International Manager (4 Positions Available UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

Overview

The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) International team provides expert advice, coordination, and global engagement across UKRI. Working alongside the international teams in each of UKRI’s nine Councils, the team helps ensure coherent, effective, and equitable international collaboration across the organization.

Our work aligns with the UKRI International Strategic Framework, which sets out how international engagement supports UKRI’s six strategic objectives.

We are currently seeking four International Managers to join different parts of the UKRI International team — including International Funds, International Partnerships, and International Policy & Stakeholder Engagement.

Role Purpose

As an International Manager, you will support the delivery of UKRI’s international objectives by contributing to partnerships, funding programmes, and policy development. You will collaborate with colleagues across UKRI and external partners in the UK and overseas to help shape, deliver, and coordinate international research and innovation activities.

This role requires strong project management, analytical, and communication skills, as well as the ability to work flexibly and proactively within a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to an International Senior Manager, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Planning: Contributing to UKRI’s international strategy and developing portfolios of global research and innovation partnerships.

Programme Management: Managing existing projects and funding programmes, commissioning new initiatives, and supporting peer review processes.

Stakeholder Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with UK-based and international stakeholders, such as government departments, national academies, the British Council, and partner funding organisations.

Policy Development: Supporting UKRI’s contribution to international policy discussions in areas such as Open Science, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and Trusted Research and Innovation.

Briefings and Coordination: Preparing high-quality advice, briefings, and materials to support senior leaders, including the UKRI CEO, in international engagements.

Cross-UKRI Collaboration: Working collaboratively across Councils to ensure consistency and coordination in international activities.

Flexibility: Taking on additional duties as needed to support the objectives of the wider UKRI International team.

Some UK and overseas travel may be required.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Criteria Assessment Method
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience Shortlisting (S)
Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience delivering high-quality work to tight deadlines S & Interview (I)
Ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical recommendations S & I
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver diverse projects effectively, both independently and as part of a team S & I
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages for different audiences, including senior stakeholders S & I
Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and build collaborative relationships S & I
Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels S & I
Application Guidance

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in their cover letter to demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria.

Cover letters should be no longer than two pages of A4 (minimum font size 11).

Apply early — the vacancy may close before the stated deadline if sufficient applications are received.

Employee Benefits

UKRI values its employees and offers a comprehensive pay and benefits package, including:

A defined benefit pension scheme

30 days annual leave plus 10.5 public and privilege days (pro-rata for part-time)

Employee discounts on retail and leisure activities

Employee Assistance Programme for confidential advice and support

Flexible working arrangements

A range of wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for continuous learning and professional development

For full details, visit: Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

Additional Information

UKRI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Disability Confident Employer.

If you require a work visa, please note that visa application costs (for you and dependents) must initially be paid to the Home Office. UKRI may reimburse some or all of these costs once employment begins. For more information, visit GOV.UK – Skilled Worker Visa Costs