Finance Manager Jobs in Staffordshire

1. Background:

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Research Commissioning Centre (RCC) has been established to commission and manage quality, equitable research at value to inform international development priorities in the UK and globally. Led by the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), the University of Birmingham, and a consortium of 17 UK and global research partners, the RCC aims to commission different types of high-quality research in FCDO’s key priority areas. The FCDO is expecting to deliver 20-30% of its total research budget through the RCC within a four-year time frame (total research budget was roughly £300m in 23/24).
The RCC has been operating since June 2023, working very closely with FCDO’s research teams through an early pilot phase. The key objectives of the RCC are to deliver ‘world class’ research commissioning processes and to build and manage a coherent R&D digital platform for the FCDO. These will promote equitable and streamlined access to FCDO funding and accelerate paths to research impact. This involves addressing the challenges associated with research bureaucracy, as highlighted by the Independent Review of Research Bureaucracy.

During the pilot phase the RCC has set up early processes and mechanisms ahead of the first research commissions, which launched in April 2024. Progress has been made to develop a digital platform for FCDO research and to build an R&D brand identity. We are now recruiting a full-time Director to lead the RCC through the next four years to implement the RCC’s vision, consolidate and deepen strategic connections across the consortium and wider networks within the sector, and direct and manage teams and resources towards delivery of a ‘world-class’ commissioning centre.

It is in this exciting context that 3ie seeks an outstanding candidate to serve as the Director to lead the Research Commissioning Centre. The Director will be supported by a secretariat and will report to the Executive Director of 3ie and to the Steering Committee of the RCC (this will include representatives from the FCDO, the consortium, and externals). The secretariat will include three units; an academic delivery unit, a programme management, due diligence, contracting and finance unit, and a stakeholder engagement, communication, and impact unit, and is projected to grow to 20+ positions over the course of the next 12 months. The Director will be a 3ie employee (or seconded from their existing institution) whose terms of employment are contingent upon the FCDO project financing their position.
The position covers a wide range of responsibilities including:

• Setting the strategic direction for the FCDO RCC and its role within the broader FCDO research brand to ensure the core objectives and vision are delivered
• Leading the FCDO RCC secretariat and operations within the Centre, including effective allocation of resources to implement workplans agreed with the FCDO
• Liaising closely with FCDO Senior and Programme Responsible Owners (SRO/PRO) and research team leads to identify and respond to research commissioning needs
• Oversight of all research commissions, including ensuring access to the right academic expertise and development and implementation of world leading processes for research commissioning
• Engaging and collaborating with other UK Government R&D funders and the broader research commissioning community to ensure the RCC adopts world class, ethical, inclusive, and impactful research commissioning practices
•  Engaging with the wider RCC consortium to ensure synergies with and across partners are maximised and relationships within the network deepen, to build strategic partnerships and generate added value 
• Regular engagement with FCDO leadership and reporting to the Executive Director of 3ie and the RCC Steering Committee

2. About 3ie

The International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) promotes evidence-informed equitable, inclusive, and sustainable development. We support the generation and effective use of high-quality evidence to inform decision-making and improve the lives of people living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries. We provide guidance and support to produce, synthesise and quality assure evidence of what works, for whom, how, why and at what cost.

We do so through evidence programmes, production of public goods, professional services, and support for institutional advancement initiatives. The evidence programmes include impact evaluations, implementation research, replication studies, systematic reviews, and evidence gap maps. Our work encompasses a wide range of topics, sectors, and themes, including health systems and services, nutrition, and related social sector programmes.

3ie is registered as a non-governmental organisation in the United States. We have offices in New Delhi, London and Washington, DC.

3. Role Summary:

The Director of the RCC will be responsible for the day to day running of the RCC and implementing the vision of the FCDO RCC as a leading, responsive, equitable and efficient funder and custodian of world-class, policy-relevant, and impactful research (addressing and) informing the global challenges of our time. The individual will do so through developing and nurturing the FCDO and 3ie (and consortium) partnership and oversee the strategic planning, implementation, and delivery of the FCDO RCC programme.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader passionate about leveraging research for global development impact.

