Lead Horizon Europe National Contact Point (ERC)
Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Job Description
Salary: £46,743 – Band: UKRI Band E – Contract Type: Fixed Term (2 years) – Hours: Full‑time / Part‑time (minimum 0.8 FTE) – Location: Swindon, with regular travel to Brussels, Belgium – Hybrid working available.
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is recruiting a National Contact Point (NCP) for the European Research Council (ERC) to lead the UK’s engagement with Europe’s flagship funding programme for frontier research under Horizon Europe. The role is based within the Horizon Europe Engagement Team in UKRI International and works closely with UKRI and government to strengthen the UK’s participation and success with ERC funding. It offers an opportunity to engage directly with the European research and policy environment, influence programme development, and support the UK research community in accessing world‑leading funding opportunities.
Key responsibilities include leading the delivery of ERC NCP services on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), overseeing line and/or task management of NCP colleagues, and managing a diverse portfolio of intelligence, reporting and stakeholder services. The incumbent will deliver outreach and engagement activities, act as the primary liaison with the European Commission and ERC Executive Agency, monitor and interpret EU research and innovation policy developments, work with UKRI councils, DSIT and key stakeholder bodies, contribute to the ERC NCP Coordination and Support Action (CSA), and develop colleagues through line and task management, mentoring and training.
The post-holder will operate as a core member of the UKRI Horizon Europe Engagement Team, collaborating across UKRI and DSIT to support delivery of initiatives that boost UK participation in Horizon Europe.
Personal Specification
* Degree‑level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
* Strong understanding of the UK and European research and innovation funding landscape, with experience supporting or enabling engagement in EU research and innovation programmes.
* Ability to demonstrate initiative, think creatively and analytically to explore new ideas, investigate complex or ambiguous issues, and develop clear well‑reasoned proposals and practical solutions.
* Leading and driving projects, demonstrating sound project management and organisational skills, including the use of effective change management mechanisms.
* The ability to multi‑task, work flexibly and to plan, prioritise and manage delivery of a diverse portfolio of projects and activities with different timescales, priorities and delivery mechanisms, working individually and as part of a team.
* Strong written and oral communications skills, including the ability to interpret and present information to a wide range of audiences, with clear and concise messaging and provide advice suitable for senior executives and decision‑makers.
* Demonstrable ability to influence, negotiate and work with people of all levels and internationally to build productive relationships and effective partnerships.
* Ability to lead, motivate and manage people effectively while contributing constructively within cross‑organisational and matrix teams to achieve collective goals.
Benefits
* 30 days’ annual leave in addition to 10.5 public and privilege days (full‑time equivalent).
* Employee discounts and offers on retail and leisure activities.
* Employee assistance programme, providing confidential help and advice.
* Flexible working options.
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