Research Coordinator

Job ID: 027806

Salary: £32,676-£37,297 per annum, including London Weighting Allowance

Posted: 21-Jul-2021

Closing date: 04-Aug-2021

Business unit: Social Science & Public Policy

Department: Policy Institute at King's

Contact details: Samantha Oxford , samantha.oxford@kcl.ac.uk

Strand Campus   Professional and support services    

Job description
The Policy Institute works to overcome society’s challenges with evidence and expertise. We combine the rigour of academia with the agility of a  consultancy and the connectedness of a think tank. Our research draws on many disciplines and methods, making use of the skills, expertise, and resources of not only the institute, but the university and its wider network too.
 
We are a driven and collaborative team who are seeking a financially astute and detail orientated Research Coordinator who enjoys working in a stimulating and innovative environment. They will work with two of the Institute’s core teams, Delivery and Evaluation. In this fast-paced role, the Research Coordinator will provide a highly professional grant and contract support service, in addition to providing occasional administrative support to the Director of Evaluation.
 
The post holder will support the Research & Consultancy Manager, overseeing financial systems, procurement, HR processes, funder compliance, financial reporting and reconciling project budgets. They will oversee the post award process for a portfolio of research grants and consultancy contracts, providing exceptional financial administration, advice and support throughout the lifecycle of these projects. They will be responsible for cultivating strong working relationships with the Policy Institute’s key stakeholders, including major funders. 
 
This post will be offered on an indefinite contract
This is a full-time

Key responsibilities

• To provide an efficient, high-quality coordination and administrative support service to the Policy Institute  
• To coordinate, in collaboration with the operational team, HR processes for example recruitment and contract variations 
• To deal with any project administration queries for designated research and consultancy projects in the Policy Institute 
• To provide light diary support to the Director of Evaluation, better enabling the activities of this newly launched consultancy initiative 
• To work with the operational team to monitor and execute subcontractor agreements, self-assessment forms, one-off payments forms and invoice processing as and when required 
• To effectively monitor a database management system to monitor staff member’s contract splits and funding allocations 
• In conjunction with the operations team, to maintain the research accounting procedures and processes, providing timely and accurate management information and monitoring account balances proactively 
• To work with the Research & Consultancy Manager to ensure compliance with contractual requirements on all research and consultancy awards and that reporting to funders is delivered in a timely and effective manner  
• To regularly communicate information clearly and precisely, including clarification of non-routine matters. The job holder will have to routinely decide what and how best to communicate information and to choose an appropriate method of delivery and employ techniques to ensure understanding 
• Network and attend relevant departmental research meetings in order to build strategic and effective relationships internally and with the wider College 
• To build and maintain relationships with funders and other relevant external stakeholders. 
• To develop basic understanding of GDPR and confidentially in order to help advise team members regarding best practice as and when required 
• Continually update knowledge and understanding in field through professional development 
• To manage and contribute to ad-hoc projects and deputise for the Research & Consultancy Manager as required 
• To undertake other reasonable duties that may be requested by the Research & Consultancy Manager and the Head of Administration  
• In the Research & Consultancy Managers absence, the post holder will be expected to assist Principal Investigators (PIs) in ensuring all eligible direct and indirect costs have been included in the final approved proposal using the costings system 
• On occasion, the Co-ordinator may be expected to assist staff with the pre-award process and request the required approvals via the costing system (Worktribe). 

The above list of responsibilities may not be exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks and responsibilities as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

Skills, knowledge, and experience

Essential criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable financial acumen with high attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to manage time effectively, work flexibly and prioritise workload, often under pressure of tight grant deadlines 
• Experience of financial planning, budget management and knowledge of basic accounting principles 
• Experience of coordinating and managing large scale projects 

Desirable criteria

• Good knowledge and familiarisation with the College’s policies and procedures including financial regulations 
• Experience of post award support in higher education
• An interest in the work we do at the Policy Institute 

Further information
The role holder is based in a busy office environment. The role holder will use a PC with specialist programmes for approximately 80% of any working day

When our offices open up again, the post holder must be able to work in an environment where regular interruptions are the norm. 

Ability to deal with a variety of personalities and to manage difficult situations with ease. 

Ability to commit to the Policy Institute values and behaviours in addition to King’s Strategic Vision 2029. 

Ability to operate effectively and efficiently when working remotely.
 
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion are core values at the Policy Institute. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered and comfortable in the workplace.