R4D is seeking a Partnership, Events and Comms Manager to support our portfolio within the Scaling Innovation practice.
About the Role
R4D seeks an Innovation Partnerships, Events & Communications Manager to play a leading role across the R4D Innovation Practice, initially supporting three major programmes (subject to change):
Responsibilities
- Tech Community of Expertise (TCOE) (circa 50% LoE)
- This role will play an integral part in managing and strengthening the TCOE’s Helpdesk partnerships with UK-based and global institutions.
- This will include stewarding relationships with a range of partners, such as think tanks, non-profit organisations, academic institutions, government stakeholders, and local implementing partners, ensuring effective coordination across a diverse ecosystem of technical expertise providers.
- In addition, the postholder will oversee and manage Helpdesk requests that partners are engaged on, including supporting the full lifecycle from initial scoping, allocation of appropriate expertise, oversight of delivery, and follow-up with FCDO to ensure quality and responsiveness of outputs.
- This role will involve taking the lead on designing and coordinating the successful execution of a series of online and in-person FT Hub events targeted for November 2026.
- This will include programme management and delivery – ensuring coordination and tracking of the progress up to and during the event.
- It will also involve curating and building content, running a panel picking event, digital logistics, production, designing and executing a comms pipeline, and ensuring key guests and partners are in attendance.
- FT Hub runs as a flexible programme, and therefore other events management, programme management, communications and partnerships management may be required.
- International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA) (circa 10% LoE)
- This role will be solely focused and responsible for continuing the evolution and uptake/usage of PULSE, IDIA’s online collaboration platform.
- PULSE was launched at the December 2025 IDIA Summit, and is designed as a space for the 400 strong community to access content, resources, share learning and connect.
- PULSE needs a committed and structured approach to driving engagement from across the IDIA membership.
- You will be supported by the Senior MEL Officer, Innovation and the Senior Communications Associate, Innovation.
Qualifications
- MA + 3 years’ experience OR BA + 5 years’ experience. Qualification ideally in international development, public policy, science and technology, innovation, communications, or a related field. Candidates with equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
- Programme and/or partnership management experience in international development, innovation, science & technology, or related ecosystem-based programmes.
- Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills, including experience producing high-quality outputs and facilitating engagement with senior or multi-stakeholder audiences (in-person and virtual).
- Demonstrated experience working effectively in a matrixed environment across multiple programmes, teams, or workstreams.
- Strong experience building and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across innovation ecosystems, such as government actors, think tanks, academic institutions, non-profit organisations, and technical partners.
- Experience in event design/planning and implementation.
- Experience managing components of donor-funded programmes (e.g. FCDO or equivalent), including coordination with partners, sub-contractors, or implementing organisations.
- Understanding of innovation ecosystems and how science, technology, and innovation expertise is mobilised to support development outcomes, policy, and digital transformation.
- Highly collaborative and approachable team member who is enthusiastic about supporting the Innovation team and working closely with others at R4D.
- High level of organization, attention to detail, professionalism, and reliability.
- Confidence in promoting content, engaging others (including those more senior) and managing positive relationships with different actors.
- Ability to prioritize and manage work in a fast-paced environment across multiple projects and work streams with competing time/resource demands.
- Enthusiasm, energy, good judgement, humour and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and sometimes ambiguous environment.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Willingness to travel occasionally (approximately 2-3 trips per year).
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work in UK.
Required Skills
- Experience working in the fields of technology innovation and/or at the intersection of science, technology, and innovation ecosystems is required.
- Familiarity with technical domains such as AI, digital public infrastructure, digital governance, cyber resilience, and government digital transformation in international development contexts is preferable.
Preferred Skills
- Experience working in science, technology, digital innovation, or innovation ecosystem strengthening programmes (e.g. GovTech, digital transformation, innovation funds, tech-for-development initiatives).
- Direct experience working with innovation ecosystem actors such as researchers, technologists, startups, accelerators, or technical advisory networks.
- Familiarity with innovation approaches such as agile delivery, adaptive programming, user-centred design, or iterative learning methodologies.
- Experience working across sectoral areas relevant to innovation and digital development (e.g. AI, digital public infrastructure, governance, cyber resilience, inclusive technology).
This role is a hybrid position, with a mix of remote work and in-office days and some international travel may also be required.
Compensation
The target base salary pay range for this UK-based position is £47,500 - £57,000 per year. R4D aims to provide an equitable and consistent starting salary for all new hires based on the responsibilities and qualifications required for the position. The full salary range allows for future career and earnings growth, and hiring above the mid-point of a salary range would not be typical for a new employee.
Base salary is only one component of our total rewards package. R4D offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, open personal leave, 15 days of paid sick leave, paid holidays, paid parental leave, pension contribution, company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program and a flexible work environment. Please visit our R4D Careers page for more details.
International hiring ranges and benefits packages will differ based on location.
