Job Opening: NP11 Innovation Programme Lead

Job Title:	NP11 Innovation Programme Lead
Reporting to:	NE LEP Strategy Director/ NP11 Director
Work Base:	Remote, with travel to locations within the North as needed
Grade:	£60k

Main Purpose of Role:

The Innovation Programme Lead will be the Senior Officer working to develop and deliver the NP11 Innovation programme. You will mobilise the development and delivery of the agreed programme of activities, working closely with the NP11 Board, Secretariat and 11 LEP Innovation Leads, with Government and its agencies, and with the external partners represented on the Innovation Steering Group. You will work with these partners to develop a strong and results-oriented programme for the future which can strengthen innovation performance across the North and accelerate its contribution to the national target that 2.4% of GDP is spent on research and development.We are seeking a candidate with strong understanding and record in the development and delivery of initiatives to support innovation in business and in the wider economy. You will be creative, credible and resilient, a strong communicator and networker, and willing and able to travel across the North of England and beyond as a core part of your work.

Key Responsibilities:

To facilitate strong working relationships for NP11with Innovation stakeholders nationally and regionally including Government and UKRI, and with key business and research partners in the Northern Powerhouse and to sharpen the collective innovation eco-system leadership in the North.
To support and develop the work of the Northern Powerhouse Innovation Steering Group and the Innovation Leads Group, working closely with the Board Champion, the NP11 Director and the North East LEP Key programme sponsor.
To co-ordinate a strong communications programme building on and expanding the profile of Northern innovation nationally and regionally and to strengthen communications within the North
Working with the NP11 Leads and partners to define delivery plans for the priority activities identified within the programme and prepare proposals, bids and programming documents
To work in partnership with the NP11 Secretariat and other thematic leads to ensure strong interaction between NP11 programmes, and to work with LEP Innovation leads to add value to local innovation activities
To secure and account for resources designated to support the work of the programme
Working with the Board Champion and Programme Sponsor, to report to the Board of the NP11 on the development of the programme
To carry out any other duties deemed appropriate for and on behalf of the NP11 as required by the NP11 Board Champion, the Strategy and Policy Director at the North East LEP or the NP11 Strategic Director

Org Chart:

Job Opening: NP11 Innovation Programme Lead

Reporting Lines:

Direct line management by the Strategy and Policy Director of the North East LEP
Reporting lines to the NP11 Board Champion and NP11 Director
Key working relationships with members of the Northern Powerhouse Innovation Steering Group and NP11 Innovation Leads Group

At a Glance Summary:

Managing Others:	Responsible for allocating tasks to other team members, e.g. for collaborative projects and / or on an ad-hoc or time limited project basis.
Level of Responsibility:	Business impact of role is at a strategic level. Manages a finite budget within the organisation, or on behalf of a client. Required to provide strategic input to colleagues and / or clients. Contributes directly to and / or develops the business plan for the organisation.
Specialist Knowledge:	Able to perform a complex range of technical or professional activities within area of specialism. The role provides a source of technical / professional knowledge and information for others. Has a good working knowledge of the organisations procedures and management systems Demonstrates effective leadership and resource management skills and general knowledge of legislation relevant to managing the team. May be working towards (or possess) a professional qualification.
Problem Solving & Decision Making:	Work requires creative problems solving and / or decision making on a range of strategic problems that will have a direct impact on business results. Acts as a leading technical expert and / or primary day to day decision making point within the discipline /specialist area. Ingenuity and sound judgement is required to ensure effective use of resources. Decisions may on occasion need to be made without all the required information to hand. Influences on decision making are both internal and external in scope.
Planning and Organising:	Responsible for business outcomes and performance related to own role and area of responsibility. Identifies risks to delivery and mitigation strategies. Responsible for prioritising the workload of a department / area and aligning to strategic priorities. Motivates and directs others towards their individual contributions and supports their development.
Communication and Influencing Others:	Develops collaborative relationships across multiple environments with various stakeholders, and partner organisations. Communicates with team on a range of issues, listening to understand needs and support where required. Will influence others,outside of the parameters of the standard work environment e.g. at specific events that will result in a direct impact on business outcomes. Will regularly negotiate for services/resources with others in the organisation and / or contractors..

Person Specification

Specification	Essential (E) or Desirable (D)	Method of Assessment
Education & Training
- Educated to degree standard or equivalent in economics or other relevant subject	E
- Educated to advanced degree standard or equivalent academic or professional qualification in economics or other relevant subject	D
Skills & Abilities
- A strong understanding of innovation policy and practice and direct experience in delivering excellent support programmes focused on driving innovation delivery	E
- Understanding and strong engagement with science, innovation, business support and finance agencies nationally and across the north	E
- In depth understanding of regional economic development, LEPs operating environments, the Northern Powerhouse agenda	E
- Highly developed communication skills with the proven ability to strongly lead, influence, negotiate, challenge and promote	E
- Highly developed analytical skills, with strong data analysis, interpretation and fluency in communicating insights and feeding into strategy	E
- Strong interpersonal skills. Able to quickly build relationships, win and maintain the confidence of colleagues, and internal / external partners	E
- Strong organisational skills with the capacity to lead the development and delivery of policy programmes, including events and communications	E
Achievements and Experience
- Practical experience of successfully performing in a similar role	E
- A strong network amongst business, education and policy partners engaged in the innovation community	E
- Experience of managing budgets	E
- Personal credibility and the capacity to represent NP11 to a range of stakeholders	E
- Resilience, drive and the ability to operate effectively with a high volume workload	E
Other Requirements
- Hold a valid driver’s licence with access to own vehicle	D

Please submit the above to HR@871candwep.co.uk by the 14th January 2021.

If you have any questions, please contact:
David Levene, NP11 Director

Email: david.levene@np11.org.uk
Telephone: 07971 516 829

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