RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission
RAND Europe has approximately 190 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines. Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients.
RAND Europe’s research is rigorously peer-reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery-oriented environment.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly motivated Project Manager to join a dynamic and collaborative team within the Science and Emerging Technology (SET) research group of RAND Europe’s Cambridge office.
As a Project Manager within the SET research group, you will play a vital role in the successful planning, execution and delivery of research projects and multi-year framework contracts, working closely with researchers, internal stakeholders, and external partners and clients.
You will primarily support some of our long-term multi-year frameworks on research and innovation policy with client such as DG RTD (European Commission), DSIT, UKRI and other research funders internationally. Depending on capacity and interest, there is also scope to support other large projects within the group.
Please note that this is not a research role, and the successful candidate is expected to hold project management qualifications and experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing our large framework contracts, taking responsibility for overall coordination and management for the framework as a whole as well as supporting management of its individual projects within those frameworks; including interacting with collaborators and clients as needed, monitoring of budgets and progress against timelines.
- Support to other large research projects depending on capacity.
- Engaging with internal teams within RAND Europe as required, including the Programme Support Office, Legal, Finance, HR, and Communications. Liaising with the Data Protection Officer to support the project team with GDPR compliance.
- Engaging with external requirements including those of the funder and governance requirements such as ethics and research approvals to ensure relevant requirements are met and reporting is provided.
- Ensure that quality reviews occur on schedule and according to RAND’s quality assurance process.
- Providing expert advice and support to project colleagues on effective project management.
This role will be based in RAND Europe’s Cambridge office, working alongside RAND Europe colleagues. We ask individuals to be in the office at least one day a week but we operate this with some flexibility.
We are able to consider part time, full time or requirements in between but would require someone able to commit to a minimum of 20 hours a week.
- Demonstrable experience of applying efficient project management processes to a variety of medium to large projects using a range of methodologies and approaches.
- Specific experience of project management of policy research particularly through a contract rather than research grant format is desirable.
- Experience and knowledge of working in a research and innovation policy environment and with or for our key clients (DG RTD, UKRI, DSIT) is desirable.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both verbal and written), and the ability to communicate at all levels, and to influence decisions.
- Experience of collaborative working with multiple stakeholders – internal and external.
Education and qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent vocational qualification.
- Demonstrable project delivery qualifications or experience (PRINCE2 Practitioner, APM PMQ) desirable.
- Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
- 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
- Annual salary review;
- BUPA medical insurance;
- Generous company sick pay;
- Enhanced family friendly policies;
- Group income protection scheme;
- Group life assurance;
- Compassionate leave;
- Flexible working arrangements;
- Learning and development opportunities;
- Employee wellbeing training and support;
- Fresh fruit every day;
- Free on-site parking;
- Cycle to work scheme;
- Access to company bikes;
- Service awards.
Salary
Starting from £40,000 per annum
How to Apply
If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter. The deadline for applications is 06/07/25.
We will be looking to conduct 1st stage interviews week commencing 14th July 2025
If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.
