About the job
At RAND Europe, a leading not-for-profit research institute with over 30 years of expertise, we conduct policy research aimed at addressing critical societal challenges. Our work for governments, international organizations, research councils, and charitable foundations is driven by our belief that thorough research can lead to informed answers that enhance community well-being, safety, and prosperity for the future. With offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and The Hague, we are proud to employ around 200 dedicated staff members.
We are currently seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Programme Support Officer to deliver exceptional support for numerous concurrent research proposals, projects, and frameworks managed by our expert research teams. This role will be based at our Cambridge office in the UK, requiring attendance twice a week.
Key Responsibilities
Lifecycle Support
- Manage the full project lifecycle from initial interest to final closure.
- Evaluate invitations to tender to ascertain regulatory and financial requirements for proposal submissions.
- Assist research teams in proposal development, including budget preparation and liaising with external stakeholders to gather necessary information and documentation, ensuring all required approvals are secured.
- Monitor project implementation to ensure milestones are achieved and objectives are met.
- Coordinate project closure activities, including final reporting, evaluation, and documentation.
Financial Management
- Review and obtain approval for project budgets and proposals.
- Monitor, update, and maintain financial records for projects.
- Assist with variation requests, including changes to intercompany work authorizations.
Corporate Governance, Quality Assurance, and Improvement
- Maintain regulatory documents for all RAND Europe entities.
- Oversee governance for proposals and projects.
- Ensure entries in the lessons log are accurate and up to date.
- Develop, implement, and maintain processes and procedures related to functional and governance support.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of the Project and Finance Group's processes and practices.
- Support researchers in evaluating proposal and project effectiveness and impact.
- Adhere to all company policies and RAND Europe Management Systems.
- Ensure compliance with all IMS policies.
Programme Management
- Maintain oversight of a portfolio of proposals, projects, and frameworks.
- Facilitate the transition of projects from proposal to execution and closure, ensuring effective completion at all stages.
- Track and report on project progress against milestones and objectives.