The position will be based in the UK/ London, on a remote work basis, but with regular in person interaction expected with the stakeholder teams.
 

4. Key responsibilities

4.1 Strategic Leadership and Vision:

• Define and implement strategic goals and ambition in alignment with the RCC’s vision and FCDO’s overarching research objectives
• Develop long-term strategies for scaling up research initiatives, with a focus on achieving measurable impacts on UK global development priorities
• Develop and promote culture of lessons learning and continuous improvement and innovation conducive to world class commissioning and cutting-edge research in FCDO’s key priority areas
• Report progress and strategic insights regularly to the Executive Director of 3ie and the RCC Steering Committee

4.2 Research Commissioning and Management:

• Oversee the development of the RCC operational framework, including the commissioning process
• Oversee the research commissions, from scoping and development of calls for proposals, through proposal review and selection, to due diligence and contracting
• Ensuring transparency, efficiency, and adherence to ethical standards in all the RCCs work
• Facilitate transparent and effective communication between all parties involved in the research commissioning process
• Oversight of the progress of research commissions to ensure they meet predefined objectives and quality standards

4.3 Partnership and Network Development:

• Engage and collaborate with other UK Government R&D funders and the broader research community to ensure the RCC effectively shares lessons and adopts world class, ethical, inclusive, and impactful research commissioning practices, whilst aligning and reducing burden on research where possible
• Engage with the Bureaucracy Review Reform and Implementation Network (BRRIN) led by the UK Government Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
• Strengthen relationships with existing partners in the RCC consortium through regular engagements and oversight of RCC commissions
• Engage with international research communities to exchange knowledge, best practices, and actively seek new partnerships to enhance research capacity and output
• Develop targeted strategies and approaches to capacity-strengthening programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of RCC stakeholders to respond to requests for proposals
• Advocate for and support the principles of inclusion and equitable partnerships within all research activities

4.4 Operational and Financial Oversight:

• Lead the RCC secretariat and ensure the effective administration of the Centre’s operations
• Oversight of budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure sustainability of the Centre’s activities
• Implement risk management strategies to mitigate potential challenges impacting research timelines and outputs

4.5 Capacity Building and Team Leadership:​

• Develop targeted capacity-strengthening programmes to enhance the skills and knowledge of RCC stakeholders, including the RCC team itself, consortium partners, and the wider research institutions network. Special attention will be given to partners from the global south, to help ensure a levelling of the playing field
• Mentor and guide RCC staff, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and ethical conduct
• Lead and motivate the team to achieve high performance and meet research commissioning targets

4.6 Stakeholder Engagement, Communication, and Impact:

• Oversee the development and implementation of the strategic engagement and communications strategy for the RCC
• Oversee the development of RCC’s approach and systems for developing and tracking evidence use and impact of RCC commissioned research
• Ensure all RCC-commissioned research includes planning for stakeholder engagement and evidence uptake and use
• Contribute to thought leadership to amplify RCC’s work, reflect on lessons learned and showcase impacts.
• Regularly engage with the FCDO, academic institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to align research activities with broader policy goals
• Represent RCC in national and international forums to promote the RCC, lessons, impacts and innovations from the RCC
• Through regular engagements with key stakeholders in FCDO and the UK government, advocate for the use of evidence to inform decision-making
• Oversee the development and management of the upcoming Digital Platform for commissions, results, and impacts

4.7 Innovation, Evaluation and Learning:

• Encourage the use of advanced and innovative technologies and methodologies in research commissioning and management
• Ensure that innovation and lesson learning is embedded in the RCCs ways of working, through for example lessons learnt log and after-action reviews
• Oversee the development and implementation of evaluation and learning frameworks to assess the effectiveness and continuously improve the relevance of commissioned research

5.Qualifications and skills

5.1 Education and Work Experience

• Educational Background: Master’s degree or higher in International Relations, Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, or a related field
• Professional Experience: Minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in research management in international development or a related field
• Partnerships and Networks: Track record of building strategic engagement with research funders and relationships across the research network; and building and managing partnerships across geographies and disciplines
• Research Commissioning: Track record of successful research commissioning and management, including adopting and testing innovative approaches and solutions to increase effectiveness and inclusion
• Research Expertise: Experience in managing large-scale research projects and working with international development agencies is highly desirable
• Research-Policy interface: A deep understanding of the research to policy interface, including a track record of either conducting of managing research with policy impact
• Familiarity with FCDO or Similar Entities: Knowledge of FCDO’s operational framework and objectives, or experience working with similar international development organisations
• Publications and Thought Leadership: A record of publications or contributions to influential reports or thought leadership in relevant fields
• Financial Acumen: Experience in financial management, including budgeting, resource allocation, and fiscal reporting.

