Head of SDG Impact

Job Purpose
This role provides the strategic leadership on the Universities activity in relation to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The role requires specialist knowledge and experience across the 17 SDG Domains, and how they apply to the research, learning & teaching and operational context within the higher education sector. Given SDGs touch on every school, college and service area, the role holder will have a substantial degree of independent responsibility and discretion, working with senior colleagues to shape the long-term strategic direction of our SDG approach, developing and aligning plans in this area with related areas, such as Glasgow Changing Futures initiative.

The role will have lead responsibility for our Impact Ranking submission, a key and high-profile part of our external impact activity, and for creating alignment between our strategic plans, the directorate performance reporting and our ambitions to support sustainable economic development locally, nationally, and globally.

The postholder will also play a key role in shaping the Directorate business plan and associated programme management structure, requiring specialist knowledge and experience of applying Programme Management techniques, to ensure service delivery is managed and clear quality and professional standards are defined.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
1.      By demonstrating broad, specialist knowledge and experience in relation to SDGs, provide the strategic leadership across the institution, and demonstrate alignment to the research, learning & teaching and operational landscape. Lead senior level, strategic engagement with colleagues across the University, build a strong evidence base, and work with external partners to build relationships. Embed the approach to SDGs and build institutional capacity, and make strategic links to key UofG programmes and those of external partners (e.g. Glasgow City Region Innovation Action Plan). Shape strategic direction of SDG activity, leading planning and organising activities of others, considering the implications now and in the longer term to support wider Directorate objectives.
2.      Lead on the UofG Impact Ranking submission to the Times Higher Education and its quality assurance, preparing the annual SDG report, and liaising with senior stakeholders to maximise the quality and reach of our submission. Manage our relationship with key external partners in relation to SDGs (e.g. Times Higher Education, UNESCO).  Manage and provide strategic direction to the SDG oversight group, comprised of senior management group members, to ensure quality assurance is undertaken, and make recommendations to the group to maximise our external impact. Identify trends, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats in this specialist area of responsibility that may have an impact on the University/work area to enable appropriate and timely action to be taken.
3.      Lead on engagement with Schools, Colleges or US Directorates to shape, deliver, and continuously improve the planning, budgeting and business case development process as it relates to Economic Development, UN SDGs and complementary programmes as appropriate. Evaluate existing service provision, keeping abreast of feedback and broader developments to ensure appropriate developments and solutions are actioned to enhance and maximise service quality, efficiency and continuity.
4.      Lead on the engagement with Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation and Vice Principal for Research and Knowledge Exchange, and their deputies, to establish and maximise the academic opportunity for research and innovation collaborations with regard to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in the development of our overall impact agenda. This includes being the strategic lead for engaging with our Glasgow Changing Futures programme, a key strategic programme to advance solutions to local, national and global societal challenges. Network with fellow professionals in the wider community and represent and promote UN SDGs on internal and external platforms.
5.      Using specific expertise in project management, support the Director and Deputy Director in setting the Economic Development programme, strategy and business plan. Deliver a focused and robust approach to our strategic priorities and business improvement agenda, working effectively across organisational boundaries to create critical, strategic alignment between Colleges and the Directorate to influence and inform our institutional ambitions. Implement proposed changes to current work processes and where relevant, develop and define proposals for University policy, to improve quality and effectiveness, taking account of legislative, regulatory and methodological impacts.
6.      Play a key role in the management of the Directorate including investing in the development and capabilities of our staff, and in supporting a positive and inclusive work culture. Represent the Directorate on boards and meetings as required. Develop/improve the capability of staff within work area, at all levels, motivating and mentoring staff to meet current and future requirements
7.      Lead on the strategic engagement with colleagues across the Dumfries campus on SDG and Economic Development related activity, ensuring integration with plans, and lead the work, supporting the Director of Economic Development to build strategic relationships with local public and private partners (including Dumfries and Galloway Local Authority, South of Scotland Enterprise Agency). Represent the University externally in sector groups and in negotiation.
8.      Lead on the development and presentation of institutional and strategy level performance and risk indicators, in relation to Economic Development. Work with senior leaders to align these across strategies and college level plans, including alignment to key external partners priorities. Explore ways of improving efficiency and effectiveness and promote improvements in service delivery. Work alongside marketing and comms colleagues to improve the internal and external communication of performance, aligned to partner objectives/priorities.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional leadership experience in strategically important specialist areas.
A2 Significant, specialist knowledge of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, how they relate to the research, teaching and operational activity within a higher education setting
A3 Project Management qualification and expert understanding of project management methodologies.

Desirable:
B1.  Knowledge of the THE Impact rankings methodology

Skills

Essential:
C1 Excellent interpersonal, organisational and communication skills with the ability to succinctly translate complex information to non-specialists.
C2 Drive, enthusiasm, with a high degree of personal effectiveness and professional credibility focussed on achieving good business outcomes.
C3 Highly developed written and communication skills with the ability to produce clear project management documents and sponsor and stakeholder focused content, building consensus and agreement across project teams, project boards and stakeholders to drive delivery.
C4 Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical.
C5 The ability to engage and positively manage relationships with those delivering and impacted by change.
C6 Proven ability to liaise and communicate effectively in a concise and confident manner, particularly to external audiences, with the ability to persuade and influence a range of individuals/groups across organisational boundaries
C7 Creativity; flexibility; innovative approach to problem solving with the ability to manage change in a complex environment
C8 Strong leadership and motivational skills.
C9 Tact and diplomacy.

Experience

Essential:
E1 Significant experience of leading strategic, cross-cutting programmes of work
E2 Experience of commissioning external analysis to support strategic decision making
E3 Significant experience of leading consultation and sector engagement programmes.
E4 Experience of collaborating with and influencing senior leaders across organisational boundaries to reach consensus and an agreed outcome.
E5 Experience of managing complex projects with strategic influence, with significant impact upon resources.
E6 Extensive experience of publication, quality report writing and producing project documentation
E7 Significant experience of developing innovative solutions and contributing to strategic and operational plans
E8 Experience of leading external engagement and presentation of strategic priorities.

Informal enquiries should be directed via email to Mike King [email protected]

Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 9, £57,696 – £64,914 per annum.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and open ended (permanent).

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  here .

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here .

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.