Programme Manager, Pan Africa Chemistry Network

The Royal Society of Chemistry has an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager, Pan Africa Chemistry Network to join us on a three year contract basis. 

About us:

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is a not-for-profit organisation with a thriving international community of over 50,000 members in 125 countries, an internationally renowned publisher of high-quality chemical science knowledge and the professional body for chemists in the UK, with a reputation as an influential champion for the chemical sciences. As a not-for-profit organisation employing over 600 staff in 6 countries, we reinvest all our income to achieve our charitable objectives in support of the chemical sciences community and advancing chemistry for the benefit of society at large.

About the opportunity:

This role presents an opportunity to work on a programme that is a key component of the RSC’s international ambition and relates to all aspects of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s international work – the Pan Africa Chemistry Network (PACN). 

The Pan Africa Chemistry Network was launched in 2008 with the ambition to create a self-sustaining science base in Africa, helping to strengthen capacity, solve local challenges and contribute to global knowledge. Working with scientists throughout Africa, we aim to enhance and improve the skills and knowledge of the chemical science community in Africa, integrate African chemistry into the global scientific community by enabling the exchange of ideas and facilitating collaboration, and support the community to deliver solutions to global challenges in the areas of environment, energy, food, health and water. The key activity for delivering these outcomes is the biennial PACN Congress which brings scientists from across Africa together to discuss with, meet and learn from each other on a topical area of research.

In this role you will lead on the development and delivery of the Pan Africa Chemistry Network, bringing together key stakeholders from across Africa and globally, to support its ambitions. You will also continue and strengthen links with young chemist networks across the globe, including European Young Chemists Network (EYCN), International Young Chemists Network (IYCN) and the Commonwealth Chemistry Early Career Network.

An important aspect of this role is understanding the needs of less developed countries and identifying ways to share best practice and knowledge including provision of mechanisms for accessing research infrastructure. The Programme Manager will work in a matrix environment with colleagues across the Royal Society of Chemistry to meet the aims of the initiative, with responsibility for a budget of approximately £200k.

We are looking for:

Essential:

• Degree in chemistry or a related discipline (or equivalent).
• Experience of working in a team within a scientific organisation, industry, university or in a government setting to develop and deliver successful programmes and projects.
• Passion for international collaboration within the context of advancing the chemical sciences for the benefit of science and humanity.
• Experience of leading on complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, balancing and prioritising across multiple projects, tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to effectively interact, communicate and influence a variety of audiences, using a range of communication channels, including social media and managing events.

Desirable:

• PhD (or equivalent) in chemistry or related field.
• Understanding of areas such as international collaboration in science for the developing and evolving needs of the African community and the impact of inclusion and diversity. 

The contractual base for this role is our Cambridge or London office, however we are currently embracing hybrid working, and therefore you will have the opportunity to also work from a UK location other than this, as agreed with your line manager. Applicants should be aware that there is an expectation that employees will attend the offices and travel as needed for this role which will involve UK and international travel as well as some weekend and evening work.

Visit our Work For Us website to learn more about us, our Equal Opportunities Statement and Inclusive Culture Pledge and our excellent benefits.

If you are interested, please apply at the earliest opportunity. When applying, please provide an up-to-date CV and a supporting statement (no more than 500 words) indicating how your skills / expertise match the competencies outlined in the job description here.

If you have any questions, please contact us at jobs@rsc.org.