Programme Manager, Commonwealth Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) has a truly exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager, Commonwealth Chemistry to join us on a full-time (35-hour week) temporary basis (initially for two years, with the potential to extend longer-term). You will be based at our Science Park Cambridge office (free onsite parking), with UK and international travel as well as some weekend and evening work. 

The RSC is an internationally renowned publisher of high quality chemical science knowledge and the professional body for chemists in the UK, with a thriving international community of around 50,000 members in over 100 countries and over 550 staff. As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest all of our income to achieve our charitable objectives.

Our Programme Manager, Commonwealth Chemistry role presents an opportunity to work on a programme that will have a large impact on the chemistry community at international scale — the Commonwealth Chemistry initiative. Creating strong relationships and partnerships with organisations that support the chemical sciences in the Commonwealth nations is central to this role and an integral part of our External Relations strategy. 

The Commonwealth Chemistry initiative involves working with the chemical societies in the Commonwealth nations to develop a programme of activities including the establishment and development of a Federation of Commonwealth Chemical Societies in which all countries are included on equal terms. The uniqueness of bringing this group of diverse countries together under an umbrella organisation is that it mirrors the concept of the Commonwealth Nations as an aspirational and inspirational entity that provides strong role models. A crucial activity for delivering the desired outcomes of the Federation is the running of a biannual Commonwealth Chemistry Congress which will highlight the relevance of chemistry to the sustainable development goals and will include policy debates and the identification of role models.

Reporting to our External Relations Manager, as our Programme Manager for Commonwealth Chemistry, you will focus on the development and delivery of our Commonwealth programmes, bringing together our key stakeholders in new partnerships to tackle the sustainable development goals, especially those related to water and food, energy and gender equality.

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.

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.
• Experience collaborating internationally, with a passion for advancing science for the benefit of humanity.
• Ability to develop effective scientific networks.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, using a range of written and oral communication channels.
• Ability to interact effectively with and influence people at a range of levels and in a range of sectors.
• Experience of leading on complex projects involving multiple stakeholders, and able to balance and prioritise across multiple projects, tasks and deadlines.
• Initiative and ability to develop new ideas and approaches. 

Desirable:

• PhD in chemistry or related field (or equivalent).
• Understanding of areas such as international collaboration in science, education, scientific diplomacy and the evolving needs of the Commonwealth community.
• Knowledge of Commonwealth countries policies and needs of the less developed countries.
• Knowledge of, or demonstrated interest in inclusion and diversity, and an understanding of the needs of less developed countries and identifying ways to share best practice and knowledge.
• Network of scientific contacts within the chemistry community.
• Experience of working in a matrix environment.

In return, we will support your development and reward your contribution with excellent benefits.

If interested, please apply before the end of our closing date.