Job Description
Senior Project Officer – Sustainable Land Use Research Project
Location: Brighton, UK
Hours: Full-time (36.5 hours/week). Flexible working arrangements will be considered, subject to business needs.
Salary: Grade 6 – Starting from £33,882 to £37,999 per annum (pro rata for part-time).
Contract Type: Fixed-term until 2 July 2026
Start Date: From 3 July 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter
Application Deadline: 17 June 2025 at 2:59 AM
About the Role
We are seeking a dynamic and highly organised Senior Project Officer to support the delivery of an exciting DEFRA-funded research initiative:
“Exploring Sustainable Land Use Pathways for Ecosystems, Food Security, and Poverty Alleviation: Opportunities for Indonesia’s Food Estate Program.”
This international, interdisciplinary project focuses on the environmental and social impacts of food estate programmes, with the goal of co-developing sustainable land-use strategies that promote biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, food security, and improved local livelihoods.
As the Senior Project Officer, you will coordinate and support the successful delivery of the project by:
- Leading project administration and monitoring
- Managing engagement with academic, community, and policy stakeholders
- Coordinating communication and outreach strategies
- Supporting participatory research and capacity-building activities
- Assisting in the development of an open-access mapping and modelling tool for land-use scenario planning
This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in a high-impact research programme that addresses some of today’s most pressing global challenges.
About You
We’re looking for an experienced and proactive project professional with:
- A strong background in managing international or interdisciplinary research projects
- Expertise or interest in sustainability, land use, or environmental policy
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- A collaborative mindset and a commitment to evidence-based, impactful work
Experience working with diverse partners, including academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and community organisations, is highly desirable. A passion for driving solutions around biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable development will set you apart.
About the Business School
The University of Sussex Business School is a vibrant, research-led faculty known for its interdisciplinary approach and commitment to real-world impact. We bring together five departments—including the globally recognised Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU)—to shape sustainable and responsible business practices and policies.
We are proud to foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment where innovation thrives and research informs national and international policy.
Learn more about the Business School
Why Join Sussex?
Our campus, nestled in the South Downs National Park near Brighton, offers a stunning natural environment and easy access to public transport:
- Just a 5-minute walk from Falmer Station
- On multiple bus routes and dedicated cycle paths
- Close to Brighton city centre and the coast
We offer a wide range of staff benefits and wellbeing support, including a cycle-to-work scheme, professional development opportunities, and a welcoming, collaborative culture.
Additional Information
- For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Richard Flockemann:
richard.flockemann@sussex.ac.uk - The University is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- This post requires the successful applicant to work in the UK.
- Visa Sponsorship: This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
View sponsorship details
Be part of a project with global significance. Apply now and help shape the future of sustainable land use.