EU Research Project Manager in City of London

Project Overview: Between digital technology providers and the welfare state is qualitatively different from previous and other forms of service provision; and the European social model is transitioning towards a socio-technical model that has implications for welfare state functions. Looking at both pan-European tendencies as well as comparing different types of welfare regimes within Europe, the project seeks to test new theories of the welfare state and advance different imaginaries and practices of state-tech relations in line with definitions of a European social model. This project is funded by the European Commission, through a European Research Council Advanced Grant awarded to Professor Lina Dencik, University Research Leader in AI Justice at Goldsmiths.

The role-holder will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all non-scientific aspects of the daily management of this EC-funded research project. They will work closely with the lead researcher at Goldsmiths and colleagues in the Research and Knowledge Exchange Department to support the preparation and submission of periodic scientific and financial reports as required by the funder. In addition, they will take responsibility for the operationalisation of project activities; monitoring of progress against milestones and deliverables; identification and mitigation of risks; management of financial resources; liaison with project partners, contractors and other external or internal stakeholders; organisation of project meetings and events; coordination of project publicity; and any administrative tasks necessary to ensure the successful delivery of the project.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure that the project complies with the funder's terms and conditions, and with the College's policies and procedures, at all times.
• Oversee progress against project milestones and deliverables, and continuously monitor the use of financial resources, initiating corrective action where necessary (e.g., anticipating and correcting budgetary under/overspends).
• Manage the day-to-day project administration – including but not limited to procurement, recruitment, expense and advance payment claims, meeting and event organisation, travel and accommodation arrangements for fieldwork.
• Liaise closely with colleagues in the Research and Knowledge Exchange Department regarding any project-related HR, procurement, and legal/contractual matters.
• Ensure the timely submission of signed timesheets and declaration forms related to the project.
• Serve as the primary point of contact and main liaison for project partners, contractors, consultants and research assistants, including in relation to finance queries raised by the College's Research and Knowledge Exchange Department.
• Provide administrative and financial information in a manner understandable to scientific project participants.
• Support project meetings and events – including preparing agendas, recording minutes, taking notes, completing attendance sheets, and setting up video links with remote participants.
• Provide assistance with project dissemination activities, including open access deposits.
• Maintain and update project websites, blogs, online portals, social media and other communication channels.
• Act as a senior member of the project team, supporting the team to meet its objectives and timescales, and inducting and training new project staff in relevant processes and policies.
• Provide the College's Research and Knowledge Exchange Department in a timely manner with any information or supporting evidence required for the preparation of financial statements to funders.
• Put in place and maintain an effective and efficient system for the recording, storing and sharing of project information, including financial information, receipts and invoices, as well as any supporting evidence that may be required for audit purposes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable data management requirements.
• Assist the College's Research and Knowledge Exchange Department with due diligence compliance.
• Lead on monitoring and evaluation activities in the context of the project.
• Support the PI with drafting discrete aspects of scientific progress reports, as and when required.
• Foster a positive working relationship with internal and external stakeholders, including the College's Research and Knowledge Exchange Department, Finance, Human Resources, project partners and consultants, the EU project officer, as well as speakers and participants at project events.
• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required.
• Ensure that you are aware of and aligned with Goldsmiths' Regulations, Strategy, and Objectives to work together to proactively advance Equality and Diversity.
• At all times help maintain a safe working environment by participating in training as necessary and following the Goldsmiths' Health and Safety Codes of Practice and Policy.

Qualifications:

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent (ideally in a social science or humanities discipline).
• Educated at postgraduate level or equivalent.
• Qualification in project management.
• Proven experience with managing EU-funded (or other large) research projects.
• Experience of working with researchers in an HEI setting.
• Experience of managing financial resources.
• Experience organising and coordinating meetings and events.
• Experience with shared digital research environments and software.
• Excellent understanding of the EU research funding landscape as well as of funder requirements and expectations.
• Knowledge of EU data management rules and regulations.
• Excellent team-working and collaboration skills, including effective coordination, negotiation, motivation and a flexible approach to work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to adapt communications to suit the audience.
• Exceptional organisational and planning skills, with the ability to coordinate information and processes involving multiple people/teams.
• Ability to manage a complex and, at times, heavy workload, to multi-task and take initiative.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving efficiently and effectively while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to acquire complex knowledge and learn new skills quickly.
• Pro-active, self-motivated, result-oriented and able to deliver on pre-agreed objectives with limited supervision.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary.
• Working in Zone 2, with fantastic transport links and interest-free travel to work loans.
• Excellent annual leave entitlement plus additional closure days at Christmas and Easter.
• Membership of USS or LPFA pension scheme, dependent upon grade.
• Maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave and pay.
• Contractual sick pay provision.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme, offering 24/7/365 confidential and free advice, support and information service on a range of personal, family or work-related matters.
• Free eye tests.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Wellbeing initiatives including the Chaplaincy and Staff Choir.
• On-site dining facilities.
• Access to University of London facilities such as Senate House Library.
• Membership of Staff Diversity Networks: (Dis)Ability, Goldsmiths Race Equality Group, LGBTQ+, Menopause, Parents and Carers, Women at Goldsmiths.