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The role is a 18-month fixed-term based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK and will require occasional national and international travel to suppliers and SKAO sites (typically for one week, a couple of times per year).
At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development.
More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.
Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.
Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.
Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!
Are you motivated by the idea of helping to deliver one of the most ambitious scientific projects in the world?
At the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), we’re building something extraordinary — not just in science and engineering, but in the way we work together. As an Insurance Specialist at SKAO, you’ll be at the heart of this extraordinary journey. Our Procurement and Insurance team plays a central role in turning vision into reality, ensuring that every contract, partnership, and purchase supports our mission to build and operate the world’s most advanced radio telescopes.
SKAO operates internationally across multiple jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Australia. The Insurance Specialist will manage the organisation’s insurance portfolio, ensuring that the Observatory maintains appropriate coverage to support its diverse activities, which include construction, logistics, operations, and international collaboration.
Working closely with internal stakeholders, brokers, and insurers, you will help ensure SKAO’s activities are supported by suitable insurance programmes and that claims are managed effectively when they arise.
The Role
We’re looking for an Insurance Specialist who thrives in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment and brings strong experience in managing corporate insurance arrangements.
In this role, you will be responsible for managing SKAO’s global insurance portfolio, ensuring that policies remain appropriate, cost-effective, and aligned with the organisation’s evolving operational needs. You will work closely with departments across the Observatory to understand operational activities, identify insurance requirements, and ensure appropriate coverage is in place.
The role involves regular engagement with insurance brokers and providers to manage policy renewals, arrange new coverage where required, and support the effective handling of claims. You will also provide expert advice to internal stakeholders on insurance matters, including coverage options, policy conditions, and claims processes.
Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement and Insurance Services, you will act as a trusted advisor on insurance matters across the organisation and support effective decision-making related to insurance coverage and risk transfer.
We welcome applications from candidates of all nationalities, especially those from member countries. However, for this role visa and relocation support will not be available and applicants must be able to comply with the terms of a UK based local contract, details of which may be accessed on SKAO's recruitment portal.
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.
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
Insurance Portfolio Management
Policy Placement and Procurement
Claims Management
Advisory and Stakeholder Engagement
Continuous Improvement and Governance
Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience
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.