Portfolio Management Officer

**Science and Technology Facilities Council**

**Salary**: Band C £25,702 to £27,938 per annum (dependent on skills and experience).
**Hours**: Full time _(We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)_
**Contract Type**:Open Ended.
**Location**: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory Harwell, Oxfordshire

Together, our scientist, technologists, engineers and business support team explore the unknown and turn what they find into work that changes the world around us. Whether it’s sending probes into space or finding new ways to treat cancer, everyone here plays a vital role in making a positive difference to society.

Come and discover how much you can achieve when you’re surrounded by world-leading experts, encouraged to constantly learn and empowered to explore your curiosity.

RAL Space contributes to STFC’s purpose of understanding the Universe through support of the exploration and exploitation of space. We build instruments for space missions that study the Earth’s surface, distant galaxies, and everything between; we provide facilities to get data back to Earth; we develop software and databases to analyse and share that data; and we carry out research that grows our understanding of the science. We work with many other organisations in the space sector including the UK and international space agencies, such as ESA and NASA.

The 350-strong department has a varied portfolio of roughly 200 active projects and prepares about 200 new project proposals each year. The department’s Portfolio Management Office (PMO) supports our staff in delivering this portfolio and we are looking to expand this team.

The role of Portfolio Management Officer is a diverse one requiring strong organisational skills. You should have a positive attitude, respond well to change within this evolving position, be capable of working on many projects simultaneously, and prioritising tasks as needed. You will be part of a small team managing the PMO mailbox ensuring that queries are dealt with promptly or assigned appropriately. You will recognise changing business needs and the subsequent impact on processes.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Assisting and advising staff on policy and processes within RAL Space/STFC/UKRI
- Covering areas such as procurement, project management, earned value analysis, financial reports, document management, preparation of project bids.
- Weekly PRISM data downloads/checks
- Updating Project reports monthly to meet a tight deadline and chasing project managers for information.
- Providing support to the PMO team as required.

**Person Specification**
- Effective oral and written communication skills
- Good general computing skills
- Excellent knowledge of Excel and Outlook
- Ability to accurately follow procedure
- Ability to prioritise work independently

We ask some of the biggest questions in the universe, to answer some of the biggest challenges in the world. Whatever our role, we have the freedom to explore, learn and connect, as part of a community that loves to share knowledge and support one another.

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, this is a place where there’s always something new to learn - about the world around us, about your career, but most of all, about yourself. Join us and discover what’s possible.

**'About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)**

As one of Europe’s largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We’re proud of the impact we make. And we’re committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You’ll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you’ll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you’ll discover just what a difference you can make when you’re equipped and inspired to excel.

We’re a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don’t, ask questions that others won’t, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it’s at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It’s very often ground-breaking. And it’s endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

**About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)**

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leadin