March 29, 2023

Project Manager

Interactive platforms and information systems supporting research, innovation, policy monitoring and impact assessment

Summary

Based in Barcelona, you will work full-time as project manager for the development of information systems and interactive platforms supporting policies and strategies in higher education, research and innovation (HERI). Collaborating with a team of  experts in the field of natural language processing and deep learning, design, data visualisation, semantic data integration and software development, you will be exposed to a very dynamic and international environment, contributing to the development of innovative research and innovation data solutions, information systems and advanced analysis supporting policy makers and scientific leaders.

With a background and at least 2 years of experience in project management, ideally in IT / data science / digital fields, you are proficient in English and at least one additional language (French, Spanish or Italian).

You are looking for a professional experience that:

  • provides you with a strong sense of purpose and meaning: you will be contributing to the democratisation of access to policy, research and innovation data and the improvement of policy-making and research and innovation strategies and activities
  • values teamwork and collective contribution over individual performance
  • enables you to grow, learn and develop within a challenging and supportive environment
  • allows you to explore new methods and solutions with a multidisciplinary team 
  • uses research and scientific evidence as a tool to support policies
Profile

Based in Barcelona, you will work as project manager for the development of information systems and interactive platforms supporting policies and strategies in higher education, research and innovation (HERI).
With a background and at least 2 years of experience in project management, ideally in software development, IT solutions, digital projects, data analytics and visualisations or related fields, you are eager to make a meaningful impact on society. You thrive on engaging in discussions with and advising policy-makers and research and innovation leaders, providing guidance on how to effectively analyse, monitor, and evaluate public policies and strategic plans.

By leveraging SIRIS’ team skills in data integration, data analysis and data visualisation, you are interested in developing innovative data products (see example 1, example 2, example 3, here more info) to support public administrations, as well as universities and research organisations, in taking more rational and responsible decisions, collaborate better, orient their research and innovation towards societal needs and better account for and communicate societal impact. 

You enjoy interacting with team members and with clients and stakeholders, and have a passion for developing new, high quality and impactful evidence-based  solutions. You will be part of a multidisciplinary, international team of public policy experts, data scientists, engineers, designers and front-end developers, and a world-wide network of international experts.

For this position, good working knowledge of English is required, and at least one (ideally more) of the following languages: French, Spanish, Italian. 

Possible list of tasks - [Project management]

  • In close interaction with project directors and product owners, 
  • co-design the products (data visualisations, interactive platforms, information systems) with the client and its stakeholders, to address their strategic and operational demands, based on state-of-the-art solutions and innovative approaches,
  • establish the project management and planning structure, activities and tools, and monitor project development, 
  • support the management of client and stakeholder relationships and expectations, particularly during the design, validation and release of products,
  • elaborate periodic project management reports and documentation, for internal purposes and to be delivered to the client,
  • when necessary, animate and manage agile development methodologies 
  • Work closely with the data science, design and software engineering (back-end and front-end development) team to plan, manage, monitor and adapt project tasks and milestones to guarantee quality and timely deliveries
  • Support the elaboration of project proposals, notably in what regards project planning and management 

Possible list of tasks - [Project and product development]

  • Analyse and characterise client and stakeholder requirements, based on existing public policy / strategy mapping, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and methodologies, and on interviews and focus groups
  • Identify and analyse data sources, to understand their potential value and application
  • Design  indicators and, along data scientists, document their definition and added value
  • Along consultants, data scientists and designers, co-design  visualisations and analytical insights, integrating them in mock-ups, to be implemented by the front-end developers
Knowledge, skills and abilities

Essential:

  • Ability to lead and motivate teams to meet project objectives, including setting goals, prioritising tasks, and managing resources.
  • Ability to document project progress and provide status updates
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills, flexibility and attention to detail
  • Curiosity and open-mindedness
  • Proficiency in English plus at least one of the following languages: French, Spanish, Italian

Valuable: 

  • Experience establishing and applying IT/software development project management and/or agile methodologies
  • Experience in quantitative methods 
  • Software engineering, programming or data science skills/experience
  • Digital projects or web development skills/experience
  • Experience in the higher education, research and innovation sector
  • Experience in public policy design, monitoring and evaluation
Contract

Full time position (40 hours/week). Our hiring model includes a trial period of 6 months. After a successful trial period,the contract becomes permanent. ‍

We offer a possibility of partial remote work.

Hiring Process

Send CV and cover letter  before April 14th, 2023  to: jobs@sirisacademic.com, please add the code 2023ProjectManager in the subject of the e-mail.

The selection process will unfold in accordance with the following steps and calendar:

  1. After an initial CV screening, a first interview will be carried out between April  17th and April 31st, 2023. 
  2. A final round of face to face interviews for selected candidates will happen between May 5th and May 19th, 2023.

You will join SIRIS by the 1st of June 2023, at the latest.

Benefits
  • Salary range depending on experience and in line with industry standards (more info)
  • All work and travel related expenses are covered by SIRIS Academic
  • Workstation in a shared office + laptop
  • A beautiful and lively office in downtown Barcelona, based on 2 floors, with 360º views and nice perks
  • Free fruits, coffee, biscuits, chocolate and many more treats
  • Fully-equipped installations including cooking facilities, sofas, recreation rooms
  • Complimentary Health insurance
  • Relocation/moving budget as a contribution to cover part of the related expenses
  • Working hours flexibility and support to work-life balance
  • Specific bonus tickets to cover either public transportation, childcare, catering or gym membership
  • Extra-holiday on employee’s birthday
  • Ethical and sustainable working environment
  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic, dedicated, multicultural, multi-lingual and passionate team of professionals
  • According to internal policy, SIRIS Academic may distribute a fraction of the yearly profits among all employees in the form of a salary bonus
Context
Who we are and what we do?
What? We are a consulting firm, fully owned by a non for profit Foundation. We work with decision makers in the public or non-profit sector, and provide them with insights, processes and tools, which challenge them to think and enable them to accomplish their mission better.Our services can take many forms: a strategic or analytical report, a business intelligence tool, a participatory workshop, a coaching session, the moderation of a discussion, a political recommendation, etc.But if the form varies, the core is always the same: what matters to us is to help leaders make better, more informed and more accountable decisions for the benefit of the citizens.

‍How? We approach problems as researchers: questioning systematically, proposing models, looking for evidence. We never defend a position which we have not tested as deeply as we can. We provide decision-makers with the tools and arguments to make decisions, but we also understand that their job involves political compromises and that the ideal decision is not always either possible or optimal.

‍Who? Born from research, our team of 45 people is a colourful mix, with specialities ranging from archaeology to physics, and philosophy to biology. Our team is held together by a strong ethical vision, based on the respect of the contribution of everyone, the belief in collective wisdom, and a deep curiosity.

‍Where? Based in Barcelona, we work with leaders and senior management in over 25 countries, helping analyse potential, build capacity and shape strategy for institutions such as philanthropic foundations, the European Commission, agencies and governments and over 200 Universities and Research Centres across the continent.

‍With whom? Our clients are leaders and managers in universities, regional governments, ministries, research organisations, not-for-profit foundations, etc.

‍In which sectors? Currently, most of our activity focuses on the sectors of higher education and research, science & innovation policy.

‍And… why? Deep down, we want to make the world a better place by improving public policies. We are strong believers in the power of science-based evidence, participative approaches and accountability processes to improve the way public policies are designed and decisions taken, day after day.