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Senior Communications Manager 

FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (3ie)

1.  Background 

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage research to enhance development and foreign policy impact. The RCC, co-led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and the University of Birmingham, provides support to FCDO teams for commissioning and delivering high-quality and impactful research. It addresses challenges associated with research bureaucracy by providing a streamlined process for commissioning and delivering FCDO-funded research.

This role is based at 3ie, working closely with colleagues at the FCDO, University of Birmingham and across the RCC consortium. This is a fixed-term position for the RCC, which is a pilot project that began on the 6th June, 2023, and is due to run until the 5th June, 2028. The role is linked directly to the project funding. 

The International Initiative of Impact Evaluation is a mission-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to using evidence to transform people's lives in low- and middle-income countries. We are the global leader in funding, producing, and synthesizing high-quality evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost. We believe better policy-relevant evidence will make development more effective. 3ie is a registered non-governmental organization in the US. It has offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.  

2.  Position summary 

3ie is inviting applications for a Senior Communications Manager to join the FCDO Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) team at 3ie. With the RCC entering its third year of operation, this is an exciting time to join the project. 

The role will be responsible for the strategic management of RCC communications and for the oversight and management of the Global Research and Technology Development (GRTD) website .  The position will work closely with the team of the FCDO Chief Scientific Adviser and FCDO’s Deputy Head of Research to support the development and rollout of GRTD, suiting a strategic thinker with experience or knowledge of leading communications and engagement campaigns.

The successful candidate will be a highly organised, skilled communicator with excellent command over producing a range of communication and knowledge products such as blogs, policy briefs, infographics, impact stories and case studies, as well as editing technical writing. Prior experience in social media and event management, is desirable. They will be a self-starter with a can-do, team-player attitude.
The ideal candidate will be based in the UK and have the flexibility to travel to London for in-person meetings and events as required. The candidate will need to work according to UK office hours. The role will largely be remote working with dedicated in-person time with the RCC team and with FCDO. 

3. Key job responsibilities
a)  GRTD website development oversight and strategy; FCDO GRTD communications, branding and development

• Work with FCDO to develop a coherent strategy and campaign for engaging with and communicating GRTD to external partners. Manage the relationship with FCDO communications counterparts in delivering the vision for GRTD
• Lead engagement with FCDO to determine design of enhancements and new features for GRTD; oversee these developments, managing external contractors (when required) and working with technical colleagues to ensure developments are fit for purpose
• Collaborate with FCDO teams to support the rollout and visibility of the GRTD brand
• Contribute to the development and implementation of editorial standards, templates, and guidance for GRTD content, in coordination with FCDO and RCC stakeholders
• Assist in the dissemination of impact stories and research outputs that align with GRTD branding and strategic objectives
• Support stakeholder engagement activities and campaigns led by FCDO to promote the GRTD platform, where relevant to RCC-funded research
• Monitor digital engagement with and develop KPIs to track performance, with a focus on continuous improvement and optimization

b)  RCC presence on GRTD

• Ensure the RCC is adequately presented on GRTD and that the design and structure of RCC pages is coherent and promotes the RCC vision
• Create, edit and post new website content for the RCC on GRTD as required
• Coordinate with the 3ie Strategic Communications Office to monitor the website regularly to ensure content is updated and bugs are identified.

c)  RCC Communications
       Strategy: 

• Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of the RCC’s overall communication and engagement strategy, including areas of thought leadership around best practice evidence led by the RCC. 

      Content: 

• Strategise on new communication products (including website content, impact stories, blogs, media articles, social media and multimedia content), launches, events, and online promotions Edit, manage and publish research commissioning call documents and participate and manage related events such as Early Market Engagements, FAQ sessions, etc.
• Work with RCC Grantees and project teams editing and publishing RCC publications and deliverables, including reports, briefs and other publications. 
• Create social media content and manage dissemination through 3ie’s social media channels, working with 3ie colleagues (NB: RCC social media channels may be established and in this case the role will directly manage these). 
• Events and engagement: Provide end-to-end support for workshops and events, including content, budget, logistics, communication and marketing
• Provide inputs for communication and implementation plans for research funded by the RCC.

d)  Project management: Ensure that RCC publications and communications products are processed in a timely manner and published on GRTD

• Maintain and update process documents, guidelines and templates for external communications for the RCC and for communications from grantees.
• Oversee the implementation of and improvements to RCC’s branding and logo suite as needed.

e)  Stakeholder support: Work closely with RCC staff to cultivate relationships across the research ecosystem, consortium and with grantees. This is likely to include RCC representation at external events.

f)  Support RCC grantees: Provide guidance and advise on dissemination activities to grant recipients. Review and approve the engagement and dissemination products and plans submitted by RCC grant recipients as part of their work on RCC-funded projects and support the wider RCC team to monitor engagement activities undertaken by grantees.

g)  Knowledge sharing: Collect and collate impact stories for the RCC to support both learning and reporting requirements

4. Qualifications and skills 

• Master’s degree in journalism, public affairs, marketing, or a field directly relevant to international development, including formal communication training. Exceptional candidates with a bachelor's degree and extensive work experience may be considered
• At least seven to ten years of experience in a communication role in development sector.
• Proven ability to plan and implement communication and engagement strategies for organizations and research projects
• Knowledge of tools for graphic design, content management, social media and event management is desirable (e.g., InDesign, Photoshop, Mailchimp, Canva, Drupal, etc.)
• Proven project management and coordination skills to ensure on-time delivery 
• Excellent English writing and editing skills; cross-platform writing experience is desirable
• Self-motivated, creative, and multi-tasker with a proven ability to work under tight deadlines accurately and professionally
• Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a matrix-organized team environment
• Experience working with UK government departments is desirable

5.  Eligibility
3ie is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, ethnicity, disability, caste, religion or sexual orientation. We particularly encourage women, ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. 

