Requirement for a Consultant for Regional Funding opportunities

Tender description

The Regional Funding Consultant will lead on the development of new innovation projects for regional funding opportunities focused on European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) and Local Growth Fund (LGF). This will ensure the delivery of projects that will maximise the local and regional impact of the University's research and knowledge exchange activities. These activities will focus on driving industry innovation in combination with the University in areas of acknowledged research expertise of the University including advanced materials, manufacturing, energy, hi-tech rail, food processing and life sciences. They will work with senior academic and research support colleagues, facilitating the formation of academic and professional services teams to drive forward successful regional funding opportunities. This will include liaising with colleagues across the University, providing comprehensive advice on the content of applications, substantial drafting of content and reviewing of applications, as appropriate, ahead of submission. By way of example, this will be achieved through: • Facilitating meetings of both internal groups and external partners, as appropriate • Represent the University as the point of contact for the application, liaising with representatives of the potential funder in support of bid development and coordinate responses to queries as bids go through the funder's appraisal process • Contributing significantly to formulating and drafting of non-academic parts of application (e.g. fit with government strategies/priorities, alignment with University strategies, identification of key beneficiaries, societal/economic impact, etc., management and risk sections) and advising on presentation of research-focused elements • Undertaking or commissioning of reports/surveys/information etc., in support of the development of projects as appropriate Additionally, the individual will also be involved in the successful project set-up and early stage project management of funded regional innovation projects. By way of example, this will be achieved through: • Ensuring compliance with all pre-contract and funding agreement conditions • Leading on recruitment of key project management and delivery staff • Liaising with funder to ensure early stage project deliverables are met • Developing project management documentation, including risk and financial management, working alongside University staff Please note the following essential requirements / exclusions : • Applicants should clearly demonstrate relevant experience of regional innovation funding bids, project set-up and management • Indicative range for day rate is £250 to £350 per day with an absolute maximum of £400 per day. • Available to start immediately and sufficient availability/capacity over the required period.