Would you like to develop your career in international Higher Education at a Russell Group university? Do you enjoy building partnerships and developing excellent working relationships with internal and external colleagues, both in the UK and overseas?
We have an exciting opportunity for a proactive and diligent colleague to join the International Relations and Partnerships Team at Newcastle University. You will support delivery of the University’s ambitious Global Strategy by providing coordination, management and support for a broad portfolio of international relations and partnerships work.
The role has two main components: (i) supporting the development of new and existing partnership activity in one or more world regions (this will form the majority of the role); and (ii) undertaking a functional remit focused on enhancing Global Strategy communications.
We are looking for a colleague with a demonstrable interest in international Higher Education and the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. You will enjoy forming excellent working relationships with internal and external colleagues and will demonstrate the potential to become an outstanding international relations manager. This role is varied and provides opportunities for development in a challenging and rewarding environment. As part of a growing team there is opportunity to influence and shape the role.
Please be advised that this post does not qualify for University sponsorship under Tier 2 of the points based system.
If you would like to discuss this vacancy please contact Helen Challis, Acting Senior International Relations and Partnership Manager – helen.challis@ncl.ac.uk
The Role
The main purpose of the job is to support senior International Office (IO) staff and academic Global Deans in the development and implementation of the University’s international relations and partnership activities. The majority of the role will involve you supporting the development of new and existing partnership activity in one or more specific world regions (to be allocated subject to applicants’ experience). You will have a secondary, functional remit which includes the development and implementation of a communications plan to support the delivery of the University’s Global Strategy.
You will provide support for and receive support from colleagues in the International Office to ensure efficient and collaborative integration of the University’s international activities. At times, you will be required to work flexibly across regional and functional responsibilities, as the need arises.
The International Relations and Partnerships (IR&P) Team is one of six constituent teams in the University’s International Office. The IR&P Team supports the development and delivery of the University’s Global Strategy. Responsibilities include:
a. International partnerships: development, management and co-ordination of a portfolio of partners and relationships, including (but not limited to) partnerships with universities, diplomatic colleagues, policy organisations, funders and sponsors
b. International data and analysis: informing effective decision making on international matters
c. Management of international projects, including visit and event coordination, and delivery of specific international initiatives
Key Accountabilities
International relations and partnerships support
Analysis, reporting & documentation
- Provision of tailored country and/or institution-specific briefings for University staff to help inform effective decision-making on international matters
- Writing reports on and monitoring actions arising out of international meetings (virtual or in-person); reporting to relevant internal committees, as required
- Research and analysis of relevant trends and opportunities in key regions, and preparing reports for IO colleagues and others across the University
Liaison and customer service
- Provision of guidance to Faculties and Schools on new partnership initiatives, including the coordination and negotiation of Memoranda of Understanding, drawing on developed regional expertise to advise how best to leverage existing links for the benefit of the University
- Supervise and coordinate relevant incoming and outgoing visits to the University, with partners including universities, diplomatic stakeholders, funders and sponsors, and communicate with key internal stakeholders to deliver an efficient, professional and purposeful programme
- Development of strong links with relevant external stakeholders and organisations (e.g. international partner institutions, UK and overseas embassies, British Council, FCDO Science & Innovation Network) to obtain country intelligence and communicate this effectively to key internal stakeholders
Operational support for the Global Strategy and the International Relations and Partnerships Team
- Contribute to the development and implementation of a communications plan for the Global Strategy, including both internal and external stakeholders
- Develop the Global Strategy and International Office internet and intranet pages
- Produce reports, articles and other written materials for publication on internal and external channels
- Contribute to cross-Office communications initiatives
Other duties
- To undertake any other tasks appropriate to the grade, as directed by the post-holder’s line manager
Continuous improvement: developing skills through attendance at internal and external training courses
The Person
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Excellent written English and the ability to prepare high quality briefings and reports
- An aptitude for information management and data analysis.
- Initiative and the ability to prioritise, handle a complex workload and be self-reliant.
- A high-level of organisation and administrative competence.
- Team player, able to initiate, develop and maintain excellent working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Evidence of delivery in a customer-focused environment
- Flexibility regarding working hours and a willingness to undertake international travel if required.
- Demonstrable knowledge of and interest in international Higher Education.
- Knowledge of one or more languages other than English, particularly those relevant to international educational engagement. (Desirable)
Qualifications
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent or equivalent transferrable experience.
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