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- Tasks: Lead the management of international funds and shape innovative funding programmes.
- Company: Join UKRI, a leader in research and innovation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global research initiatives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in research management and strong project management skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 46743 - 46743 £ per year.
UKRI International Salary: £46,743. Band: UKRI Band E. Contract Type: Open ended. Hours: Full-time/ Part Time. (Minimum 0.8 FTE) (Flexible working available) Location: Polaris House, Swindon. Hybrid working available. This role may include occasional travel for business need. Closing Date: Monday 6th April 2026.
About the role
The Senior International Funds Manager will play a leading role in the delivery and implementation of UKRI’s International Funds, reporting to the Head of International Funds Development. The role includes lead responsibility for management of the cross-council portfolio of current International programmes, working with representatives from across the Councils and other UKRI International teams. The post holder will help shape new international Funds, such as the second round of funding to the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), creating a portfolio that meets both budget and strategic requirements.
Your Responsibilities
- Work with the Heads of Funds to support the International Science Partnerships Fund bringing programmes from the initial prioritisation stages to delivery, working as appropriate with other UKRI International teams, DSIT colleagues and other stakeholders.
- Lead on the development of Fund specific policies, practices and communications, to ensure coherent delivery across UKRI Councils, and consistent experience for external stakeholders, in line with UKRI and DSIT/HMG requirements.
- Oversight of international funds distributed to Councils, including project portfolio information and reporting (with International Analysis, Data, Evidence and Reporting team) and finance monitoring (with International Finance Business Partners).
- Responsible for the planning, development, commissioning, delivery and post-award management of specific International initiatives and portfolios. This can include both legacy programmes and new activities from new funds such as the ISPF.
- Ensure effective collaborative working across UKRI to develop and deliver these, including with other UKRI International teams, UKRI Councils, DSIT and external stakeholders as appropriate.
- Contribute to fund-level governance and cross-Council groups.
- Promote learning and good practice in Fund(s) delivery across UKRI.
- Embed knowledge of International Fund policies, processes and good practices within the team and promote across UKRI.
- Responsible for Fund specific external engagement.
- Contribute to stakeholder mapping, to support Fund communications, active engagement and evaluation.
- Ensure coherence through coordination within UKRI International, across UKRI and with HMG.
- Work with the Partnerships team to develop or take forward collaborative opportunities.
- Prepare briefings and provide information and advice on Funds to senior management, UKRI Councils, other delivery partners, the R&I community (both UK and international), and UK Government departments.
- Develop the competence and confidence of the International Funds team through learning, skills development and staff support, to ensure UKRI has capability to deliver International Funds.
- Utilise the expertise of UKRI International staff in planning, developing and implementing research programmes.
- This role may include line management responsibilities going forward.
- As senior manager within the International Funds Team, ensure overall objectives are met and that the team is able to respond with agility to changes in requirements, working flexibly across development and delivery activities.
- To exemplify and promote the values of UKRI International.
This is an outline description of the key responsibilities and accountabilities involved in the job. This is not an exhaustive list and the post-holder might be expected to undertake any other duties, commensurate with the Band and level of responsibility of this post, for which the post holder has the necessary experience and/or training.
Person Specification
The below criteria will be scored during Shortlisting (S), Interview (I) or both (S&I)
Essential- Educated to at least first degree or equivalent (S).
- Significant experience in research and innovation management or policy development in a government, higher education, or research-based organisation within the research and innovation sector, with demonstrable knowledge of how UKRI operates (S&I).
- Sound project management skills, including the ability to work flexibly and to plan, manage and deliver a portfolio of projects and activities with different timescales, priorities, and delivery mechanisms, working individually and in teams (S&I).
- Ability to think creatively, offer new insights and generate new ideas with practical application. Able to investigate and analyse problems systematically and then develop reasoned proposals for action (S&I).
- Ability to see the big picture, adapting strategies and actions to support organisational priorities and add value (S&I).
- Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to interpret and present information to a wide range of audiences; to draft crisp, concise and accurate briefing material, papers and presentations (S&I).
- A demonstrable ability to influence and persuade others, negotiate diplomatically, work with people of all levels and to build good relationships and effective partnerships with them (S&I).
- Good people management skills and the ability to lead, manage and motivate cross-organisational teams (S&I).
Benefits
We recognise and value our employees as individuals and aim to provide a favourable pay and rewards package. We are committed to supporting employees' development and promote a culture of continuous learning!
- An outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days' annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full time equivalent).
- Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
- Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
- Flexible working options.
- Plus many more benefits and wellbeing initiatives that enable our employees to have a great work life balance!
For further information on our benefits please see: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
UKRI is an Equal Opportunity & Disability Confident Employer. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Please apply online, if you experience any issue applying, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Please note, if you will require sponsorship to work in the UK, as part of your sponsorship application, you and any dependants travelling with you, will be required to pay costs directly to The Home Office for the application before you start your role with us. UKRI is normally able to reimburse some, or all of these fees after you have become an employee and this can be discussed with the Hiring Manager. For more information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/how-much-it-costs or contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
Senior International Funds Manager employer: UK Research and Innovation
Contact Detail:
UK Research and Innovation Recruiting Team
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We think this is how you could land Senior International Funds Manager
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior International Funds Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Senior International Funds Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
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Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Research and Innovation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of UKRI's International Funds and how they operate. Brush up on recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to the International Science Partnerships Fund. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing multiple projects with varying timelines and priorities. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to adapt and deliver results under pressure. This is crucial for the Senior International Funds Manager role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are key for this position. Practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms, as you'll need to present information to diverse audiences. Consider preparing a brief presentation or summary of a relevant project to demonstrate your communication prowess.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've successfully built partnerships in the past. Be prepared to share examples of how you've influenced and negotiated with stakeholders at various levels. This will illustrate your ability to foster collaboration, which is essential for the role.