Project Risk and Contract Analyst

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

The Risk and Contracts Analyst role sits within the Project controls function, within the project management group. This area oversees the risk and contractual management and analysis across the programme directorate as part of the wider Project management group and the role itself is the lead focal point on risk and contractual management within this context.

Working closely with stakeholder internal to and external to the project management group to provide risk and contract analysis role in line with the role description below.

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

The SKA Project Controls Team forms part of the Project Management Group within SKAO and is responsible for obtaining and analysing data and providing accurate and timely project reports to support decision-making. The team maintains the Project Management Controls System which includes schedule, budget, cost, earned value, risk, issue and change controls. 

The Risk and Contracts Analyst thus works closely with the project managers, other members of the project controls team and other managers and stakeholders across the programme to carry out the required risk and contractual analyst activities as defined below.

This is a 3-year fixed term position and is basedat the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues 
whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires work across different time zones, and in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Lead for Risk management processes and procedures, co-ordinating risk, opportunity and handling updates, training users, running the monthly risk reviews, producing risk reports.
• Lead the Contingency management  through the maintenance of the contingency log (budget and schedule) and ensuring alignment with the risk register and ECPs (Engineering Change Proposals)
• Lead the implementation of risk and contingency actions through the change control procedures 
• Provide and lead relevant sections of monthly reporting for project governance including the monthly report – author of risk, opportunity and contingency sections including budget Monte Carlo analysis.
• Act as the lead administrator for Contracts in CEMAR.
• Collaboration with Configuration management in relation to ALIM.
• Lead administrator for the SKARR (SKA Risk ) for the construction programme.
• Provide support to other observatory or programme reviews and deliverables as appropriate.

Although procedures exist there is a requirement to feedback on what works, what doesn't and what should be done in future to improve in the short to medium term.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Degree qualified or equivalent experience
• Project management training with an in depth understanding of project management methodologies.
• Understanding of area of specialism within which the role will be working with considerable on the job training.
• Practical experience of contributing to the successful delivery of programmes / projects.
• Organises own work over weeks and months, or plans ahead for others, taking account of priorities and the impact on other people.
• Proficient user of web-based tools and services used in the delivery of complex projects, including collaboration tools and (as appropriate to the specialism) scheduling, cost, financial, contract management and risk tools
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to know the way around a wide range of procedures and use theoretical first principles to solve problems. 
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues with different backgrounds and / or nationalities.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and if required to reprioritize objectives as needed while still making progress towards common goals.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Qualification in project management
• Associate membership of a project management or engineering professional body
• Experience in working in geographically dispersed teams
• Knowledge of contract management and procurement procedures and regulations
• Industry experience and/or a track record in successful collaboration with industry

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

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