding research and/or grant making                                                   Desirable

Experience of using IT to collect, analyse and manipulate data accurately                  Essential