Head of Audit and Risk in England

This role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK. At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next‑generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century. Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community. Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family‑friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong leadership experience in the following areas:

• Lead Risk Management efforts in the Observatory
• Lead Internal Audit activities
• Lead investigations as directed by the Director-General or the Director of Assurance
• Undertake projects providing assurance in various areas as directed by the Director of Assurance.
• Advocate for the Assurance function in research infrastructures (RIs)
• Deputise the role of the Director of Assurance where necessary and appropriate.

The purpose of the role is critical to core Assurance functions, protecting the Observatory from risks. The Head of Audit and Risk will report to the Director of Assurance and will work with all members of the Executive Group and others internally and externally at a senior level.

This role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

1. Lead Risk Management efforts in the Observatory in respect of:
• Observatory wide risk management policy and process
• Expert support of risk identification and analysis at Observatory level
• Independently identify risks to the Observatory, evaluate them and facilitate their management, advising as necessary
• Strategic approaches to the mitigation of risk at Observatory level, advising the Executive Group on options
• Structuring and Drafting of Risk Appetite Statements and conducting regular reviews
• The preparation and delivery of reports on high-level risks to Finance Committee and Council
• Monitor the Observatory’s high-level decision-making processes and advise the Director of Assurance on any risks arising
2. Lead Internal Audit activities in respect of:
• The delivery of a proposal for the elements of the audit cycle together with the Director of Assurance and the Executive Group
• Use expertise to procure Internal Audit services
• Manage the internal audit contract including the management of changes
• Facilitate the field work of the Internal Auditors
• Monitor and facilitate the prioritised fulfilment of action items arising from findings, working with Directors and Heads
• Identify and initiate in‑house audits where there is potential for unmanaged risk in any part of the business
3. Lead investigations as directed by the Director-General or the Director of Assurance, into:
• Failures of process or conduct highlighted by an internal or in‑house audit
• Incidents occurring through unidentified or inadequately managed risks
• Failures brought to the attention of Assurance by any other means
4. Undertake projects providing assurance in areas of sustainability, corporate responsibility, staff security, Observatory resilience and industry relations as directed by the Director of Assurance. The projects would include the management of risks identified through in‑house audits and not allocatable to other parts of the business.
5. Advocate for the Assurance function in research infrastructures (RIs), peer with colleagues in other RIs and represent the Observatory at major events where quality and assurance in international RIs are discussed. Take a leading role in the development of Assurance in RIs globally.
6. Deputise the role of the Director of Assurance where necessary and appropriate.
7. Travel locally and internationally occasionally.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Qualifications in business administration, risk management or engineering project management
• Substantial experience in the management of major construction projects (civils, environmental, energy, resources, etc) at senior level
• Substantial experience in developing and implementing risk management policies, processes and risk appetite statements
• Extensive experience in designing or contributing to an internal audit cycle and managing outsourced audit providers
• Direct experience of international project management
• Direct experience of managing research and development activities
• Direct experience of government‑led or government-funded projects
• A demonstrable track record of delivery in construction projects
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and international team

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience gained in the management of major high value (>$1M) advanced technology projects (defence, aerospace, nuclear or similar)
• Experience of regulatory compliance activities in multiple jurisdictions
• Experience of academically led R&D

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda. Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background. Women have traditionally been under‑represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided. SKA Observatory welcomes all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.