Executive operations and Secretariat Lead

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology; Crowmarsh Gifford; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in the UK is seeking an organised individual to support the National Research Organisations (NRO). This role involves collaboration with key stakeholders, operational support, and contributing to strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude, making a meaningful impact in the research landscape. The position offers a hybrid working model and a chance to influence national science policy.

Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Teams applications is essential.
• Experience with Drupal is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Organise meetings of the NRO and ensure timely circulation of papers.
• Act as a main point of contact for queries and correspondence.
• Contribute to the development of the NRO’s website.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Tools

Microsoft Office

Teams

Drupal

Job description

EO (civil service grade) or Band 6 (NERC scale)
Salary: £37,405 – £39,694
24-month fixed term contract (with potential for extension), which could also be taken up as a secondment. Hybrid working anticipated, with multiple possible locations across the 32 organisations that make up the NRO.
50% FTE
Closing date for applications: Friday, 30th May 2025. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

The UK’s research and innovation landscape is evolving—and you could be part of shaping its future. We are looking for an organised and motivated individual to join a high-profile initiative at a pivotal moment. This role offers a chance to work at the centre of national science policy, supporting strategic collaboration across key research institutions and Government. It’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping connect science, policy, and society through the work of the newly formed National Research Organisations (NRO).

The National Research Organisations (NRO) is a newly formed group representing the UK’s independent and government affiliated research institutions. These organisations deliver world-class science and research for the benefit of the UK and the rest of the world. They are especially critical in delivering strategically important national research for the UK. The NRO has been formed to enhance the landscape of research institutions in the UK by working with the Government and others to make UK research more financially sustainable and easily accessible for evidence-based policy. It has the support of the Science Minister and will work with DSIT to achieve its initial aims while building relationships across Government departments to promote evidence-based policy decision-making and increase the coherence and efficiency of UK research to ensure long-term financial sustainability.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity to support the newly formed NRO. The role will support collaboration between Directors of the member organisations, and the Chief Science Advisors and civil servants of various Government departments. Working closely with the Head of NRO Secretariat, you will support the above stakeholders in achieving the following short-term aims:

• Raise awareness of the value of non-university research organisations in government and other sectors.
• Tackle challenges highlighted in recent reviews of the research landscape to further enable our organisations to succeed.
• Determine how best our organisations can support/engage in the Government’s five missions to rebuild Britain:

1. Kickstart economic growth
2. Make Britain a clean energy superpower
3. Take back our streets
4. Break down barriers to opportunity
5. Build an NHS fit for the future

Key activities include:

• Organise meetings of the NRO, ensuring papers, minutes, and actions are circulated in a timely manner.
• Coordinate meeting attendance with Executive Assistants of Directors and CEOs.
• Act as a main point of contact, responding to queries and correspondence from members of the NRO.
• Contribute to the development of the NRO’s website and presentation materials.
• Maintain the NRO website with detailed content about upcoming events and news.
• Support the Head of Strategy and Policy to achieve their strategic outcomes.
• Help prepare briefing documents for NRO members and senior civil servants.

This is a unique opportunity for a highly organised individual to provide operational support to high-level strategy formation. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and be confident communicating and working with senior stakeholders. They will exhibit a proactive, can-do attitude towards new challenges. Experience with Microsoft Office and Teams applications is essential; experience with Drupal is desirable.

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, we would love to receive your application. Please submit your CV along with a cover letter highlighting relevant qualifications, skills, or experience.

[1] The member organisations are part of funding councils and mechanisms spanning MRC, IRO, BBSRC, EPSRC, ESRC, and NERC. There are also organisations managed and funded by devolved governments like SAMS.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. However, this position may qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can consider it during recruitment.