Project Officer - School of Engineering - 104768 - Grade 6

at  University of Birmingham

POSITION DETAILS

School of Engineering
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105
Grade: 6
Full Time, Permanent
Closing date: 28th November 2024

CORE COMPETENCIES/TRANSFERABLE SKILLS

Working at this level you will be able to develop and successfully use the core competencies/transferable skills outlined in each of the areas shown below. As appropriate for the level, Birmingham Professionals take ownership for getting things done. You will be expected to be flexible as required in supporting your department and wider University.
Informal enquiries to Laura Harvey l.j.harvey@bham.ac.uk
View our staff values and behaviours here
We believe there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy . You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website

ROLE SUMMARY

This role is based within the School of Engineering (College of Engineering and Physical Sciences). The School, which is the largest in the College is a multi-department School comprising the disciplines of Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronic, Electrical and Systems Engineering.
This role is part of a wider, dynamic and exciting professional services team. The post holder will manage the administration of smaller projects or support in the management of one or more projects through the provision of significant high-level project management support as directed by the Research Administration Manager. The post-holder will work alongside the School of Engineering Project Officers to offer post-award support to the School of Engineering PIs with costed administrative support to their grants. Working closely with academics in the School of Engineering, the Project Officer will support the day-to-day activities and administration from the outset of projects as they move into set-up and delivery. This role will involve duties such as the monitoring and collection of project deliverables, monitoring and reviewing financial expenditure and the communication of information, guidance and regulations to project participants. The post holder will also contribute to the planning of events such as funder meetings, research events and conferences; and assist the Principal Investigator in the successful delivery of these activities. Support the implementation of the School Research Strategy, with direction from and liaison with the Head of Operations, Research Administration Manager, Head of School, Senior Leadership Team and School Director of Research. The post-holder will be a key contact for research collaborations with other Schools and Colleges, Higher Education institutions, industry, and other external partners. A key component of the position is to establish successful working relationships with teams across the University including the Research Strategy and Services Division, Finance, HR, IT and Marketing Teams supporting successful delivery of research.

MAIN DUTIES

• Project Officers will manage smaller projects in their entirety or manage elements of larger projects or assist in the management of one or more larger projects through the provision of well-developed and timely project management support. You will be expected to work proactively and using initiative and planning skills set your own priorities to ensure progress is maintained as expected, identifying issues and proposing solutions.
• To support the School of Engineering PIs and the Research Administration Manager in the successful delivery of research projects.
• To support Research Project delivery, Project Boards, workstreams and working groups within an overall project; or manage elements of larger projects or smaller projects on your own.
• Support may include some or all of the following:
• Carry out project planning activities
• Identify milestones which will need to be adhered to
• Data collection and analysis
• Milestone tracking/key performance indicator tracking
• Develop and proposing solutions for any potential issues
• Recommend improvements for project management
• Prepare progress reports for project boards or other meetings
• Assist in budgetary monitoring and management, including reporting
• Assist with stakeholder management, develop and maintain regular contact with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements
• Assess and escalate issues and risks as appropriate
• Support with a wide range of project operational duties to include project recruitment and procurement.
• Any other project related requirements as deemed necessary by the PI for successful project delivery, e.g. possible travel in line with project deliverables.
• Contribute to development of communications plans, presentations, promotion of projects and outcomes of projects/workstreams.
• Support with School research activity such as the organisation of events, including the seminar series and conferences.
• Contribute to the School Research network, providing input and assist in the implementation of processes and guidance to support the Project Officer role.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of project management methodologies and work with the wider Project Officer community (School, College and wider University) to develop best practice for post-award support.
• Work alongside the School Operations Hub and the wider Senior Leadership Team to support the delivery of School specific strategies.
• Determine short term priorities for own work, ensuring maximisation of quality, efficiency and continuity.
• Assist in the evaluation and review of projects.
• Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working.
• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade and as directed by the Research Administration Manager to support the School of Engineering.

ROLE CONTEXT

Roles at this level will require expertise and a detailed understanding of methods, systems and procedures in an administrative or professional area. You will either use specialist knowledge or have more of a planning/co-ordination/project role or a role which is supervisory in nature where you may manage a team doing similar kinds of work. You will have the opportunity to exercise a high degree of personal responsibility and initiative which you will use to resolve queries; you will use your judgement to deal with unforeseen problems and circumstances, all with limited guidance/supervision.