Are you an innovative, driven and collaborative individual with a proven track record in the design and delivery of programmes? Do you have an appreciation of the future potential of entrepreneurship and innovative technologies and approaches to deliver societal impact?

If so, Nesta has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager to take the lead on developing progammes aimed at effectively managing and developing current and new opportunities for challenge prizes that stimulate radical thinkers to develop new solutions to improve people’s lives.

About Nesta and Nesta Challenges

Nesta is an innovation foundation. For us, innovation means turning bold ideas into reality and changing lives for the better. We use our expertise, skills and funding in areas where there are big challenges facing society. Nesta is based in the UK and supported by a financial endowment. We work with partners around the globe to bring bold ideas to life to change the world for good.

Our Challenges team is at the forefront of identifying and defining problems where new ideas, technologies and approaches can be encouraged to radically improve outcomes and then developing and managing challenge prizes that optimise the likelihood of success. Challenge prizes are competitions which reward whoever can first, or most effectively, meet a defined challenge and we have launched prizes that include improving outcomes for Nepalese farmers, improving access to energy for refugees, and the £10m Longitude Prize for antimicrobial resistance.

About this exciting opportunity

You will lead prize planning and implementation to launch and beyond, including the development, maintenance and revision of systems that will underpin the delivery of the prize and work with a broad range of partners, contractors, prize entrants and other stakeholders. You will also oversee the monitoring of milestones, evaluation and finance to keep track of project budgets and deadlines, and the development of key documents and materials relating to prize delivery. You will also be expected to:

• Select and appointing expert advisors and panelists for prizes, in some cases in partnership with clients
• Develop compelling communications and marketing campaigns and strong impact evaluation strategies
• Design and co-convene workshops and manage landmark events, including producing agenda and content
• Play a key role in business development activity and contribute to strategy within the centre
• Provide effective line management of several of Nesta Challenges’ junior staff

What we are looking for

You will have proven experience of leading the design and delivery of high profile innovation programmes, including setting and achieving ambitious deadlines, scenario planning, managing budgets, staff and suppliers. An outstanding communicator, you will possess solid organisational, prioritisation and time management skills with the ability to coordinate and track multiple projects simultaneously. The ability to guide other members of the team through effective and regular communication and collaboration is vital, as are sound business development, negotiating and relationship-building capabilities.

Closing date: 3rd June 2019 at 8am.

First interviews will be held on 10th June, 2019.

Second interviews will be held on 17th June, 2019