Engaged Research and Impact Manager

Queen's University Belfast; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Queen's University Belfast is seeking a driven professional to lead the Engaged Research and Impact agenda within the Co-Centre. The post holder will drive an integrated programme across NI, ROI and GB, develop pathways to impact, and create case studies from ongoing research.

Essential criteria include an honours degree and a track record in public engagement with science, plus experience in managing impact and evaluation frameworks within academia.

Qualifications

• Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject.
• Proven track record in leading and overseeing public engagement with science/research.
• Experience managing impact and engaged research activity within an academic environment.
• Knowledge of engaged research methodologies and evaluation methods.
• Knowledge of monitoring pathways to impact while identifying and developing impact case studies.
• Strong networking and consultative skills across diverse sectors.
• Ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible through dialogic, participatory approaches.
• Proven ability to manage multi-partner programmes with civil society and cultural organisations.
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact frameworks.
• Experience designing mixed-methods evaluation frameworks and project management for programmes.

Responsibilities

• Drive the Engaged Research and Impact agenda within the Co-Centre.
• Coordinate across NI, ROI and GB to implement an integrated engaged research programme.
• Develop and mobilise pathways to impact and create impact case studies.
• Ensure delivery of KPIs and secure external funding for expanded activities.
• Report to Co-Directors and Co-Centre Manager and liaise with funders.

Skills

Public engagement with science

Engaged research methodologies

Monitoring pathways to impact

Evaluation frameworks

Project management

Networking and liaison

Communicating complex science

Partnership management

Education

Honours degree (or equivalent)

Job description

The Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems has an ambitious programme of work which aims to develop a robust, resilient and sustainable food system in the transition to healthy diets form sustainable sources. It encompasses a research programme from plant science to nutrition and public health across three jurisdictions - the Republic of Ireland (ROI), Northern Ireland (NI) and Great Britain (GB). The Co-Centre will foster research and innovation to accelerate radical transitions towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable and transparent agri-food sector.

The post holder will drive the Engaged Research and Impact agenda within the Co-Centre. Working closely across the three jurisdictions, the post holder will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing an ambitious and integrated engaged research programme, develop and mobalise pathways to impact and develop impact case studies from the ongoing research. They will be responsible for ensuring the achievement of the Co-Centre's KPIs and for securing additional external funding to expand all engaged research and impact activities. They will link closely with the funder(s) engaged research Programmes. They will report to the Co-Directors and Co-Centre Manager.

The successful candidate must have and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Honours degree (or equivalent qualification) in any subject.
• Proven track record in leading and overseeing initiatives in public engagement with science/research, and/or science learning, including experience of participatory or co-creative approaches.
• Significant relevant experience managing impact and engaged research activity within an academic environment to include:
  • Knowledge of engaged research methodologies and evaluation methods.
  • Knowledge of monititoring pathways to impact while similtanously identifying and developing impact case studies.
  • Strong networking and consultative skills, with the ability to grow professional relationships across diverse sectors.
  • Ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible and meaningful to diverse audiences through dialogic, participatory, and creative approaches.
  • Proven ability to manage complex, multi-partner programmes, including partnerships with civil society and cultural organisations.
  • Experience with monitoring, evaluation, and impact frameworks.
  • Experience designing and implementing mixed-methods evaluation frameworks, including qualitative, creative, and participatory approaches.
  • Project management experience associated with the development, delivery, reporting and monitoring systems for programmes, publications, and events.

This is not an exhaustive list. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 29 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.