Programme Officer (Research)

The Programme Officer (Research) will play an integral role in the Impact team within the broader Directorate of Impact and External Affairs. This is a pivotal time for Fight for Sight as we begin to implement our Impact Framework enabling us to communicate the impact of our extensive portfolio of current and past funded research projects to our internal and external audiences.

The role is diverse and varied, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to build their exposure to a complement of research management activities. In addition to assisting with the implementation of the Impact Framework they will be instrumental in the delivery of our grant funding processes and will have the opportunity to work closely with our Research Grant Assessment Panel and key partners to ensure we achieve the exciting ambitions laid out in our Research Strategy.

How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter / supporting statement of no more than two pages which evidences the specification. You must also answer the vetting questions via the application portal.

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday, 28th April 2025

Interview dates: likely week commencing 12th May 2025 (TBC)

Role Responsibilities
Grant-making activities

• Efficiently and effectively managing multiple annual grant award cycles taking responsibility for peer review processes and Panel meetings.
• Ensuring that grant making processes are delivered in accordance with AMRC best practice.
• Courteous and timely management of queries from applicants and other key stakeholders, such as RGAP members.
• Contributing and developing process improvements where necessary to continue to evolve our programme.
• Assist with the preparation of papers to support our decision-making processes including supporting our Research Grants Assessment Panel (RGAP) by ensuring they have all relevant information and that the meetings run smoothly.
• Ensure that formal decisions and outcomes are shared with relevant stakeholders, including applicants and internal colleagues.

Team and Organisation

• Take responsibility for keeping accurate and up to date records ensuring that these are readily and clearly accessible, primarily through CC Grant Tracker and Monday
• Be the first port of call for colleagues with queries related to our research portfolio, including providing support on donor-queries and funding applications.
• Highlighting opportunities for stories of impact with communications colleagues.
• Supporting with the collection and interpretation of impact-related measurements as we implement our impact framework.
• Assist with ad hoc tasks as required for example developing briefing documents, the organisation and delivery of in person and online meetings and events, minuting etc.

Person specification

Skills, knowledge & experience

Essential

• Biomedical science/ related degree or equivalent experience.
• Understanding of and commitment to the importance of high-quality vision research in the UK.
• Ability to analyse and summarise complex information drawing out key points.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey complex, scientific information to wide range of audiences.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Proficient in the use of standard IT packages including Microsoft Office suite.

Desirable

• Postgraduate degree
• Experience of working in a research or grant making organisation.
• Experience using research and project management tools such as Monday and the online grant management system Symplectic Grant Tracker.

Personal qualities

• Team player with a flexible approach to delivering organisational priorities.
• Organised, able to manage multiple ongoing tasks.
• Good attention to detail.
• Open minded and willing to take on board new concepts.
• Capable and curious, able to learn new processes and suggest ongoing improvements.
• Credible able to represent the organisation externally.
• Approachable and able to build relationships and work collaboratively with key internal and external stakeholders.

Other information: please see the attached job description for full details on working with us and how to apply.