Job Purpose

Glasgow Changing Futures (GCF) is a new programme that represents the University's commitment to integrating our strengths in research, innovation, knowledge exchange, education, economic development, civic and public engagement and partnerships to drive collective action and collaborative impact for societal challenges locally, nationally and globally.

This is an exciting internal secondment opportunity to provide interim operational support for the mobilization of GCF by directly supporting the GCF Leadership Team, which includes the GCF Director, the Challenge Programmes Director and Academic Leads for Sustainable Futures and Healthy & Equitable Futures. Secondees will commit 0.2FTE of their time for 6 months.

Secondees will provide wide-ranging professional and organisational support, contributing to the management and delivery of this strategic initiative through a range of activities, including but not limited to:

The planning and delivery of workshops involving key internal and external contacts.

The planning and implementation of GCF initiatives including for example GCF Enabling Funds and GCF Student Opportunities.

Supporting mapping exercises in relation to the GCF priority areas.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. As a pro-active business partner, work with the GCF Senior Manager and Challenge Programmes Director to plan and organise workload. This will involve planning and organising and engaging the input of others from across the Colleges & University Services and externally as appropriate.

2. Take forward the delivery of agreed actions and projects, with discretion to act independently and on behalf of the GCF Leadership Team where appropriate. This requires the postholder to establish an excellent knowledge of GCF and to work closely with colleagues.

3. Proactively and independently contribute to GCF activities and initiatives, often involving multiple stakeholders and University/external offices with conflicting priorities, using judgement and discretion. Securing the input of other colleagues and services from across the University and partner organisations and negotiating and influencing to establish appropriate input.

4. Research and draft documentation and papers, briefing notes, reports, presentations and speeches, undertaking background research from appropriate sources, using a broad awareness of the University agenda, and consulting stakeholders as appropriate.

5. Design and/or deliver a variety of service improvements to maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity

6. Support the development of policies and procedures, including research, stakeholder consultation and securing necessary approvals.

7. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required.

8. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s strategic plan.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Degree or equivalent, ideally in a relevant subject or business administration or experience within complex organisations.

A2 Awareness of University structures and priorities and national and international Higher Education environment.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven problem-solving abilities across a broad range of areas.

C2 Proven analytical, organisational, and planning skills.

C3 Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to research and write reports for a variety of audiences and to draft and edit strategic documents.

C4 Ability to exercise initiative, set priorities and have a highly developed eye for detail and accuracy.

C5 A high degree of flexibility, ability to use negotiating and influencing skills with diplomacy and efficiency in a highly pressured environment.

C6 Numerate with excellent IT skills and ability to interpret, manipulate and present data.

C7 Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to act positively with colleagues at all levels within the organisation and to contribute effectively as a member of a team.

Experience

Essential:

E1 An established track record of professional services support in complex organisations.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.

This post is part time (7 hours p/w) and fixed term (non-development secondment) for 6 months.

Please Note: This non-development secondment opportunity is open only to MPA colleagues currently at Grade 7 with contracts that extend beyond the proposed secondment period. Applicants should seek clearance for release for secondment from their line manager before making a formal application. The expectation is that you will be available to commence the secondment as soon as possible following appointment.

Closing date: 24 February 2025