EU Project Officer

Job Purpose

To lead, manage, and develop a portfolio of complex, multi-partner research projects and commercial activities, providing high-quality project management, financial, and administrative support to academics based in colleges, other central functions, and external stakeholders in relation to complex, multi-partner research grants and commercial activities. To develop and implement processes, procedures, and reporting tools to support the University's control framework. To represent the University in international meetings with external partners, increase network presence, and promote values.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop and expand knowledge of funding rules, regulations, systems, and terms and conditions to provide specialist financial and project management knowledge to academics and partners. Establish governance structures, proactively plan and manage research grants, ensure project outcomes are understood, measurable, and monitored. Influence project setup and implementation with advice and guidance, embed knowledge of technical and legal requirements, and train on control procedures. Provide clarity and direction to external partners regarding technical queries and project compliance, overseeing financial budgets and managing day-to-day activities to meet deadlines and targets.
2. Proactively plan and manage workload allocation in projects, ensuring system setup, controls, and reporting align with grant obligations and strategic objectives. Ensure the quality of financial and technical information meets best practices, support complex grants, and identify system or process enhancements for compliance and audit requirements.
3. Lead reporting and metrics development, analyze and interpret results, and collaborate with internal and external team members to implement process or reporting improvements. Empower consortium members to lead work packages, improve processes, and develop skills. Hold regular meetings with stakeholders to ensure project objectives are met, and provide training on funding procedures and process improvements, ensuring awareness of funder requirements and contractual obligations.
4. Establish as the technical and financial expert for grants, working with auditors to maximize cost recovery. Develop workload metrics and lessons learned to monitor project implementation and identify areas for service improvement. Analyze results and implement necessary changes in processes and workload allocations.
5. Build and maintain network relationships internally and externally to influence change and promote best practices among stakeholders such as funders and academics. Use negotiation skills to ensure fair income and cost allocations across budgets, and support partner account settlements at grant end.
6. Create, implement, and evaluate risk management strategies for research projects, developing mitigation strategies to minimize risks to the project and University. Ensure appropriate risk reporting to stakeholders where required.
7. Identify opportunities for external funding support, lead negotiations for cost recovery, and interpret and update legal documents/contracts with new funders or schemes. Maintain a knowledge library for the Project Management Office and the wider team.
8. Coordinate organization of meetings, conferences, and training events, including international travel to manage project progress. Lead or deputize for academics in partner meetings and represent the Research Finance Office externally as needed.
9. Contribute to the development of departmental aims and strategies aligned with university goals. Lead on delivery plans, monitor implementation, and promote cultural and strategic values within projects by establishing aligned goals and providing expert advice to facilitate successful outcomes.
10. Deliver strategic finance projects by taking responsibility for core workstreams and influencing design and outcomes through technical expertise.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Essential:

• A1: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 or equivalent, with relevant professional accreditation and experience.
• A2: Knowledge of project management techniques and methodology.
• A3: Detailed knowledge of EU funding schemes, rules, and processes.
• A4: Operational knowledge of controls, accounting policies, and practices in large/complex organizations.

Desirable:

• B1: Knowledge of Full Economic Costing models.
• B2: Knowledge of higher education research processes.
• B3: Recognized project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2).
• B4: Knowledge of website development and maintenance (HTML, t4).
• B5: Knowledge of research management processes.

Skills

• C1: Excellent project management skills.
• C2: Strong time management and prioritization skills.
• C3: Influencing and negotiation skills.
• C4: Resilience and perseverance.
• C5: Organizational skills.
• C6: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• C7: Risk management understanding.
• C8: IT, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• C9: Financial management and planning skills.
• C10: Ability to interpret complex guidelines and advise on funder requirements.
• C11: Initiative and team working ability.
• C12: Flexibility and adaptability.

Desirable:

• D1: Fluency in another European language.
• D2: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, macros, and reporting.

Experience

• E1: Experience in planning and progressing work within organizational policies.
• E2: Coaching and team development experience.
• E3: Managing complex financial data sets.
• E4: Data extraction, transformation, and reporting experience.
• E5: Relevant experience in a similar role and commitment to self-development.
• E6: Managing a portfolio of projects.
• E7: Building relationships with external stakeholders.
• E8: Proficiency in relevant IT systems.
• E9: Financial management, budgeting, and forecasting experience.

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

This is a full-time (35 hours/week), fixed-term position for up to 12 months or until the substantive postholder returns.

Note: Internal secondment opportunities may be available; internal applicants should seek line manager clearance before applying.

Eligibility to work in the UK is required; visa sponsorship considerations apply under the Skilled Worker route.

Closing date: 18 May 2025