5.2 Skills

• Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Strong leadership skills with the ability to set clear priorities, delegate, and guide investment in people and systems
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to think critically and analytically, with a proven record of solving complex problems and making decisions that are data driven
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent skills in managing relationships with diverse stakeholders including government officials, researchers, NGO partners, and donors
• Communication and Advocacy: Exceptional communication skills, capable of effectively presenting and discussing both the technical and critical impacts of research findings with a variety of audiences. Excellent cross-cultural skills and diplomacy
• Adaptability and Innovation: Capacity to adapt to changing situations and to approach challenges with creativity and innovation
• Project Management: Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
• Ethical Integrity and Cultural Sensitivity: High ethical standards and sensitivity to cultural differences, with the ability to navigate complex global issues
• Inclusive Leadership: Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment in line with equitable partnership principles.

5.3 Desirable Additional Competencies:

• Digital Proficiency: Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for research management and communication
• Language Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages is a plus, especially those relevant to FCDO’s key geographic areas of operation.

6. Eligibility
3ie will recruit one individual for this full-time position, with a preference for candidates who have authorisation to work in the United Kingdom. The candidate will be based in the UK and will be expected to be physically present for meetings with FCDO staff on a regular basis. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader passionate about leveraging research for global development impact.
3ie is also willing to consider a secondment from an existing job. The initial term is for four years.

3ie is an equal-opportunity employer committed to equality and diversity. We do not discriminate based on sex, age, religion, ethnicity, caste, sexual orientation or for being differently abled. We particularly encourage ethnic minorities and persons with disabilities to apply.

7. Terms of employment

Candidates should be available to start work at the earliest after accepting an offer. The salary range for this position will be internationally competitive and commensurate with 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.
 

8. How to Apply

Your application package must include the following*:

• A cover letter, highlighting your experience relevant to the terms of reference. Please include information about the country you are based in and your work authorisation for the UK
• Curriculum vitae along with names and contact information for at least three professional references

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with the initial review starting 10th June 2024.

Head of Policy and Public Affairs
AdviceUK
Home-based with regular travel and meetings in London
Permanent
Full time with part time and job share options considered (4 days/28 hours)
£64,943 - £68,230 plus Regional Weighting (up to £4,454 in London)
Benefits including 20 days of annual leave, increasing by a day each year (to a maximum of 25 days), 3 days leave between Christmas and New Year, home working allowance, 6% pension, 2 days volunteering, season ticket and bicycle loan

Charity People are delighted to be supporting AdviceUK, a small charity which improves the lives of people in need of advice through support to its members, to recruit a Head of Policy and Public Affairs.

AdviceUK makes a big impact. Its stakeholder, policy and advocacy work is across devolved nations as well as the UK. They support members, so it is easier for them to help their clients, and by directly influencing policy-makers, decision-makers and funders. There are currently 700 AdviceUK members and 1.7m people were offered free advice by members on a diverse range of issues including debt, housing, benefits and immigration problems.

This is an exciting time to join AdviceUK's growing team as they launch a new three-year strategy. The organisation will be making a significant investment in capacity, new support services and innovation to deliver the support and advice that members, the wider advice sector and their communities need.

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs will lead and have oversight of all policy and public affairs activities; developing the function; establishing policy positions; delivering evidence-driven campaigns and effective stakeholder engagement; to secure policy change and funding to benefit people seeking advice and the communities served by members.

