Sense about Science is a unique campaigning charity that has turned the case for sound science and evidence into popular campaigns such as Ask for Evidence. It has run effective global initiatives to expand and protect discussions of evidence, including Transparency of Evidence and AllTrials, and to equip the public, media and decision makers with 21st Century tools for understanding evidence.

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead an exciting new long-term project to help communities negotiate information about risk. The case for risk literacy has been often stated, from food safety to energy generation. Institutions and governments now need to learn more about what people want and need when they are engaged in discussing risks and safety. This project will develop a global network of people who lead risk literacy in their communities and develop a user-driven platform for resources and assimilating experiences.

The project, which is set to run for 5 years following a successful 2-year phase, is central to Sense About Science’s mission to equip people and their communities to engage with evidence and to empower them to weigh up risks and benefits.

The role involves:

• Developing a project plan for delivery of the project, with activities and decision points
• Ensuring the timely and effective delivery of all project activities, working with the small project team, partners and contributors
• Generating engaging content for the risk literacy platform and managing others to deliver suitable material
• Cultivating successful relationships, ranging from community groups to experts and senior figures at international government agencies, and working with the director to secure commitments from major institutions to further the goals of the project
• Monitoring progress and impact against objectives and reporting monthly to the project steering group
  Organising and managing meetings
• Managing the project budget and expenditure, with the support of the Head of Programmes and Operations
• Promoting the project externally, in writing and at meetings and speaking at events

You will be a graduate in any field with experience of research evidence and motivated by the idea of empowering people to make sense of statistics, and you’ll have experience in managing projects beyond academic research. You’ll need to write well for popular readers and have strengths in analysing and conveying complex issues effectively. You need to be confident and comfortable dealing with a range of people and organisations, from multilateral institutions like the World Bank to community groups such as fishing cooperatives. Working sensitively and effectively across different cultures and geographic locations is essential. You need to be able to manage multiple demands and prioritise to meet objectives. Familiarity with web CMS systems (ideally WordPress) or other platforms would be an advantage.

You will be motivated and ambitious about the potential of this project to further the practical understanding of risk. An understanding of risk and risk literacy may be an advantage, but if you are intellectually curious and a quick learner, we would be keen to hear from you.

Salary £36,000 p/a. This is a fixed term contract of 20 months (with the possibility of extension, subject to funding). Central London (W1). Will include some travel and out of hours activity.

To apply please email recruitment@senseaboutscience.org with a one-page letter and a 2-page max CV. Please put the job title in the subject line.

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED. Please send applications by 11:59.pm, 2nd May 2021.

First round interviews will be held w/b 10th May with second round interviews w/b 17th May.

All shortlisted candidates will hear by close of play on Thursday 6th May. Please note that we will not be able to notify those candidates who have not been shortlisted.

https://senseaboutscience.org/activities/vacancy-project-manager/