Job Description
Portfolio Eligibility Officer / Research Administration Officer
Reporting to: Portfolio Eligibility Manager
Contract: Temp
Hours: Full-time
Location: UK-based (some national travel required)
Grade 5 : £16.26 per hour £29,588 pro rata
Role Overview
An established national research organisation is seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Portfolio Eligibility Officer to support the delivery of a national research portfolio eligibility service. This role plays a key part in ensuring research studies are accurately assessed for eligibility, recorded within national systems, and supported through clear, timely decision-making. The successful candidate will provide high-quality administrative, coordination, and data management support, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders across the health and care research system. You will work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment that supports national research delivery, organisational transformation, and continuous service improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Portfolio Eligibility & Administrative Support
* Provide comprehensive administrative support for the delivery of a national Portfolio Eligibility Service.
* Receive, log, validate, and process research study applications in line with Department of Health and Social Care eligibility policy and standard operating procedures.
* Ensure eligibility decisions are communicated clearly and within agreed timelines.
* Act as a key point of contact for customers and stakeholders, providing updates on application progress and eligibility processes.
Data, Systems & Reporting
* Maintain accurate records within national information and data management systems.
* Develop and maintain tracking and reporting tools to monitor application progress, performance metrics, and service outputs.
* Produce regular reports to support service monitoring, performance review, and continuous improvement.
* Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance with organisational policies and guidance.
Stakeholder Liaison & Service Improvement
* Liaise daily with internal colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders.
* Assist in identifying operational issues and escalating emerging risks or delays using agreed escalation routes.
* Support the use of customer feedback and performance measures to improve service quality and user experience.
* Contribute to discussions on process improvement, system development, and service transformation initiatives.
* Support testing and implementation of new or improved digital systems and communication tools.
Additional Responsibilities
* Coordinate the assessment process for research funders seeking non-commercial partner status.
* Work flexibly to support organisational change, transformation programmes, and evolving ways of working.
* Provide mutual support to colleagues and contribute positively to team culture and shared objectives.
Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience
* Proven experience in an administrative, coordination, or operational support role, ideally within the public sector, research, health, or higher education.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads, manage competing deadlines, and work flexibly.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with high attention to detail.
* Experience providing customer service or stakeholder support in a structured or regulated environment.
* Experience managing information, maintaining databases, and producing clear, accurate reports.
* Strong IT skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, and data management systems.
* Ability to work independently, use initiative, and resolve problems efficiently, knowing when to escape.
* Demonstrated ability to follow policies, procedures, and guidance accurately and consistently.
* Collaborative approach with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
Desirable Experience
* Experience working within research administration, portfolio management, grants, funding, or eligibility services.
* Experience supporting change management or transformation programmes.
* Familiarity with eligibility frameworks, compliance processes, or quality assurance environments.
Values & Ways of Working
* Proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach.
* Flexible and adaptable to organisational change.
* Committed to collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality service delivery.
* Inclusive, respectful, and supportive team ethos.
If this is you apply now
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