Project Manager

The University

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Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here

The Role - Project Manager for Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

The Project Manager will be situated within the Law School but work with an interdisciplinary academic team on a project Just Transitions to a Net Zero World. The project is funded by the University under the umbrella of the Strategic Research Fund.

The School

Durham Law School is a leading law school. Consistently ranked in the Top 10 nationally and Top 50 globally, it has been growing strongly over the past few years and now comprises a community of over 100 academics and professional support staff. Durham Law School fosters innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to legal research and wishes to attract scholars with strong backgrounds in these areas. The Law School provides a supportive environment for its community of Professional services staff and academics, which comprises a very generous sabbatical policy and an infrastructure of high-profile research centres that brings together colleagues for collaborative projects. The school is housed in the iconic Palatine Centre overlooking Durham Cathedral in the heart of the city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located on the main East Coast trainline connecting to London and Edinburgh and also within convenient reach of Newcastle Airport. The school has an extensive network of leading international partner institutions and close ties with the City of London and the Inns of Court. It counts among its alumni two Supreme Court Justices.

Our top-ranked global law courses are very competitive with an excellent and diverse student population from across the world delivering a cutting-edge, research-led curriculum with a commitment to small group teaching through seminars and tutorials much prized by employers.

Our School's strategic objectives put EDI at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to Equality Diversity and Inclusion and actively develop our policies and procedures to ensure that everyone within our community is treated fairly and is provided with the same opportunities. This applies to our everyday working in teaching, research and administration, including academic progression and promotion processes. Our Law School is also proud to hold the Athena Swan Bronze award.

The SRF Project: Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

The JusTN0W initiative is embedded into the Durham Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy. The JusTN0W initiative aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirms Durham's commitment to global research excellence while contributing to Durham's global standing. It represents a unique opportunity for our academic community to make a meaningful impact.

The JusTN0W initiative identifies a work programme that uses interdisciplinary research to develop sustainable and just solutions to enhances our collaborative efforts for this cause. By collaborating across disciplines and harnessing our expertise, we are confident that JusTN0W will yield groundbreaking solutions to address the climate crisis.

Job Title: Project Manager - Just Transitions to a Net Zero World

Role Purpose

The Project Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting the internal management of the project, collaborating closely with the Senior Business Development Manager and the academic project team. The role will involve coordinating various aspects of the project, including conference planning, report writing, social media and communication, website management, and organisational tasks. Additionally, the Project Manager will provide support for seminars, workshops, grant capture and the development of the MSc Sustainability program within the Law School.

Core Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate meetings, conferences, workshops, and seminars related to the project, including logistics, scheduling, and participant communication.
• Assist in the preparation of project reports, including annual reports, progress updates, and funding proposals.
• Manage social media accounts and communication channels to promote project activities and engage stakeholders.
• Maintain and update project website content, ensuring accuracy and relevance.
• Produce short blogs and articles highlighting project milestones, research findings, and stakeholder engagements.
• Provide organisational support for the development and delivery of the MSc Sustainability program, including curriculum planning and student engagement activities.
• Coordinate meetings, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and minute-taking.
• Provide diary support to project team members and assist in managing project-related correspondence.
• Oversight of the service area budget and monitor expenditure to ensure cost-effective service delivery.

Service Delivery/Development

• Show a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University's values.

• Review and look for ways to improve systems and procedures that are relevant to your area of work in line with the University's frameworks and Regulations.

• Manage the delivery of [specified services and processes] across the University to a high standard.

• Provide the best possible service by continually reviewing what is required from [staff, students and others who you work with] and contribute to ideas and service improvements.

• Work with your team to look for ways to improve [processes, techniques and outputs/results] across all areas of your work.

Planning and Organisation

• Manage the delivery of operational activities carried out by the [specified services] which you are responsible for.

• Contribute to progressing the strategic and operational priorities of your [Service, School and/or Department].

• Review data on the level of service provided by your area to recommend areas for future improvement.

• Manage budgets and expenditure including buying (and returning) goods and services.

Team Development

• Manage and monitor the performance, workload and expected outcomes of [specified services] and take action to respond anything that impacts on the service level provided.

• Ensure that your team can deliver the required services by devolving and delegating responsibilities to appropriate team members.

• Carry out regular performance reviews to provide feedback on objectives and expectations and identify any development needs.

• Ensure that your team continues to develop by coaching and mentoring team members and delivering any training needs.

• Support the welfare and wellbeing of your team referring more complex issues to specialist services.

Communication/Liaison

• Provide advice and share guidance with your stakeholders to ensure that the University's policies, procedures and regulations are complied with.

• Use your operational expertise to participate in business meetings, working groups and sub-committees.

• Coordinate and oversee committees and other business meetings and deal with any related complaints.

• Update policies and procedures in response to any internal or external changes.

• Create positive working relationships, including internal and external networks, using your networks to increase your knowledge and skills and swap information with peers.

• Any other reasonable duties.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.

As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct, At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification

When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria:

Essential Criteria

1. Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience).

2. Experience of participating in internal or external networks to share and discuss good practice and develop strong and productive working relationships.

3. Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.

4. Experienced practitioner who has led teaching/research project working within an educational, commercial or industrial environment.

5. Experience of implementing policies and procedures.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge

6. Excellent spoken and written communication skills including the ability to develop effective working relationships, both internally and externally.

7. Strong digital competence across a range digital devices and apps including [digital communication tools, Microsoft 365 applications, business systems].

8. Achievement of recognised industry and professional standards supported by relevant courses or certifications [e.g.].

9. Committed to continuing professional development to maintain professional recognition.

10. Professional knowledge and experience of compliance and regulations, local and national.

11. Ability to solve problems and decide on and plan appropriate solutions.

12. Expert knowledge and expertise in one or more areas of technical specialism, and the application of skills to create, build, construct and realise new and innovative resources, equipment and research outputs.

13. Knowledge and experience of ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational policy and guidelines, including health and safety.

14. Ability to teach or train others with specific technical skills.

• Proven experience in project management, preferably in an academic or research setting.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience in planning international conferences/workshops
• Proficiency in social media management and website content management systems.
• Experience of providing specialist advice and guidance to a range of customers and colleagues, including more senior colleagues.
• A commitment to the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience of working on complex logistical activities and events.
• Experience of managing budgets and delivering projects that represent value for money.

Desirable Criteria

1. A Masters Degree

2. Demonstrable developed negotiating skills with proven experience and ability to confidently persuade senior business partners to invest in research and engagement activities.

3. Track record of supporting grant capture through writing and reviewing proposals.

4. Ability to establish pathways to research impact and to support case studies that demonstrate societal change.

5. Demonstrable experience in communicating with government-level experts and representatives.

6. Prince 2 or a related Project Management Qualification.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation in sustainability and environmental law.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development opportunities and support for further education or certifications.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment within Durham University Law School.

Specific role requirements

• Work outside normal office hours during peak periods.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

• 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year. The University closes between Christmas and New Year.

• We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

• No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

• There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University. All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.

• Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.

• On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year.

• Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).

• The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community

• Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.

• A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits.

• If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools. If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

How to Apply

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. Please don't forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above).

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.

Submitting your application

We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What you need to submit

• A CV: and

• A supporting statement or covering letter which outlines how you meet all of the criteria within the Person Specification.

Contact details:

If you feel confident that you meet the essential criteria for the role and would like further information or a chat about the role, please contact the project lead Petra Minnerop on

At Durham University, our aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails.

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