Science Finance Officer (Fixed Term)

Job Description

We're seeking a person with demonstrable experience and skills in supporting research funding applications and administering the concomitant income. Collaborating closely with staff based in RSPB’s Conservation Science and Project Development and Support teams, the post-holder will also assist with contract management (including key financial administration, monitoring and reporting tasks) to support the conservation of threatened species and habitats throughout the UK and overseas.

The location of the position is flexible within the UK, with opportunities to work from home in a dual working arrangement.

The role involves collaboration with a range of fundraisers, scientists, and administrators to win, manage and support science funding opportunities that make a positive impact for nature. Working in a small friendly team to help support our research projects across the UK and internationally, liaising with funders of RSPB science, including UK research councils, statutory agencies, NGOs, industry and private donors.

The post-holder will undertake administration work to support our externally funded science, such as processing payments, preparing, assessing and monitoring contracts, overseeing project budgeting and reporting processes, and checking expenditure. The work will include preparing financial claims, checking timesheets and receipts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and preparing documentation for project audits.

What we need from you:
The post-holder will bring proven experience of supporting successful applications for funding opportunities, and the administration of contract or grant paperwork, reporting and financial claims.

Excellent numeracy and literacy skills, proficient in the use of spreadsheets, along with being highly organised, happy to work in a close-knit team, and skilled at cultivating and maintaining internal and external working relationships (including funders and partner organisations).

The post will support RSPB scientists from the application process to the conclusion of externally funded work programmes, assisting with the effective delivery of the submissions, contract paperwork, reporting and financial administration required to support the strength, depth and impact of RSPB’s world-leading conservation science.

Ideally, the post-holder will have previous experience of handling sensitive financial data and grant/financial administration. As this work frequently supports critical time-bound events, you must be meticulous, organised and capable of working to fixed deadlines.


Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Educated to degree level, or with sufficient relevant experience to carry out duties effectively
• Experience of managing reporting deadlines
• Experience of handling financial data
• Excellent numeric and literacy skills
• Proven ability to plan and organise work schedules
• Proven ability to effectively liaise with and maintain good relationships between multiple individuals / partner organisations
• Good IT skills, and familiarity with a variety of standard software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel; Adobe Acrobat, Teams, SharePoint)


Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of supporting applications for research funding
• Experience of administering grant / contract paperwork
• Track record of supporting development and management of project budgets
• Experience of working in science / conservation science sector


This is a full time position, fixed term for 24 months.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from July 24th 2023. For further information please contact Tony Morris - tony.morris@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. If you wish to provide a cover letter with your application, please include this at the end of your CV document upload.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.