The International Relations Manager will play an important part in the Director General’s Office and the business of the Observatory, contributing to the various international relations activities, ensuring that the SKAO effectively maintains and develops excellent relationships with its stakeholders, i.e. Member States’ governments, international organisations, partner organisations, groups and individuals in order to support delivery of its mission.

Reporting to the Head of International Relations, the International Relations Manager will be part of a small team and, as a high-profile, externally visible, first point of contact for the SKAO in many areas, will interact regularly with members of the DG’s Office, the Executive Leadership Team, senior members of the SKAO Council and other stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with a broad skillset including highly developed diplomatic skills, excellent judgement and communication ability, the wherewithal to think both strategically and tactically at the interface between political, policy and programmatic issues. Developing and then maintaining external and
institutional relationships on a multinational level will be a core strength of the candidate we are looking for.

This role will be based at the SKAO Global Headquarters at the iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory, Cheshire, UK, and will require regular international travel.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

We encourage applications from under-represented groups such as women and individuals with disabilities, as well as open conversations during the recruitment process in relation to any specific requirements.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Take proactive responsibility for maintaining effective and productive interactions with various international stakeholders and at multi-national platforms in particular.
• Support activities around the ongoing sustainability and growth of the SKAO’s Membership, through strategic negotiations and interactions at all required levels as required by Council and the Director General through delegated authority.
• Work with other members of the team and beyond (including with the SKAO Programmes team) on relevant international, policy and membership matters as required by the Executive Leadership Team, the Council and its stakeholders.
• Represent the SKAO in external, international and multi-national forums, acting as an advocate for the Observatory, its Members and its activities.
• Support the Council as required on all relevant aspects of its work programme.
• Work within the International Relations team and support the extensive and varied portfolio of work of the Director General’s Office, and in particular the work of the Strategy, Secretariat and Communications teams where interactions take place with the SKAO’s stakeholders.
• Produce various documents as required.
• Travel internationally on a regular basis or as required.
• Undertake any other duties within your capabilities as may be reasonably required.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of operating within an international governmental landscape.
• Ability to translate arising issues into considerations regarding the wider political, governmental and international context, and make informed judgment.
• Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey and present complex and potentially sensitive information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to build and maintain successful working relationships with stakeholders at all seniority levels.
• Confidence and assurance to act as an ambassador for the organisation and its interests in an international environment.
• Ability to work with high levels of ambiguity in a reactive and responsive manner.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Be a flexible and resilient team player who is adaptable to change.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally as required.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of operating within an international research and scientific landscape.
• Prior experience working within an Intergovernmental or International organisation.
• Experience working within international relations or a closely associated field.
• Exposure to a multi-international environment, preferably at a global (i.e. UN or one of its bodies) or regional (i.e. European Union) level.
• Ability to absorb a wide range of information, including on policy and technical topics, from a variety of sources.
• Academic degree in International Relations or a closely related field.
• Networking and negotiating capability.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Knowledge of commonly-used IT systems such as MS Office, Confluence, Google Docs, etc.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants.

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal
provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.