International Manager (x4 Positions UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

Overview

The UKRI International Team provides international expertise, advice, and influence across the whole of UKRI, both in the UK and overseas. Our work complements the disciplinary and institutional expertise of the nine Research Councils, embedding a culture of effective, coherent, and equitable international engagement throughout the organization.

This recruitment covers four International Manager posts across the following areas:

International Funds

International Partnerships

International Policy & Stakeholder Engagement

These roles will support delivery of UKRI’s International Strategic Framework, which underpins UKRI’s six strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to an International Senior Manager, the post-holders will:

Contribute to the planning and development of international research and innovation partnerships and funding programmes.

Manage cohorts of existing international projects and support the commissioning and peer review of new programmes.

Develop opportunities for senior UKRI leaders (including the CEO) to engage internationally, producing high-quality briefings, advice, and guidance.

Liaise with UK-based stakeholders such as government departments, national academies, and the British Council, as well as international partner funders and multilateral forums (e.g. OECD, UN, Science Europe).

Contribute to international policy discussions on themes such as Open Science, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and Trusted Research & Innovation.

Support cross-team collaboration to deliver UKRI’s international ambitions flexibly and effectively.

Undertake ad hoc responsibilities to support the wider work of UKRI International.

Travel within the UK and overseas when required.

Post-holders may be asked to move between teams depending on resourcing needs, undertaking duties consistent with the role’s responsibilities and grade.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.

Strong project management and organizational skills, with experience delivering high-quality work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Ability to analyze problems systematically and develop clear recommendations.

Skilled at managing a diverse portfolio of projects with differing priorities and timescales.

Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to present information to senior decision-makers.

Strong influencing, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, with proven experience of building positive stakeholder relationships.

Ability to work collaboratively across teams and organizations, developing effective networks both internally and externally.

How to Apply:

Applicants should use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in their cover letter to demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria. Cover letters should be a maximum of two A4 pages (minimum font size 11).

We encourage early applications as the vacancy may close before the advertised deadline if sufficient applications are received.

Benefits

At UKRI, we recognize and value our employees and offer a competitive pay and benefits package, including:

Defined benefit pension scheme.

30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 public/privilege days (pro rata for part-time staff).

Flexible working options.

Employee discounts on retail and leisure.

Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support.

A wide range of wellbeing initiatives to support work-life balance.

For more details, visit: Benefits of working at UKRI

Additional Information

UKRI is an Equal Opportunities and Disability Confident employer.

If sponsorship is required, candidates and dependent’s will need to cover Home Office visa costs upfront. UKRI may reimburse some or all of these fees once employment begins (to be confirmed with the Hiring Manager). For details, see: Skilled Worker Visa Costs