Key responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement effective strategies for policy and funder influence, ensuring alignment with AdviceUK's strategic objectives. Provide ongoing strategic oversight of political and sector trends to inform decision-making.
• Policy Development and Advocacy: Lead the creation and coordination of clear policy positions, identify influencing goals, and overseeing responses to government consultations. Represent AdviceUK at external events.
• Public Affairs Management: Oversee a proactive public affairs strategy, build relationships with key government contacts, manage stakeholder engagement, ensure effective public affairs leadership, and amplify influencing work.
• Campaign and Media Leadership: Oversee the development of effective campaigns, mobilising support and leveraging media opportunities to raise awareness and drive action on priority issues for AdviceUK.
• Research and Evidence: Oversee research and analysis to support policy and campaign objectives, ensuring evidence-based insights inform advocacy efforts.
• Leadership and Management: Provide effective leadership to the Policy and Public Affairs Department as well as other staff, line managing the department, ensuring strong performance and supporting learning and development.
• Funding and Financial Management: Foster funder relationships to secure income for AdviceUK, manage departmental finances, and ensure efficient programme management of grant-funded initiatives.

The Head of Policy and Public Affairs will have at least 3 years' experience of working in a similar role and experience and/or an understanding of the social welfare advice sector, the issues faced by advice providers and the communities they serve. The successful candidate will have developed and delivered impactful policy and public affairs strategies that have led to demonstrable change either directly or by working in coalitions and partnerships. You will have experience of acting as a spokesperson including to the media, at events, to select committees and other government or funder-led working groups. You will be a strategic leader with the ability to build strong working relationships and manage and motivate a team. You will have strong analytical, organisational and prioritisation skills.

This role is home-based. You will need to attend meetings and events in London as part of the role and quarterly SMT meetings and all staff meetings with some travel across the UK and overnight stays. There may be out of hours work for which TOIL is granted.

How to apply

The application process is CV and Supporting Statement. For more information and for the full Job Pack, please send a copy of your CV to Jen D'Souza at Charity People as the first step. The closing date is 9am on Tuesday 25 June. Interviews will take place Friday 6 July in person in London. Travel costs will be reimbursed.

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion. We match charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.

Are you ready to be at the heart of an organization that’s revolutionizing music education in the UK? Dalcroze UK is on an exhilarating journey of growth and transformation, and we're on the lookout for a proactive and enthusiastic Administrator to join our team! No need to worry if you’re new to some of the tasks – we provide full training to ensure you succeed!

What You'll Do:

As our new Administrator, you'll be the backbone of our operations, supporting our mission to spread the magic of Dalcroze Eurhythmics across the country. Your role will be diverse and dynamic, including:

• Event Management: Assist in organizing our inspiring courses, events, and exams, ensuring every detail is perfect.
• Financial Admin: Help us keep our financial records in top shape, supporting our financial health and transparency. Basic bookkeeping skills would be helpful, but full training will be given.
• Digital Mastery: Manage and enhance our website, making it a go-to resource for our community, and keep our followers updated through our social media platforms.
• Trustee and Member Support: Provide crucial support to our Trustees and members, helping to foster a vibrant and engaged community.

Work Environment:

• Remote Flexibility: Work from the comfort of your home while staying connected with our team via phone, email, and Zoom.
• Travel Opportunities: Attend exciting events and meetings across the UK (with travel and accommodation fully reimbursed).

Key Events:

• Intensive Training Weekend Courses: Be a vital part of our high-energy training weekends.
• Spring Course in Manchester: Join us over the Easter break to support our innovative Spring Course.
• Summer Course in Cardiff (2024): From 4th to 10th August, immerse yourself in our biggest event of the year, held in vibrant Cardiff.

 Additional Responsibilities:

• Annual Board Meeting in London: Attend our in-person board meeting each year and ensure accurate minute-taking.

Why This Role Is Special:

This isn't just a job; it’s a chance to be part of an exciting period of growth. Your contributions will be essential to the smooth running of our charity and the nurturing of a positive, engaged Dalcroze community. If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact and be part of something truly special, this is it!

Ready to join our journey? Apply now and let’s make a difference together!

To apply, send your CV and a cover letter explaining how you fit the role by 23rd June 2024.

Interviews will be held w/c 8th July over Zoom.