Ecosystems Manager (Southeast Asia) in London

The Wellcome Trust is a global charitable foundation. We improve health for everyone by funding science, leading policy and advocacy campaigns, and building partnerships. We plan to spend £16bn over the next ten years, funding new discoveries in life, health, and wellbeing, and taking on three global health challenges: mental health, infectious disease and climate and health. These challenges need the bold science we support, but they won't be solved by science alone.

The Equitable Research Ecosystems team focuses on creating strong global research environments by managing direct investments in initiatives like the Major International Programmes and Accelerator Awards. By building robust research ecosystems in the UK and priority countries, the team aims to support diverse research initiatives and foster equitable opportunities within scientific communities. This effort ensures equity is integrated into all scientific operations, driving impactful change for communities affected by health challenges.

We are looking for an Ecosystems Manager (South & Southeast Asia) to join our Equity team. You will be working within the Equitable Research Ecosystems team reporting to the Research Ecosystems Lead, South & Southeast Asia. The Equitable Research Ecosystems team plays a crucial role in advancing Wellcome's mission under the Equity Framework by spearheading direct investments to strengthen global research environments. This team aligns with Wellcome's commitment to focus on the people and communities most affected by health challenges, contributing to the Framework's goal through strategic programmes such as the Major International Programmes.

What will I be doing?

• Develop and implement Wellcome's ecosystem investment strategy, focusing on the Major International Programmes and exploring new opportunities to expand equitable research and diversity in targeted geographies.
• Manage and strengthen investments in South & Southeast Asia, overseeing significant budgets ranging from £100k to £1 million, while fostering inclusive and equitable research opportunities.
• Drive partnerships and initiatives within the South & Southeast Asian research ecosystems portfolio, managing both active and new grants/programmes, with an emphasis on equitable and diverse funding models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams within Wellcome for funding reviews and governance processes, ensuring effective, equitable, and diverse programme implementation.
• Conduct strategic analyses and reviews for portfolio development, prioritising investments to achieve impactful, diverse, and equitable research environments across South and Southeast Asia.
• Engage with international partners, including research institutions, academics/researchers, funders, and policymakers, to enhance equitable and diverse research ecosystems, supporting communities most affected by health challenges and promoting inclusive practices.

Is this job for me?

This role is ideal for a skilled researcher and/or portfolio manager with experience in research programme management across diverse settings, particularly South & Southeast Asia, who is passionate about fostering equity and inclusivity in global research initiatives. If you excel in stakeholder engagement, possess strong communication and analytical skills, and are adept at working in a dynamic environment, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to Wellcome's mission of creating impactful and sustainable change within research ecosystems.

Minimum Criteria:

• Experience of research fields relevant to Wellcome, research programme management and portfolio oversight in varied international settings, specifically in South & Southeast Asia.
• Experience to a Master qualification with demonstratable research experience within a priority geography of South & Southeast Asia.
• Ability to help manage and deliver grants, contracts and research funding, with relevant experience in an academic, industrial, funding agency or charity setting.
• Experience working with partners in South & Southeast Asia to develop partnerships and strategies that support research and funding.
• Extensive experience with effective quality project/portfolio management including relevant legal, ethical and risk mitigation and change management aspects including in relation to research initiatives in low resource settings.

Our Hybrid Way of Working

We understand that our colleagues have commitments and personal interests outside of work and we strive to build a flexible working environment, in which people can perform at their best. At Wellcome we have a hybrid way of working which is 3 days in our Euston Road offices (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) with the remaining 2 days working either remotely or in the office.

Diversity and Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at Wellcome. We are committed to cultivating a fair and inclusive environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.