JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE: Head of European Engagement

RESPONSIBLE TO: AssistantDirector of Policy

RESPONSIBLE FOR: Policy Manager Research and Innovation; Policy Officer for Europe

JOB SUMMARY:Lead UUKi’s European policyand engagement activity, working to maximise the sector’sprofile, impact and visibilityin Brussels and in other European countries, influence EU policy and programmes and coordinate universities’ response to the UK’s exit from the EU through policy development, strategic communications and political influencing.

Actively manage key relationships in the UK university sector, across Government, within Embassy networks overseas, and across representative bodies for European universities, as well as lead and motivate a small team within UUKi, contributing to wider organisational objectives as a senior member of staff.

Main responsibilities

The Head of European Engagement will:

  1. Advise Vice-Chancellors, senior staff and key external stakeholders including across Whitehall and Westminster on developing policy positions and plans of action in the renegotiation of the UK’s relationship with Europe as it relates to the interests of UK universities.
  2. Develop and deliver UUK’s European engagement strategy, both as it relates to the implications of the UK’s exit from the EU, UK engagement with EU policy and programmes and bilateral relationships between the UK and other key European sectors.
  3. Lead and provide strategic direction and oversight for ongoing policy analysis and political influencing work on European issues of importance for UK universities, including the implications of the UK’s new relationship with the EU, EU programmes including Horizon 2020 and Erasmus +, EU legislation on priority areas and Structural Funding.
  4. Represent UUKiat diverse, often high profile, internal and external meetings across the UK higher education sector, to policy-makers and stakeholders in Brussels and the UK, for example to EU institutions, the UK Government and sector bodies.
  5. Ensure a comprehensive and timely set of engagement initiatives, to ensure that UUK Members are kept informed and have the opportunity to shape, UUKi’s European engagement work, including through a programme of regular Vice-Chancellor visits to Brussels and other major European capitals.
  6. Manage and maintain excellent relationships across a wider network of European experts – in both European higher education and research policy, ensuring effective and regular consultation of a bespoke Europe network of sector experts, and an ongoing programme of conferences and seminars.
  7. Provide clear, high-quality advice in writing and in person including to the UUKi’s funders and main stakeholders.Monitor and act as a source of expertise on the UK sector, UK and European governments’ and Commission’s positions.
  8. Prepare briefing papers, presentations and speeches for the Director and other members of UUK senior leadership team to communicate opportunities to the sector.
  9. Work closely with UUKi and UUK’s Communications teams, as necessary, regarding media coverage of policy and related issues within the remit, to ensure a rapid response to emerging policy issues.
  10. Manage and motivate the Policy Manager Research and Innovation and Policy Officer for Europe, ensuring clear leadership, regular communication and the setting and monitoring of objectives.
  11. Manage a dedicated budget for European activities within UUKi’s established financial procedures and agreed budget as directed.

This job description will be reviewed and amended in the light of changing professional demands.

A job description is not a rigid or inflexible document but acts to provide guidelines to the duties expected while in post.

POST: Head of European Engagement

GRADE: Manager/Adviser

DIRECTORATE: International Unit

Essential/Desirable / QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING / ASSESSED
Essential / A degree or equivalent. / Application form
A. WORK BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Essential / A1 Specialist
Experience in policy analysis and developing policy (preferably in higher education). / Application Form/ Interview
Desirable / Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience. / Application Form/ Interview
Desirable / Experience in developing and implementing strategies to influence policy in a European context. / Application Form/ Interview
B. SKILLS AND APTITUDES
Essential / B1 Communication oral and written; numeracy skills
Demonstrable excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to write fluently, accurately and concisely in a structured manner to suit different audiences.
Demonstrably excellent proofreading and copywriting skills. / Application Form/ Interview/ Assessment
Essential / B2 Creativity and Innovation
Able to apply creativity and originality to problem-solving, and to develop innovative approaches.
Able to be entrepreneurial in identifying and mobilizing sources of additional support or influence to achieve an agreed objective. / Interview/Assessment
Essential / B3 CustomerFocus & B4 Interpersonal and Team working Skills
Excellent interpersonal skills, and able to demonstrate credibility when dealing with senior stakeholders e.g. Vice Chancellors, Senior Civil Servants and diplomats from the UK and overseas governments, Funding Bodies, etc. / Interview
Essential / B5 Leadership and management /Decision Making
Demonstrable ability to work effectively in a team using tact and influencing skills. Ability to work with colleagues in different parts of an organization and at all levels to deliver results for the organisation as a whole. / Interview
Essential / B6 Persuading/Negotiating
Able to negotiate and influence others in a tactful and appropriate manner. Ability to build partnerships and to gain commitment from internal and external collaborators.
Proven ability as an influential communicator both in writing and in person to a range of audiences.
Ability to credibly represent the organization to senior external stakeholders. / Interview
Essential / B7 Planning and Organisation
Able to plan and manage own time.
Able to assist and mentor others in planning and organization. / Interview
Essential / B8 Problem Solving
Able to resolve substantive policy and operational problems effectively following appropriate consultation. / Interview
C. SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED
Desirable / C1 Sector Awareness
Good knowledge and expertise of international higher education policy issues, including an understanding of the international and domestic context within which universities operate.
Political sensitivity and understanding policy making systems in a UK and a European context.
An understanding of internationalisation in the global context. / Interview

D. PERSONAL QUALITIES

Essential / D1 Flexibility
Able to respond effectively to new developments, and act flexibly.
Some overnight international travel and flexibility of working hours to suit the needs of the work. / Interview
Essential / D2 Motivation and Results driven
Able to progress a number of projects at once and to deliver them successfully on schedule in a high pressure environment. / Interview

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11 March 08