Programme Support Officer

Hours: Full Time or Part Time (Minimum 0.8 FTE) (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Together, our scientists, technologists, engineers, and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society. 

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn, and empowered to explore your curiosity.

About Us: 

The National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) is the UK’s national laboratory dedicated to accelerating the development and adoption of quantum computing.

Headquartered at the Harwell Campus in Oxfordshire, the NQCC works across government, industry, and academia to address the engineering challenges of scaling quantum computers and to build a quantum-ready economy. Its mission is to enable the UK to solve complex societal and industrial challenges by harnessing the transformative potential of quantum computing.

The NQCC is a joint initiative of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC). It sits alongside other departments within the STFC National Laboratories and is part of the wider National Quantum Technologies Programme (NQTP).     

Employee Benefits: 

We recognise and value employees as individuals and aim 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, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance and a number of other benefits. 

About the Role: 

We are looking for a Programme Support Officer who can assist the NQCC’s Programme Manager in all aspects of programme management. You will also be working closely with other members of the Programme Delivery team, and more widely with scientists, engineers, developers and experts in quantum technologies, to enhance the UK's quantum computing capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting different aspects of the NQCC’s governance structure, such as NQCC’s Strategic Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Group, and other groups as requested. This is achieved through:
  • Assuring the smooth preparation of meetings (e.g. polling for dates, organising venues and travel, drafting agendas, collating and distributing papers, creating slide decks etc).
  • Assisting during the meeting by taking minutes.
  • Monitoring the action log post-meeting.
  • Building relationships with these internal and external stakeholders. 
• Supporting the Programme Manager and relevant colleagues in managing the NQCC’s programme-level risks and issues. Ensuring that the required information and updates are collected, organising data for analysis, and flagging any issues or delays. Helping the Programme Manager prepare reports on risks and issues for various governance boards. 
• Supporting the monitoring of progress on NQCC’s objectives. Ensuring that regular updates are collected across all teams, and escalating when Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and milestones are delayed or not being met. Improving how this is visualised in reports on progress for a variety of stakeholders.
• Helping ensure compliance to relevant wider STFC and UKRI programme management processes, including the professional preparation of internal and external programme documentation.
  Administering and improving the Knowledge Information Management (KIM) function for the Programme Delivery team and for projects managed by the Programme Delivery team (e.g. via tools such as SharePoint). 
• Providing support to other members of the Programme Delivery team, such as assisting with Projects Board meetings and minutes, project monthly reports, collecting benefits data, assisting with training and workshops, and contributing to Programme Delivery team meetings, etc.

Person Specification:

The following essential criteria are split into shortlisting (S) and/or interview (I)

• Substantial experience, qualifications or training relating to programme/project/portfolio management, or other relevant topics such as risk management. (S/I)
• Excellent written communication skills and the ability to draw out and concisely explain key information, particularly in meeting minutes. (S/I)
• Strong verbal communication skills, the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, and the ability to influence and motivate people from a wide range of backgrounds and fields towards achievement of agreed deliverables. (S/I)
• Strong attention to detail and substantial experience of interpreting and manipulating large amounts of information into easy-to-understand reports and spreadsheets, with a clear visual impact. Experience with tools such as Power BI. (S/I)
• Demonstrated proactive attitude to problem solving, managing risks and resolving issues that arise, showing high levels of personal drive, determination and resilience. (S/I)
• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage various activities at once, prioritising key tasks. (S/I)
• Ability to work both as a team member, and independently. (S/I)
• Experience handling confidential information securely and appropriately. (S/I)
• Computer literate with advanced capabilities in Microsoft Office (particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), and the ability to use document management systems such as SharePoint. (S)
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the NQCC’s mission, vision and values and a desire to contribute to these goals (S/I)

Join us and discover what’s possible!