6.  Terms of employment 
The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate based on qualifications and experience. Our policies and procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse. We follow a zero-tolerance policy for any form of bullying or harassment in the workplace.

7. How to Apply 
Your application must include the following information*: 
•  A cover letter (not exceeding two pages) highlighting your qualifications and experience relevant to the terms of reference. 
•  Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references. 

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. 
The deadline for receiving applications is 21 December, 2025. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to beat macular disease forever.

We’re seeking a creative and organised individual to lead on communications and learning for our volunteer network. You’ll be responsible for developing engaging content, coordinating volunteer newsletters, and supporting the delivery of training and learning resources across a wide range of roles. This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a collaborative approach to ensure volunteers feel informed, supported, and connected. If you feel you have the attributes above, we would love to hear from you.

In return, we provide a great working culture and offer flexible working options, 26 days annual leave, the ability to buy or sell annual leave, supportive family policies, and a 6% pension contribution.

We are an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons.

This is a UK-wide role and can be home-based from anywhere in the UK. Some travel will be required, including occasional visits to our office in Andover, Hampshire. Office-based or hybrid working is also available for those living within commuting distance of Andover.

To act as a first point of contact for people experiencing mental health and wellbeing problems responding to phone, online, email and face to face contacts in a professional and compassionate way treating everyone with dignity.

To work with people to identify the support they need to address the problems or challenges they are experiencing and to help them to access that support.

To provide administrative, reception and finance support to the services, clients, staff and volunteers of Mind in Gwent to ensure the efficient running of the organisation.

Job summary

Job title - Fundraising and Membership Officer

Responsible to - Fundraising Operations Manager

Salary - £24,645 - £26,275 FTE per annum (pro rata) 

(£19,716 - £21,020 actual)  Exact salary dependent on experience

Hours of work - Part time - 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE).  We consider part-time/job-share and flexible working requests

Annual leave - 30 days + 8 bank holidays per year pro rata

Location - This role is hybrid - split between home working and our Bristol office.  You will be required to work a minimum of 50% of your hours from the office each week.

Job purpose

This role will underpin the operation of our fundraising and membership programmes, with a mixture of public facing interactions and focused operational, database work.

Our long-standing membership scheme is an integral part of our fundraising at Action for ME, and we are fortunate to have a generous membership base of over 3,000 loyal supporters. You will be the main point of contact for our members, ensuring they feel valued and connected to our work, as well as supporting efforts to increase our current membership.

You will also be responsible for the smooth running of crucial operational processes for our membership, trading and individual giving income streams, both during fundraising campaigns and day to day. With a commitment to continuous improvement of these systems, you will help us to increase the efficiency and quality of our stewardship, retain our donors and bring in new supporters.

Key duties

Membership

• Be the main point of contact for our members and provide high quality stewardship over the phone, by email and by letter, always ensuring consistent and high-quality communication.
• Be responsible for delivering operational tasks relating to the membership scheme and improving their efficiency. Including, but not limited to, gift importing and processing, data administration, thanking members, processing renewals and sending out renewal reminders.
• Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager and our Senior Supporter Engagement Officer to monitor the performance of the membership programme and support its growth.
• Maintenance and creation of the mailing lists for our membership magazine, InterAction.  Assist with the distribution of the magazine across all channels (post, email, audio).

Individual Giving & Trading

• Ensure that gifts are processed, recorded and thanked appropriately in a timely manner; and that database records are kept up to date, in line with fundraising data regulations.
• Assisting with the administration of our Winter and Spring raffles and Lottery programme.
• Work with the Fundraising Operations Manager and the wider team to maximise fundraising potential using data and donor insights/feedback.
• Maintain a high standard of data quality and record keeping on our database, ensuring our fundraising processes and procedures are applied in line with all regulatory and governance requirements including GDPR and those of the Fundraising Regulator.
• Processing all outgoing post for the Fundraising team, including online shop orders, from our Bristol office. Complete other office-based tasks as required.  You will be required to work at least 50% of your hours from the office.
• Work alongside the fundraising team to deliver our strategy and workplans, including involvement in projects and fundraising campaigns as required.

Other duties

• To attend and contribute constructively to team meetings and other meetings as required
• To positively promote the work and activities of Action for ME at all times
• To contribute to the team’s overall strategy delivery, annual planning and budgeting.
• To undertake any other reasonable activity in line with the responsibilities of the post as requested by the Fundraising Operations Manager, Director of Fundraising & Development or the Chief Executive.
• Act as an advocate for the Charity and its work.

Person Specification

Experience and knowledge

• Demonstrable experience in building relationships with customers or stewarding supporters and donors.
• Experience using Microsoft Excel for work, including basic excel functions, basic formulas and list tools.
• Experience of using a CRM database, preferably Raiser’s Edge
• Minimum 2 years previous fundraising experience (desirable)

Skills and Behaviours

• A confident multitasker who is comfortable dealing with a variety of enquiries and managing a varied workload.
• Excellent verbal communicator, skilled in engagement, empathy and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written communication skills including creating reports to measure progress.
• Ability to use own initiative, solve problems, work independently and to work well in a team.
•  An understanding of data protection including UKGDPR
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to use Microsoft Office, databases and web-related programmes and software.
• An understanding of ME and the impact on people affected by it (desirable).

Attitudes and values

• Enthusiasm
• Integrity
• Resilient

Key competencies

• Effective communicator
• Results driven
• Attention to detail