Portfolio Officer

Job Description: 

About the Role

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is a major funder of the creation, collection and sharing of high-quality data that supports researchers, policymakers and practitioners to address social challenges, deliver public benefit and strengthen the UK’s reputation as a world leader in social science.

The Portfolio Officer supports the delivery of team objectives, contributing to the management and development of key programmes, investments and partnerships. The role combines programme support, stakeholder engagement, helping to ensure that projects and activities are delivered effectively. The postholder will work closely with colleagues, grant holders and external partners to support ESRC priorities. Occasional travel, including overnight stays, may be required for meetings, conferences and events.

Data Strategy and Infrastructure Team

The Data Strategy and Infrastructure team is responsible for the development, commissioning and investment management of ESRC’s major data collections and services. These include Understanding Society, the UK’s longitudinal household study, the birth cohort studies and the UK Data Service.

The team provides strategic direction for these investments. It is responsible for monitoring and assuring the quality of funded data collections and services, ensuring they meet the needs of the social science research community. A key priority is supporting the safe, ethical and effective use of data in research and innovation while encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Smart Data Research UK

This role will also support Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK), the UK’s national programme for smart data research. SDR UK aims to unlock the power of data to improve lives and generate public benefit. At the centre of the programme are six specialist data services. These services develop partnerships with data owners and provide secure access to data for researchers. Strategic leadership and coordination are delivered through the SDR UK Strategic Hub, based within ESRC.

Key Responsibilities

• Play an active role in team activities supporting the delivery of ESRC’s vision for social science and data infrastructure.
• Work effectively within a matrix management environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in response to changing priorities.
• Support programmes through the creation and maintenance of programme documentation, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
• Organise and administer meetings, workshops, events and engagement activities.
• Manage meeting logistics, including preparing agendas, collating papers, taking minutes and recording actions.
• Assist in the development of information and promotional materials.
• Support the delivery of online and in-person events that raise awareness of ESRC and SDR UK activities, services and impact.
• Coordinate administrative activities, including management of the team mailbox, team days, workshops and team functions.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Applicants will be assessed during shortlisting (S), interview (I), or both (S&I).

• Strong planning and organisational skills, including the ability to prioritise and manage multiple activities effectively. (S&I)
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt style and approach to different audiences. (S&I)
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently to achieve objectives, escalating issues when appropriate. (S&I)
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to evaluate, interpret and act on complex information and numerical data. (S&I)
• Experience of meeting support, including agenda preparation, minute taking and meeting administration. (S&I)
• Good IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Office applications and document management systems such as Microsoft Teams. (S)
• A degree or equivalent qualification, or relevant experience gained in a similar role or environment. (S)

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