Science and Operations Officer - Maternity Cover

As SOO, you will play a key role in supporting a vibrant international network of people involved in Antarctic research. Your work will be varied, supporting the Executive Director (ED) with a wide range of tasks including: reviewing and documenting internal processes, assisting with the coordination of SCAR's subsidiary group activities, coordinating the SCAR community's input into international projects, and supporting SCAR to maintain links with international partners. You will also be expected to provide some direct support to the ED and other team members.

The successful candidate will have experience of project management, stakeholder engagement (ideally in a science discipline), and of supporting the internal operations of a complex organisation, as well as a passion to support vital work in an important area of environmental research.

MAIN DUTIES
- Policy activities: supporting the SCAR Secretariat to run the Antarctic Environments Portal - development of strategy, raising awareness and expanding reach

- Planning meetings: supporting the Secretariat plan the 2024 SCAR Delegates meeting, the 2024 OSC and business meetings; developing guidance documents for the organisation of SCAR meetings, setting out expectations and protocols

- Supporting SCAR groups: enhancing communications, providing guidance and supporting documentation to groups on internal processes, the development of new groups, and the mid-term review process for SCAR's SRPs, coordinating internship or fellowship schemes as required

- Providing direct support to the ED to assist with day-to-day tasks

- Partnerships: building and maintaining links with external stakeholders; attending meetings of and reporting to partners, and monitoring progress against MOUs, coordinating new proposals for collaboration and support

- International projects: supporting co-ordination of SCAR's input into major international initiatives such as the UN Ocean Decade and the fifth IPY

- Facilitating discussions on reducing SCAR's carbon footprint

- Wider policy activities: Supporting coordination of international policy activities

- Supporting volunteers: developing role descriptions and other supporting information; developing induction/handover material for group leaders and new trustees

- Supporting SCAR's internal operations: working with the ED to build organisational resilience - reviewing and documenting internal processes (including financial), developing the risk register and monitoring legal compliance

1. Previous experience of working in a large and complex organization, demonstrating understanding of governance structures, decision-making processes, and workflow dynamics
2. Ability to navigate intricate organisational structures to collaborate effectively and diplomatically with diverse teams and stakeholders
3. Proven capacity to identify and address challenges that arise in a complex organisational environment, proposing innovative solutions and implementing strategies to streamline processes and enhance efficiency

Science Coordination and Collaboration
4. Collaboration and networking: experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders at international level, for example stakeholders from research, policy, NGOs and beyond, to build partnerships and foster collaboration
5. Project management skills: demonstrated ability to plan, organise and manage projects

Communications
6. Excellent oral communication skills and interpersonal skills; demonstrating awareness of EDI principles and cultural sensitivities when working in an international context
7. Excellent written skills: ability to prepare clear and concise documentation on processes and procedures

Teamwork
8. Multi-tasking and flexibility: ability to prioritise multiple responsibilities and tasks within a small team, being adaptable and flexible to take on various roles to meet objectives and overcome challenges

Work and Educational Experience
9. Minimum 2 years of experience in project coordination, stakeholder engagement, or operations support, preferably in a science/research or international setting
10. Educational background: a master's degree or PhD in a relevant field such as Business Administration, International Relations, or a discipline related to Environmental Sciences; candidates with a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience will also be considered
11. Excellent IT skills

Desirable
- Experience of interacting with academia, particularly within polar or environmental research
- Science coordination: experience of coordinating scientific projects involving multiple partners and of communicating effectively with all involved stakeholders
- Experience of working at the interface between research and policy
- Familiarity with financial and audit processes, including internal and external audits, to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory requirements
- Experience of working with volunteers in a charity setting
- Experience of preparing internal documentation on organisational processes and procedures
- Experience of planning events