Approvals Administrator

We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Health Research Authority for an enthusiastic and organised individual.

The role will support the Approvals Specialist in the processing of research applications, issuing standard communications and providing procedural advice to applicants. The post-holder will support the tracking of studies to deliver a coordinated service to applicants. They will support the administration of Research Ethics Committee meetings and record discussions and decisions by sub committees.

The post-holder will be part of a wider team which will ensure that appropriate reviews have been completed and recorded in line with agreed processes in order to inform decisions of sites on the viability of the study locally.

Applicants should be educated to high level secondary education or have passed or be working towards NVQ3 in a relevant field, or equivalent, plus relevant practical experience.

Main duties of the job

The postholder must have an understanding of the HRA role and remit, knowledge of a range of administrative practices and procedures plus evidence of practical experience at a similar level. They will have a well developed knowledge and expertise of operating systems within the NHS or similar field and excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and uncertainty. Experience of taking minutes, of working with people at all levels in an organisation and of working to tight deadlines is essential.

The vacancy is home based or for offices based in Manchester, Newcastle or Nottingham and will be offered to the most suitable candidate irrespective of location.

Important information We are unable to offer employment under any sponsorship arrangement as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be considered.

Applications that do not clearly demonstrate how the essential criteria outlined in the person specification are met will not be shortlisted. Only the information provided in the application form will be considered. CVs will not be reviewed.

We do not accept applications via recruitment agencies or other third parties. The HRA reserves the right to close this vacancy early should it receive a sufficient number of applications. Our fixed term roles are also open to applicants who wish to apply on a secondment basis. Applicants who fit this category are advised to speak with their line manager before applying and visit their organisation's Secondments Policy. Person Specification QUALIFICATIONS

• Significant demonstrable and relevant experience in an administrative focused role equivalent to A Level or NVQ3 in administration

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERTIS

• Knowledge of a range of administrative practices and procedures and advanced use of all MS Office packages (e.g. Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Internet and Outlook) to support these processes
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise against a background of change and frequently changing demands including the ability to work to tight deadlines
• Ability to recognise opportunities for process and system improvement and to articulate recommendations appropriately to line management
• Understanding of the HRA role and remit
• Knowledge of principles and processes for approving and conducting health research in England, including legal requirements relating to research, and the ability to apply this knowledge practically
• Knowledge of medical terminology

EXPERIENCE

• Experience of taking minutes
• Experience of liaising and negotiating effectively with internal and external agencies, at all staff levels within an organisation
• Experience in REC, NHS R&D or University Research Management

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• Ability to develop good communications with the Chairs and Members and the extended research community
• Excellent inter personal skills and commitment to team working and respect and consideration for the skills of others
• Self motivated, with ability to work on own initiative, making decisions where appropriate and organise own workload

OTHER

• Ability to develop practical solutions to meet objectives or to elevate issues when needed
• Use analytical skills to identify any areas where quality of service is being impacted, contributing proposed solutions within appropriate lines of management
• Willingness to travel occasionally, including some overnight stays with notice
• Commitment to inclusivity and valuing diversity

Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working, Compressed hours