Depending on skills, experience and time available, the secondment could work as one blended role (1 FTE) or be shared between two part-time secondees with complementary strengths (0.6 FTE x 2).
Location: Flexible - Remote or hybrid.
Are you interested in working in a national science policy environment and supporting engagement with senior leaders across research organisations and government? This secondment offers a practical opportunity to support the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group at a time when the UK’s research and innovation landscape is evolving.
The NRO Group brings together organisations with public responsibilities and capabilities across the UK research system. The NRO Secretariat coordinates the Group’s communications, engagement and shared activity, helping members work together and raise the visibility of their collective contribution. www.nrogroup.org
The NRO Secretariat and Engagement Coordinator supports delivery of the NRO Group objectives by strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity tocommunicate clearly, operate professionally and coordinate engagement activity. The role supports the Secretariat to maintain clear and consistent communications, keep working groups and engagement activity moving, gather examples of NRO impact, and support the day-to-day operations needed to help NRO deliver and increase its visibility.
The final balance of responsibilities will be agreed with the successful candidate(s) depending on skills, experience and time available.
Your main responsibilities will include:
Communications and content
- Supporting NRO communications, including content planning, tracking opportunities and coordinating inputs from member organisations.
- Drafting first-pass content for member updates, web copy, newsletters, social media, event materials and stakeholder communications.
- Gathering updates, examples, case studies and evidence of NRO activity and impact from member organisations.
- Helping maintain agreed templates, key messages and shared materials so communications are clear, consistent and usable.
Engagement and events
- Liaising confidently and professionally with member organisations, senior stakeholders and Executive Assistants to coordinate meetings, information requests and routine engagement.
- Supporting the NRO Communications Working Group, including meeting preparation and follow-up.
- Helping coordinate events, workshops and external engagement activity as , including practical logistics and supporting materials.
Secretariat coordination and delivery
- Supporting Secretariat inbox triage and follow-up where this relates to communications and engagement activity, membership or wider NRO activity.
- Maintaining contact lists, shared content trackers, document libraries and collaboration spaces so information is organised, accessible and up to date.
- Supporting other NRO working groups or Secretariat-led activity where communications, engagement or membership coordination input is needed.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft clear, accurate and usable content.
- Strong organisational skills, with confidence managing multiple priorities, deadlines and follow-up actions.
- Good interpersonal skills, with the confidence to represent NRO professionally and build positive working relationships across multiple organisations.
- Good attention to detail, including keeping records, actions, contact lists or shared information organised.
- Some practical experience supporting communications, engagement or project coordination.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, Teams and shared collaboration platforms.
Helpful experience depending on role emphasis:
- Experience drafting content for websites, newsletters, social media or member-facing communications.
- Experience coordinating events, campaigns, or stakeholder engagement activity.
- Experience supporting project coordination, including tracking actions, deadlines, decisions or risks.
- Experience maintaining shared inboxes, document libraries, action trackers or contact lists.
- Interest in the research and innovation landscape, public policy or cross-organisational collaboration.
- Ability to prepare content and materials using agreed templates, formatting and approval routes.
Reporting and Working Relationships
The role would sit within the NRO Secretariat and report to the Head of NRO Secretariat, with day-to-day coordination and tasking agreed alongside the NRO Secretariat Operations Lead. The secondee would work closely with both roles, with priorities shaped around Secretariat needs, the candidate’s skills, experience and available time.
The post would not be funded by the NRO Secretariat, but IT access and agreed travel and subsistence expenses would be covered by UKCEH as the host organisation for the NRO Secretariat. Practical working arrangements would be agreed with the candidate and home organisation, including time commitment, priorities and reporting. The role could be undertaken remotely or on a hybrid basis, with occasional attendance at a UKCEH site for IT onboarding, equipment collection or support.
Development Opportunity
This would be a genuine development opportunity to build practical experience in communications, engagement, stakeholder coordination and Secretariat delivery in a national science and research policy context. The secondee would gain exposure to senior networks across NRO member organisations and government-facing activity, while bringing learning, contacts and insight back to their home organisation.
Applications:
Please apply by Friday 4 September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the NRO Secretariat to explore suitability, availability and how the role could be shaped around their skills, experience and development interests.
National Research Organisations Secretariat and Engagement Coordinator in Edinburgh employer: UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
UKCEH is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead impactful fundraising initiatives in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment. With generous benefits, including flexible working options and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, you will thrive while contributing to vital environmental research that shapes the future. Join us in making a difference, where your work directly supports the planet and its people.
Contact Details:
UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology Recruitment Team
