NIHR Programme Administrator (EM ARC focus)

University of Leicester; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Leicester is seeking an organised NIHR Programme Administrator to support the East Midlands Applied Research Collaboration and multiple NIHR programmes. The role combines customer service, programme coordination and financial administration, working with managers, researchers and colleagues across the East Midlands.

You will manage enquiries, prepare documents, maintain confidential records, arrange meetings, take minutes and follow up actions.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic or vocational qualifications (e.g., NVQ Level 2/3, GCSEs in Maths and English).
• Experience in an administrative role, preferably in healthcare or research settings.
• Willingness to travel to meetings across the East Midlands and handle confidential information.

Responsibilities

• Respond to enquiries and prepare documents and presentations.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records and coordinate meetings (schedules, papers, minutes, actions).
• Support financial administration, process invoices, and monitor project income/expenditure.
• Enter programme information into databases and generate straightforward budget reports.
• Collaborate with colleagues to improve efficiency and cross-cover as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Programme coordination

Financial administration

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

Education

NVQ Level 2/3

GCSEs including Maths & English

City and Guilds qualifications

Tools

SAP

Databases

Microsoft Office suite

Job description

About the role

The National Institute for Health and Care Research is the nation’s largest funder of health and care research, and Leicester is home to the Leicester Diabetes Centre. We are looking for an organised and proactive NIHR Programme Administrator to support the East Midlands Applied Research Collaboration and several NIHR programmes working to improve quality of life and health outcomes for patients. This varied role combines customer service, programme coordination, and financial and resource administration, giving you the opportunity to work closely with programme managers, researchers, administrative colleagues and partners across the East Midlands.

You will respond to enquiries, prepare documents and presentations, maintain accurate and confidential records, and coordinate meetings by arranging schedules, circulating papers, taking minutes and following up agreed actions. You will also support financial administration using SAP and other systems, maintain records of project income and expenditure, prepare straightforward budget reports, process invoices and ensure programme information is entered accurately onto relevant databases. Working collaboratively with colleagues, you will help provide effective cross-cover and contribute ideas that improve the efficiency of the programmes and wider team.

About you

You will have relevant academic or vocational qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 or 3, five GCSE passes including Mathematics and English Language at grade C or above, City and Guilds qualifications or equivalent, together with experience in a relevant administrative role. Previous experience of working in a healthcare environment is essential, while experience in a research-focused setting, knowledge of cultural competence and effective community engagement, or a relevant marketing and communications qualification would be advantageous.

With clear written and verbal communication skills, strong numeracy and excellent attention to detail, you will be able to organise and prioritise your work effectively while responding flexibly to changing demands. You will bring a friendly and professional approach to customer service, confidence using Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams and Zoom, and the ability to handle confidential information sensitively. You must also be willing to travel to meetings and events across the East Midlands as required, with a current UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Michelle Brown on [e-mail]

Applications for job share will be considered.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Vacancy terms

Full Time, Fixed Term until 30th July 2028