Job Description

The ideal candidate would have project management or similar experience, the confidence to engage with a range of stakeholders and communicate with them effectively, as well as a good understanding of how to translate scientific research into policy-relevant outputs. The potential candidate should evidence the ability to produce concise reports and policy outputs and/or scientific communications.

The post-holder will also support the delivery and operation of the Hydro Nation Scholars Programme. Funded by Scottish Government, and part of the Hydro Nation Strategy, this unique high profile and ambitious doctoral training partnership aims to develop the next generation of global water leaders.

Given the current COVID-19 situation it is envisaged that this post would be predominantly home-based. Going forward the successful candidate would be expected to attend meetings at James Hutton Institute premises and at other venues throughout Scotland driven by project need.

Main duties of post holder

CREW

• Managing CREW projects in the Catchment Management and Water Quality themes including policy liaison, organizing and managing events to facilitate the science: policy interface, identifying, prioritizing and co-construction of project specifications
• Managing projects throughout their life cycle from early development through to dissemination, including pro-active engagement of all relevant stakeholders and research teams
• Liaising with scientists to ensure policy needs are understood
• Provide guidance to research teams to ensure outputs are fit-for-purpose for the intended audiences and ensure timely delivery of appropriate, robust, and accessible research findings
• Working closely within a small team on wider activities and development of the Centre (quality management, communications, engaging with the Scottish water community)
• Providing general support to the CREW manager and team members in developing and running the Centre.

Hydro Nation Scholars Programme

• Assisting the programme meet its objectives in collaboration with the steering group and Programme Chair
• Developing and organizing bespoke training and other events for scholars
• Ensuring that high quality duty of care arrangements and effective processes are followed in the graduate school
• Facilitating connections between scholars, their supervisors, and the programme partners.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Educated to degree level. Postgraduate experience or qualifications. Knowledge of the main water policy areas in Scotland. Experience of scientific research. Experience of project development and management. Experience of organizing events. Experience of chairing meetings and managing project steering groups. Working with a range of stakeholders /gathering diverse information and opinion. Good people skills and proven ability to liaise with scientists and policy makers and tailor communications appropriately. Ability to translate complex science into succinct reports. Ability to work to very tight timescales and manage competing demands. Good organizational, planning and communication skills. Experience in social media. PRINCE or other project management training.