UKRO European Advisor

Fixed Term (12 Months)
Brussels or Swindon

About the role

The UK Research Office (UKRO) is a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) team supporting UK engagement in EU funded research and innovation programmes. As part of UKRI International, we work with partners across government and our stakeholders to maximise UK engagement in Horizon Europe. We deliver a subscription-based advisory service for research organisations (in the main UK HEIs) and is also appointed by the UK government to provide free, impartial advice on COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology), Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence, European Research Council (ERC) and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programmes.

UKRO is currently delivering its services in a hybrid format, primarily online, via webinars and online trainings and workshops. Meeting with officials and attendance at in person and online events organised by the European Commission and the Brussels-based networks are a core component of the role

Key Responsibilities include:

It is essential that you develop an extensive knowledge of the opportunities offered by COST and the Widening’ elements of the Horizon Europe programme to the UK research and innovation community.

You must understand the practical issues facing universities and research institutes on pre-and post-award with regards to the acquisition and management of European funding.

You will also be required to develop expertise and knowledge of relevant EU research and innovation policy priorities, in addition, you will be given the opportunity to specialise and become expert in key policy areas.

As part of a busy environment, you will be expected to manage a variety of monitoring tasks and contribute significantly to team outputs.

Tasks include:

• As the primary UKRO contact for a dedicated UKRI Council you will carry out policy support activities for them or have responsibility for contributing to cross-Council policy support work in specific areas.
• Effective monitoring and outputs:
  • Gathering, analysing, and disseminating relevant information on EU programmes (with focus on Horizon Europe).
  • Responsibility for liaison in Brussels with respect to specific areas of research and policy.
  • Expected outputs include daily articles for the UKRO Portal, effective monitoring of relevant funding and policy developments, and drafting of factsheets and other resources.
• Quality advice and customer service:
  • Providing high quality guidance and advice on EU funding programmes and their implementation
  • Carry out regular presentations, briefings and custom training sessions to UK researchers, research managers and administrators virtually and in the UK.
  • Support researchers by developing significant expertise on EU funding implementation, including in the field of EU grant finances and grant rules.
• Develop effective contacts with the European Commission and other European institutions and organisations and other stakeholder organisations.
• As part of the European Advisor team you will brief colleagues on portfolio areas and contribute to joint activities and team discussions and projects.
• NCP activities
  • Respond to queries and support the UK COST National Coordinator.
  • Develop and run dedicated events to promote UK participation in COST and ‘Widening’ actions.
  • Monitor developments within COST and the ‘Widening’ elements of the Horizon Europe programme.

You'll need to demonstrate the following:

• Knowledge of EU funding including Horizon Europe
• Awareness or curiosity about research and research policy
• Strong team working skills
• Ability to prioritise work against competing deadlines
• The ability to draft written documents, including preparing concise briefing material drawn from a range of sources
• Previous experience of managing a diverse portfolio with conflicting demands
• Strong communication skills and be able to understand and convey complex messages and policies in clear, jargon free language, both verbally and to a high written standard
• An ability to handle a large volume of information, interpret material and convey key messages to different audiences.
• An understanding of the work of UKRI
• An understanding of UK research and higher education funding system
• Experience of working with customers and responding to customer expectations
• General IT skills, including working knowledge of MS Office packages

Why chose UKRI?

We recognise and value our employees as individuals and strive to provide a pay and rewards package that motivates staff to perform to the best of their ability!

The reward package includes:

• A flexible working scheme,
• An outstanding pension scheme,
• 30 days annual leave allowance (pro rata) plus public holidays

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community

How to Apply

Applicants are required to submit a CV and a cover letter outlining their suitability for the role.