RAND Europe is a not-for-profit policy research organisation. Our mission is to help improve policy- and decision-making through evidence-based research and analysis. We realise our mission by undertaking objective, balanced and relevant research, sharing the insights and information widely, and working in partnership with a range of clients and collaborators.

RAND Europe has offices in Cambridge, Brussels and Rotterdam, and employs approximately 170 staff. Our work lies on the continuum between that of universities and consultancies, combining the academic rigour of universities and the professional, task orientated approach of consultancies. In addition to our strong ethos of evidence-based research, RAND Europe is a values-driven organisation.

We are now looking to appoint a Programme Support Officer to join our Programme Support Office. This is small and close-knit team which provides high quality programme and project support to a large number of concurrent research proposals, projects and frameworks managed by the research groups.

This is a hybrid role, based in Cambridge. The successful candidate would be expected to work in the office 2 days a week, so they need to be located within reliable commutable distance from the office.

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee full project lifecycle from expression of interest to project closure.
• Review invitations to tender to establish regulatory and financial capacity needs to support proposal submissions.
• Assist the research teams in the development of proposals, including helping with budget preparation, liaising with external stakeholders, ensuring sufficient approval is obtained and proposal documentation is complete.
• Monitor project implementation, ensuring milestones are met and objectives achieved.
• Coordinate project closure activities, including final reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
• Financial management
• Review and obtain approval of proposal and project budgets.
• Monitor, update, and maintain project budgets.
• Assist with all variation requests.
• Corporate Governance, Quality Assurance and Improvement
• Maintain regulatory documents for all RAND Europe entities.
• Oversee proposal and project governance.
• Create, develop and maintain processes and procedures, covering both functional and governance support.
• Support researchers with the evaluation and assessment of proposal and project effectiveness and impact.
• Programme management
• Oversee a portfolio of proposals, projects, and frameworks.
• Facilitate the transition of projects from proposal through to execution and closure.
• Track and report project progress, including milestones, budget and resource.
• Facilitate project review meetings – presentation of appropriate, timely and accurate project information.
• Communication and liaison
• Serve as a point of contact for all programme-related inquiries and communications across your portfolio.
• Facilitate communication between stakeholders, including partners, clients, subcontractors, and RAND Europe colleagues.                                                                                                                               
• Deliver training for the development of new starters and other members of staff.

Requirements

We are looking for a real team player who thrives in a team environment and can also work independently. This role could be a great next step opportunity for someone with relevant transferrable skills gained in research or other industries, for example as a Project Coordinator or holding a similar position in a Project Management Office.

Qualifications

• A recognised project management qualification (Prince2/Agile/Prince2Agile/APM) - preferred or another Project Management Office accreditation

Skills

• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Good knowledge and ability to use project planning tools and techniques.
• Budgetary control.
• Project monitoring and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and project management software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and accuracy.

Experience

• Programme Support Office (Programme Management Office) experience across full project lifecycles.
• Experience in project coordination and financial management is highly desirable.
• Experience of writing clear, concise, project status reports and accurately maintaining project documentation
• Stakeholder management.

Benefits

Salary: up to £38,000 per annum

• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;

• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group income protection scheme;
• Group life assurance;
• Compassionate leave;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Fresh fruit in the office every day;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter (optional). 

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.