May 2022
Head of Research Grants
Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
Welcome to The Carbon Technology Research Foundation (CTRF) I am delighted you are interested in joining CTRF. The Climate Crisis is the defining challenge of our generation. The world is still far off the path to stabilising global warming at 1.5°C. Global carbon emissions continue to rise despite commitments made at multiple COP events. Most modelled pathways to meet the Paris Climate Agreement involve a significant role for carbon removals, which might reach 10 gigatons of carbon dioxide a year in the second half of the century. However, removal technologies are still in their infancy and further research, innovation and scale up is going to be needed to meet this challenge. Our mission at CTRF is to respond to this challenge and make a significant contribution to tackling the removal of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere to limit global warming. We will do this by funding research that leads to technologies and
approaches that support this goal, with research conducted by universities and research institutions worldwide working in partnership with CTRF. A particular focus of research we support will be projects whose prime interest is in technologies based on, or in support of, natural processes that exist in nature today and have the potential to deliver large scale removal of CO2 from the atmosphere via terrestrial or ocean systems. As a new enterprise, we are ambitious about the long term impact we want to have. We are excited by the opportunity to collaborate, learn and innovate with others with the same passion and commitment to tackling the climate crises. We will be part of the movement of people and organisations working to keep the planet rich and diverse, in which future communities, societies, economies and biodiversity can thrive and be healthy.
One of our first steps is to build a small but dynamic core leadership team to establish CTRF and take it forward. This is where you come in. I am looking for passionate and committed people that can come together to create a diverse and expert team with the capabilities to grow CTRF and make an impact on the climate crises. If you are ready for the opportunity to make a difference, please join us.
Dave Hillyard CEO
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
About The Carbon Technology Research Foundation (CTRF) The Carbon Technology Research Foundation (CTRF) is a community interest company, based in the Southeast of England but offering funding worldwide. Founded in 2020, CTRF forms the grant-making body of its member company, Fremr (www.Fremr. no), a private equity firm with a focus on sustainable investments based in both the UK and Norway, that has made a 10 million Euro founding commitment to CTRF. For more information visit here
Vision A world with a stable climate and rich and diverse natural environment, in which future communities, societies and economies can live and thrive, in balance with nature.
Mission The mission of the Carbon Technology Research Foundation (CTRF) is to make a significant contribution to tackling the removal of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the atmosphere to limit global warming. CTRF shall do this by funding research that leads to technologies and approaches that support this goal.
biologically or bio-chemically driven carbon sequestering processes to give order of magnitude gains in speed and scale. This includes processes that have received little or no attention so far.
The research will be conducted by universities and research institutions worldwide, working in partnership with CTRF. CTRF research will be projects whose prime interest is in technologies based on, or in support of, natural processes that exist in nature today and have the potential to deliver large scale removal of CO2 from the atmosphere via terrestrial or ocean systems. We have a particular interest in the potential to modify or enhance
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
Organizational Chart
Dave Hillyard CEO
Advisory Council
Head of Research Grants
Head of Business Development
Executive Assistant (part time)
Marketing and Communications Manager
A number of these roles are being appointed to at present. The structure will be as follows.
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
The Role Salary:
Job Summary £60,000 - £70,000 dependent on experience
Accountable to: The Chief Executive Officer Hours of work:
Full time, permanent
Location:
Hybrid/home working with time in the Oxford office. This role requires the right to work in the UK.
Annual leave:
25 days plus bank holidays
CTRF is seeking an experienced Head of Research Grants to define and lead CTRFs grant giving programme to research institutions and Universities. This is a core, strategic position in the organisation that will be expected to play a significant role in scoping and determining the CTRF grant making strategy and development. You will be required to put in place the technical and operational infrastructure to effectively and efficiently solicit, review, award, monitor and evaluate and report on the grant giving programme. Working closely with the Advisory Council and CEO, you will ensure a transparent and rigorous process that enables CTRF to support high value research projects that contribute to tackling the climate emergency and deliver on CTRFs mission and goals.
This is a new role in a new non-profit company with big ambition to tackle the climate emergency. As such, it is an exciting opportunity to make a positive difference and build something from the ground up. The role will adapt as we grow, so we are looking for someone who is versatile and willing to work at pace and is comfortable with the duties and responsibilities of this role potentially evolving in accordance with the development of the organisation.
Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
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Carry out or commission market research in the Climate Change arena to ensure CTRF is contributing to research projects that have significant potential to tackle the climate crises through the removal and/or reduction of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Scope, define and select a best in class grant management system (GMS) and process, working with external suppliers and other team members to put in place an efficient and effective on-line grant application, management and reporting system Work with the Advisory Council, initially the Chair, to define the terms of reference, grant application forms and process, selection and contracting process for research grants. Put in place and carry out risk and feasibility assessments
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and due diligence on potential grantees, identifying and using external service providers as required to ensure legal and financial compliance. Preparing, marketing and dissemination of calls for proposals and funding-related information to the right external networks, stakeholders and academic institutions Work closely with the Head of Marketing and Communications to ensure awards, results and progress is communicated effectively and regularly to key external stakeholders and media. Provide advice and support to potential partner organisations and grant applicants. Establishing standard grant contracts/MOUs and negotiating contractual agreements with research partners and other suppliers.
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Monitor grant funding against benchmarks and milestones and carry out follow-up visits and audits of research projects as required. Overall record-keeping and management of grant portfolio (financial and non- financial), including providing management information reports and data analysis to the CEO, Advisory Council and Board. Collaboration with outside parties to build appropriate research networks and share best practice and results. Build the profile of CTRF as an effective actor in the climate research community. Documentation of CTRF workflows and standards, budgets, systems and tools for the grant solicitation, identification, awarding and reporting process.
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
Candidate Profile A motivated self-starter with drive and ambition and an ability to generate momentum though working collaboratively with others. The role requires a proactiveness, with a flexible mindset and the ability to quickly adapt to the needs of an evolving organisation. The incoming postholder will need be in support of/or carry an open mind to carbon removal and the vision of CTRF. Furthermore, they will need to be credible and comfortable networking in the research landscape amongst scientists and engineers.
Essential •
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Experience of working in or with the scientific/research community and an ability to network and effectively represent and raise the profile of CTRF. Experience of grant making and managing grant making in foundations, funds or universities. Knowledge of monitoring, learning and evaluation in the context of grant making. Great ability to build rapport with colleagues and external stakeholders/contacts. Ability to think strategically and operationalise and implement objectives in line with strategic goals. Experience of selecting and implementing appropriate software/database systems and processes for grant management and reporting.
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Ability to ensure that financial and narrative reports comply with audit requirements. Experience of producing succinct presentations and reports with clear recommendations to boards and committees to enable effective decision making. Strong written and verbal communications skills, with a solid understanding of financial reporting and ability to synthesise large amounts of information quickly and clearly. Minimum bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline and significant experience in relevant research or engineering sectors.
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Experience and comfort with working in an entrepreneurial organisation which is evolving and adapting as it grows.
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Experience in working in international environments and across academic disciplines. A relevant project management qualification, for example Prince2. Language skills in addition to English.
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
How to Apply Please provide a CV and cover letter in two different documents, which should be prepared before applying as they will be considered in the application process.
A UK work permit is necessary this role.
Equality Statement
Timeline
The cover letter should be no more than two pages long and explain why you are interested in this post and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.
Closing Date: First stage interviews: Final interviews:
Equality and diversity are at the core of the CTRF values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from a variety of backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.
The document should be saved in PDF in the following format: Your First Name-Your Last Name-Document Name-Date (mmyy)CTRF-Head of Grants. For example: DaveHillyard-CV-052022-CTRFHead of Grants or DaveHillyard-CoverLetter-052022-CTRF-Head of Grants.
Selection process
29.06.22 w/c 04.07.22 25.07.22
All candidates will receive an update regarding their application after the closing date. We advise candidates to add the role email to their safe senders list and regularly check their spam folder.
Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, need additional information, or would like to have an informal discussion, please email in the first instance: ctrf-head-researchgrant@oxfordhr.co.uk.
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
About Oxford HR Oxford HR operates globally - mainly within the international development and charity sectors. We carry out retained executive search mandates at board and senior management levels. We also offer human resource and organisational development consultancy. Oxford HR has many years of experience in search as well as an extensive network of international development, social sector, corporate, public sector, and academic contacts from across the world. We carry out comprehensive and often international searches designed to meet the specific needs of our client.
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Head of Research Grants Carbon Technology Research Foundation
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