About us
UCL is a world-leading research university with a strong commitment to using its collective expertise to address global challenges and create positive impact locally, nationally and internationally.
UCL Grand Challenges is a flagship programme bringing together expertise from across the university to stimulate cross-disciplinary research, education, innovation and knowledge exchange. Its themes include Climate Crisis, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Data-Empowered Societies, Inequalities and Intercultural Communication, supported by significant investment across their five-year lifespan.
Based within the Office of the Vice-Provost (Research, Innovation & Global Engagement), the Grand Challenges team works across UCL to turn these ambitions into practical programmes, funding opportunities and collaborative activity.
About the role
We are seeking a Senior Programme Officer to join the UCL Grand Challenges Programme Management Office (PMO). Please note this is a fixed-term internal only secondment position until 31st December 2028.
Working closely with the Head of Programmes & Operations and colleagues across Grand Challenges, RIGE and the wider university, the role will help translate strategic priorities into effective and consistent ways of working across the programme.
The postholder will coordinate a broad range of programme and operational activity, including planning, governance, financial monitoring, risk management, funding administration, data and reporting, and the development of processes and Standard Operating Procedures. There will be a strong focus on continuous improvement, identifying opportunities to make systems and processes more efficient and user-focused.
The role will also support the effective operation and development of Grand Challenges’ grant management system, Flexi-Grant, and produce management information, reports and dashboards using tools including Power BI. The postholder will line manage the Programme Administrator and work with a wide range of stakeholders across UCL.
About you
You will have experience of developing processes and delivering projects or funding schemes within higher education or another similarly complex organisation, alongside a good understanding of project, programme or portfolio management.
Strong organisational, analytical and stakeholder management skills are essential, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work confidently across different teams and activities. Experience supporting the implementation, adoption or improvement of technology systems and identifying practical improvements to processes and ways of working will also be important.
You will bring strong data and digital skills, including demonstrable proficiency in Power BI and experience of workflow and grant management systems such as Asana and Flexi-Grant, or equivalent platforms. Financial acumen, including experience of budget monitoring, forecasting and expenditure tracking, is also required.
An effective communicator and collaborative colleague, you will be comfortable developing clear guidance, reports and training materials for different audiences, building positive relationships with stakeholders and working independently while knowing when to seek advice and input.
What we offer
- 41 days’ holiday (27 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, 6 closure days)
- Option to purchase 5 additional days’ annual leave
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan, and immigration loan
- Relocation support for eligible posts
- On-site nursery and gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
- Staff Support Service (employee assistance programme)
- Discounted medical insurance
Full details: UCL Rewards and Benefits.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We particularly encourage applications from candidates underrepresented in UCL’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, and – for Grade 9 and 10 roles – women.
Read more: UCL Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Applicants should also familiarise themselves with UCL’s policies on: Prevention of Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Misconduct Policy and Personal Relationships Policy
