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Portfolio Officer
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Portfolio Officer
Economic and Social Research Council – Portfolio Officer (x 2)
Role Overview
- Job Titles: Portfolio Officer
- Salary: £30,895 per annum (Band: UKRI Band C)
- Hours: Full-time or 0.8 FTE
- Contract Type: Fixed term
- Post 1: Until March 2029
- Post 2: Until February 2027
- Location: Polaris House, Swindon, Wiltshire – Hybrid working available
- Closing Date: 13th July 2026
Responsible to:
- Post 1: Head of Programme and Investment Management
- Post 2: Senior Portfolio Manager
About Hybrid Working
- Mixed schedule of working from home, office and occasional UK locations
- Tier 2 hybrid attendance (40–60% onsite) – effective from 1st October 2026
- Travel may include overnight stays and occasional work outside standard hours
About the Organisation
The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds high-quality data for researchers, policymakers and practitioners. Portfolio Officers provide critical support to:
- Data Strategy and Infrastructure Team: Funds strategic investments in data collections (e.g. Understanding Society, birth cohort studies) and data services (e.g. UK Data Service). Ensures high-quality, ethical access to social science data.
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- Smart Data Research UK (SDR UK): National programme driving smart data solutions, coordinated through Strategic Hub to unlock data’s potential for improving lives (sdruk.ukri.org).
Key Responsibilities
-
Support Strategy:
- Deliver ESRC’s vision for social science and data infrastructure.
- Work flexibly in matrix management environments.
-
Programme Administration:
- Maintain meticulous records for programmes/deliverables.
- Organise and administer meetings/workshops (agendas, notes, actions).
- Assist with information & promotional materials (e.g. websites, print).
-
Event Coordination:
- Plan online/offsite events (e.g. partnerships, awareness-building).
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Operational Support:
- Manage team communications (email, meeting scheduling*).
- Support events, workshops and administrative functions.
*Possible travel for conferences & overnight stays due to stakeholder engagement.
Personal Specification
Essential Criteria
(Scoring during Shortlisting (S) or Interview (I))
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- Strong planning, prioritisation & organisational skills for complex activities (S&I).
- Communication skills for varied audiences, with adaptable methods (S&I).
- Ability to work collaboratively and independently, escalating challenges as needed (S&I).
- Analytical skills for numerical/multi-format data evaluation (S&I).
- Proven experience in meeting support (agendas, minutes, invitations) (S&I).
- Proficiency in MS Office & Teams; familiarity with document management systems (S).
- Degree, or equivalent qualifications/role experience (S).
Benefits
UK Research and Innovation supports employee growth with:
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 30 days annual leave (+10.5 discretionary days).
- Discounts on retail/leisure (via retailer schemes).
- Employee Assistance Programme (confidential support).
- Flexible working policies and wellness initiatives.
Full details: UKRI Benefits
UKRI: An equal opportunities & Disability Confident employer.
Next Steps: Apply online. For support with applications, email Recruitment@ukri.org.
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