Senior Funding Assurance Officer

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool

Fixed Term Appointment (15 months - maternity cover)

Full time

£43,703

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.

The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.

Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.

About the role

The Funding Assurance and Corporate Responsibility group at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) sits within the Corporate and Business Support Directorate (CBS) and provides professional support services, for the whole of NOC in support of achieving its stated mission. As a charitable company, that is dependent on securing grant funding as part of its portfolio, this group plays a pivotal part in the development, integration and coordination of funding and assurance activities, supporting the delivery of grants via the delivery of external financial reporting and audit functions.

The role holder will help support the whole project lifecycle, working collaboratively with other CBS groups, Group Heads and Principal Investigators. Senior Funding Assurance Officers will also have a key role in ensuring live grants are operated in a funder compliant manner, working to strict reporting and audit deadlines.

About you

We’re looking for an excellent grant administrator with good attention to detail. You will need to work well in a team environment but be self-motivated and able to work alone. You’ll be comfortable analysing data and interpreting policy and procedure to ensure we are compliant with our funders.

Previous experience of working in a research office environment and producing financial reports under UKRI or European Commission frameworks would be beneficial but not essential. We’re looking for someone who is proficient with numbers with an ability to identify anomalies and take the appropriate action.

Finally, excellent communication skills are a must as you’ll be required to engage with our scientists and customers on a regular basis to ensure we provide the best level of service.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues

- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards

- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories

- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations

- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.

The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07355 676794.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 04/08/2025

Closing date: 31/08/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.