
This role(s) is offered as a secondment opportunity to staff employed by a current NRO member organisation, with support from their home organisation and line manager for the proposed time commitment and working pattern.
Depending on skills, experience and time available, the secondment could work as one blended role (1 FTE) or be shared between two part-time secondees with complementary strengths (0.6 FTE x 2).
Location: Flexible - Remote or hybrid.
Are you interested in working in a national science policy environment and supporting engagement with senior leaders across research organisations and government? This secondment offers a practical opportunity to support the National Research Organisations (NRO) Group at a time when the UK’s research and innovation landscape is evolving.
The NRO Group brings together organisations with public responsibilities and capabilities across the UK research system. The NRO Secretariat coordinates the Group’s communications, engagement and shared activity, helping members work together and raise the visibility of their collective contribution. www.nrogroup.org
TheNROSecretariatandEngagementCoordinatorsupportsdelivery of the NROGroupobjectivesby strengthening the Secretariat’s capacity tocommunicate clearly,operateprofessionally and coordinateengagementactivity. The role supportsthe Secretariat tomaintainclear and consistent communications, keep working groups and engagement activity moving, gather examples of NRO impact, and support the day-to-day operations needed to help NRO deliverand increase its visibility.
The final balance of responsibilitieswillbe agreed with the successful candidate(s)depending on skills,experienceand time available
Your main responsibilities will include:
Communications and content
Engagement and events
Secretariat coordination and delivery
Whatwe’relooking for:
Helpful experience depending on role emphasis:
Reporting and Working Relationships
The role would sit within the NRO Secretariat and report to the Head of NRO Secretariat, with day-to-day coordination and tasking agreed alongside the NRO Secretariat Operations Lead. The secondee would work closely with both roles, with priorities shaped around Secretariat needs, the candidate’s skills, experience and available time.
The post would not be funded by the NRO Secretariat, but IT access and agreed travel and subsistence expenses would be covered by UKCEH as the host organisation for the NRO Secretariat. Practical working arrangements would be agreed with the candidate and home organisation, including time commitment, priorities and reporting. The role could be undertaken remotely or on a hybrid basis, with occasional attendance at a UKCEH site for IT onboarding, equipment collection or support.
Development Opportunity
This would be a genuine development opportunity to build practical experience in communications, engagement, stakeholder coordination and Secretariat delivery in a national science and research policy context. The secondee would gain exposure to senior networks across NRO member organisations and government-facing activity, while bringing learning, contacts and insight back to their home organisation.
Applications:
Please apply by Friday 4 September. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the NRO Secretariat to explore suitability, availability and how the role could be shaped around their skills, experience and development interests.

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