Research Manager (Assessment Research Group)

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.

We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.

Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 202122 we reached 650 million people.

ARG Project & Support Manager

Role Type: Business. Partnership and Programme Development
Pay band: 7
Salary: 30,839 (+3,300 market allowance if based in the London area)
Contract: Indefinite
Location: UK only, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Belfast

Closing Date: Sunday 17th December, 11:59 UK time

Requirements:Candidates must have the pre-existing (permanent) right to work in location.
Mobility / relocation / visa sponsoring support will not be provided. If you are currently sponsored by the British Council, in a country or regional role, please check with your local / regional HR colleagues if you are able to remain in your current location for this global role.

What we offer

• Competitive salary
• 32 days annual leave, in addition to public holidays
• 3 days volunteering leave
• Career average defined benefit pension scheme
• An unrivalled opportunity for you to get to use all the experience youve built up working in and / or leading global organisations to support us in building trust across the world!

Context

The Assessment Research Group (ARG) sits within the wider English and Exams Strategic Business Unit (E&E SBU). This position will contribute to ARG work in support of teams working with language assessment across the British Council, including specialised test development teams such as Global Assessments and IELTS, Global Exams Services (GES), assessment in learning products, and British Council education reform projects.

The ARG leads on research in key language assessment areas including innovative language test design and development, the use of educational technology in language assessment, Language Assessment Literacy engagement aimed at teachers, policy makers, and other stakeholders, and research and expert advisory work supporting assessment and language education reform projects in education systems. ARG works with teams across the British Council, including the E&E SBU and English for Education Systems teams situated in the Cultural Engagement SBU. The ARG coordinates and oversees an active thought-leadership agenda, including publishing and presenting as experts in the field, providing editorial direction on specialised publications and research reports, and convening conferences and events that bring together international experts on language assessment, learning and policy.

Role Purpose

To contribute to the British Councils position as a world leading language assessment provider by supporting projects in the areas of language assessment.

To strengthen the Assessment Research Groups (ARG) test research and development capability by providing managerial and administrative support to the ARG across all areas of the teams work.

To manage a range of research grants and support, track and report on various research projects undertaken by the ARG.

To strengthen the ARGs reporting, communication and dissemination of their work through effective management of records and information.

The role is designed for a strong manager with an interest in and experience of working in large organisations.

Main Accountabilities

Product or programme/management or development

Under the direction of the Manager of the ARG and relevant team leads:

• Manages research grants awarded by the ARG, supports grants associated with Global Exams Services, oversees the administration of the IELTS Joint Research Committee research programme, and provides relevant support to other teams and programmes as necessary;oversees and streamline processes and administration, acting as key administrative liaison for all stakeholders involved in the research grants.
• Manages and supports administrative and procedural aspects of research projects across the team, including data requests, oversight of payments, tracking and reporting on progress.
• Supports on the dissemination of research and other work undertaken by or commissioned by the ARG, including managing the administrative and procedural aspects of publications, conference presentations and related conference support activities.
• Manages all contracts required by the ARG, overseeing and streamlining procedures, and ensuring procurement compliance.
• Managing internal and external communications for the ARG, including maintaining the website and relevant social media channels.
• Organises meetings and events as necessary, overseeing logistical tasks and processes.
• As required, participates in internal working group/peer networks to maintain a detailed understanding of both current and prospective products/programmes/services and uses these insights to support effective delivery of the ARGs activities.
• Supports the delivery of major international conferences and events that bring together policy makers, researchers and educators to exchange state-of-the-art information on language assessment, learning and educational reform.
• Ensures that EDI principles and values are incorporated into aspects of ARG activity.

Subject / Sector expertise

• Builds up general knowledge in the area of language assessment by familiarising themselves with the work of the ARG.
• Demonstrates an awareness of the standards, requirements and processes of research projects in the area of applied linguistics.

Relationship and stakeholder management

• Supports the production of research reports and publications by ARG. This includes working with internal and external project partners, editors, and publishers to ensure publications are produced on schedule, to agreed standards and according to brand guidelines.
• Carries out communications as required on a project-by-project basis with internal and external stakeholders for ARG.
• Proactively seeks to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, particularly research grant holders, to increase the impact of ARG activities.
• Consults and works with relevant teams to ensure compliance across all aspects of procurement, contracts, legal, data and IP, and other ARG activities.
• Line manages the ARG operations officer and other roles where necessary.

Role specific knowledge and experience

• Experience managing processes and procedures.
• Project management experience.
• Experience producing written communication for professional audiences.
• Experience working in an academic or educational environment (desirable).

Closing Date: Sunday 17th December, 11:59 UK time

Interviews will be held beginning on January 2024.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) Statement

The British Council is committed to policies and practices of equality, diversity and inclusion across everything we do. We support all staff to make sure their behaviour is consistent with this commitment. We want to address under representation and encourage applicants from under-represented groups, in particular, but not exclusively, on grounds of ethnicity and disability. All disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview and we have Disability Confident Employer Status. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

The British Council iscommitted to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with.

We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989.

Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed; these will include qualification checks, reference checks, identity & criminal record checks in line with legal requirements and with the British Councils Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you have any problems with your application please email askhr@britishcouncil.org

Please note: Applications to this role can only be considered when made through the Apply section of our careers website. Our ASK HR email is only to be used in case of a technical issue encountered when applying through the careers website. Emails with supporting statements and CV/Resumes sent to this email address will not be reviewed and will be deleted.