Programme Coordinator – Education

Climate-KIC is the EU’s largest public private partnership addressing climate change through innovation to build a low carbon and climate resilient economy.

We address climate change across four priority themes: urban areas, land use, production systems, decision metrics and finance. Education is at the heart of these themes to inspire and empower the next generation of climate leaders.

We run programmes for innovators across Europe via centres in major cities, convening a community of the best people and organisations. Our education programme partners with leading Universities in the UK and Ireland to deliver summer schools, short courses and internships for MSc and PhD students. Our professional education programmes include tailored support for entrepreneurs turning their low carbon or resilience product or service into reality.

Climate-KIC organises its programming and activity by geographical unit. Climate-KIC UK & Ireland works with its partner network of businesses, start-ups, universities and public bodies across the UK and Ireland to support all stages of the innovation process.

Our organisation has a refreshed strategy that recognises the key role for innovation in prompting a rapid and urgent global economic transition. In this context, Climate-KIC UK & Ireland will help generate and promote game-changing, innovative climate solutions through supporting climate innovation clusters in major cities and regions.

Climate-KIC is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.

Purpose of the Role

The Programme Coordinator for Education is responsible for supporting the development and delivery of Climate-KIC’s Education strategy in UK & Ireland as well as supporting the delivery of strategic programmes relating to Climate-KIC’s portfolio of education activities.

Key responsibilities

As Programme Coordinator you will play a key role in implementing Climate-KIC’s education strategy in UK & Ireland as well as in the delivery of its strategic programmes.  You will be responsible for overseeing the professional running of education activities whilst meeting partner requirements. You will be responsible for planning and organising your own work and playing a significant role in central activities of the education team. 

This position reports to the Education Lead for UK & Ireland.

Programme Coordination – UK & Ireland

• Manage the delivery of Climate-KIC education programmes in the UK & Ireland with a particular focus on postgraduate activities including: the Journey (a climate change summer school); inspirational lectures by climate leaders; and short courses.
• Assist in the delivery of the Greenhouse- a pre-incubation programme to support entrepreneurs develop low carbon products and services.
• Contribute to the delivery of Climathon – an award winning, global 24-hour climate change event which takes place simultaneously in major cities around the world.
• Assist in the development and delivery of other professional development courses related to Climate KIC’s priority themes.
• Manage contracts of those partners involved in delivering the above activities as well as planning and co-developing programme content.
• Manage recruitment of MSc students onto the Journey.
• Undertake direct project management of activities.
• Work with the communications team to ensure effective communication for potential beneficiaries of the education programme.
• Develop, maintain and improve procedures for effective programme management.
• Perform other such duties as directed by the Education Lead or Director

Strategic Programmes

• Work with the Climate-KIC education team to develop and deliver its strategic programmes
• Take the lead on the delivery of specific cross-KIC programmes as agreed by the Education Director and team
• Support the education provision of the thematic teams as required
• Liaise with counterparts in other geographies

Main Working Relationships

The Programme Coordinator:

• Reports to the Education Lead for UK & Ireland
• Cooperates with counterparts in other geographic and thematic teams to coordinate action
• Is connected with partner universities and other key stakeholders related to Climate-KIC’s education goals

Person Specification

• Previous experience working in or with higher education organisations in the UK or Ireland.
• A proven record of managing education programmes within the postgraduate and/or professional spheres.
• Good interpersonal skills to interact with postgraduate students and professional development course participants.
• A professional approach to supporting and managing contributors to the education programme including coaches, guest speakers and venues.
• Previous experience working with people from different countries and cultures would be an advantage.
• Experience of working on projects with multiple partners and funders.
• Interested in and supportive of the core aims of Climate KIC including climate change and innovation.
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Thrives in a busy, dynamic team environment
• Willing to undertake limited travel in the UK and Europe as required by the role