Governance Support Officer

Location: Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK (Flexible working available, with at least 3 days a week on-site)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Due to the requirement of obtaining an enhanced security clearance for this role, we are only able to accept applications from persons who have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years.

About NQCC

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing. Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

Employee Benefits:

• 30 days holiday (in addition to 10.5 bank holidays and privilege days).
• An excellent defined average salary pension scheme.
• Easily accessible public transport links / free parking.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.

We are looking for a Governance Support Officer who can assist the NQCC’s Programme Manager with governance, assurance, compliance, and other programme-related activities. You will also be working closely with other members of the Programme Delivery team, and more widely with scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, to enhance the UK’s quantum computing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting different aspects of the NQCC’s governance structure by assuring the smooth logistical and administrative preparation of meetings and building relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Supporting the Programme Manager and relevant colleagues in managing the NQCC’s risks and issues, from supporting data collection to reporting.
• Supporting the monitoring of progress on NQCC’s objectives.
• Ensuring that relevant data is regularly collected across all teams and escalating issues where necessary.
• Improving how this is visualised in reports for a variety of stakeholders.
• Helping prepare for assurance reviews and helping ensure compliance with relevant wider STFC and UKRI processes.
• Administering and improving the Knowledge Information Management (KIM) function for the Programme Delivery team and for projects managed by the Programme Delivery team.
• Providing support to other members of the Programme Delivery team in role-adjacent areas.

Person Specification:

Applicants must provide examples to demonstrate that they meet each of the criteria of the role. CV and Cover Letter to be a maximum of 2 pages each (Arial 10 or equivalent minimum). Unfortunately, applications that do not meet these criteria will not be considered.

The following essential criteria are split into shortlisting (S) and/or interview (I):

• Substantial experience in programme management’s areas of governance, assurance, compliance and/or reporting (S/I)
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), with the ability to present complex technical information accurately, concisely and articulately, and to adapt communication style when required (S/I)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds (S/I)
• Proven ability to influence decisions and motivate people towards the timely delivery of outputs aligned with organisational priorities (S/I)
• Strong experience working with varied and complex data, from collection to reporting, with a focus on continuous improvement (S/I)
• Demonstrated proactive attitude to problem solving (S/I)
• Effective organisation, good attention to detail, including the ability to prioritise conflicting demands (S/I)
• The ability to handle confidential information securely and appropriately (S/I)
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the NQCC’s mission, vision and values and a desire to contribute to these goals (S/I)

Additional Information:

Please submit your Covering Letter and CV (maximum 2 pages each) that clearly outlines how you fulfil each of the criteria along with your motivation to join NQCC. Please ensure that your name and the job reference number are in the file name of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered.

How to apply:

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered.