Grants Manager, International - Fixed-term, Maternity Cover

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 postholder will be expected to: 

• 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

Location: Royal Society, 6-9 Carlton House Terrace, London SW1Y 5AG plus hybrid remote working

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week

Pay Band: C

Salary: £38,955

Contract:  6 month, fixed-term, maternity cover 

Application closing date: 23 November 2025 

Interview dates: 2 - 4 December 2025

• 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.