The Hydrographic Programs team are continuing to expand and require two Project / Program Managers to lead data collection and other collaboration programs to ensure the successful delivery of the UKHOs corporate plan.
The Hydrographic Programs are part of the wider Data Acquisition Division, and work closely with many other teams across the UKHO to ensure the successful delivery of activity on a worldwide basis.
These exciting roles report to the Head of Hydrographic Programs and will take ownership of an allocated program and be responsible for ensuring UKHO are in control of high-profile program activity and associated funding. This means UKHO can continue to meet both its obligations as a trading fund and customer expectations, while delivering a meaningful difference through the post holder’s skills and influence. These are truly rewarding roles with fantastic opportunities for broad travel and engagement, well suited to people with a passion for seabed mapping.
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is a world-leading agency providing the most comprehensive range of marine geospatial information across the globe. This information is used by for the primary purpose of safe navigation and global trade efficiency, but also supports other marine activities including economic development, environmental protection, resource exploration and utilization, scientific research and security and defense.
Job description
You will have responsibility to identify, co-ordinate, document and manage hydrographic projects and programs on both a national and international basis, work closely with other UK Government Organizations to ensure collaboration, provide consultancy and technical assistance as required by foreign governments, non-governmental organizations and commercial companies to maximize data acquisition for subsequent use in UKHO products and services.
The roles are pivotal to support UKHO’s broader partnering and engagement objectives as well as increased program activity and capacity building activity relating to hydrography, hydrographic governance and policy implementation. Increasing the capacity of the team will ensure it can maintain a high-quality service to the UKHO whilst also satisfying wider government programs and assistance to our partners.
Responsibilities
These will include:
- Manage and oversee one of a portfolio of hydrographic programs and projects of a variety of types and complexities. Potential programs and activity currently include the UK Civil Hydrographic Program, the Overseas Territories Seabed Mapping Program, the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping initiative and the UKHO Primary Charting Authority Program.
- Provide a focal point within UKHO for hydrographic assistance to UK Government, devolved administrations, Crown Dependencies, UK Overseas Territories, and foreign governments. In doing so, maintaining links with relevant officials to further UK and UKHO interests in hydrography.
- Conduct hydrographic technical assessments of foreign governments. Where necessary, lead such visits and be responsible for advising foreign governments on the establishment or enhancement of national hydrographic governance and frameworks.
- Develop concept notes/business cases, funding submissions and national hydrographic survey strategies as required by other government departments, UK development agencies, donor funders, international partners and foreign governments in pursuit of the UKHOs data requirements.
- Conduct project/program management tasks, performance and resource management, financial oversight and production of briefing material/reporting according to the governance structure.
- Provide and collate hydrographic advice to external partners.
- Maintain a prominent external profile as a leading expert in international hydrographic development, hydrographic governance and data collection methodologies by attending/presenting at conferences, conducting business development activities and engagement with international bodies, partners and forums.
Person specification
We are seeking motivated individuals to join the with the following characteristics:
- A passion for using seabed mapping to improve outcomes for people and the environment.
- Confidence/ability to work with staff at all levels & build strong working relationships;
- Effective communications skills in all media; an effective negotiator.
- Both a strong team working ethic while retaining the ability to work alone and unsupported.
- Excellent numeracy and literacy skills in order to undertake a range of tasks including the ability to produce concise, clear and coherent reports.
- The ability to adapt to and embrace change.
Essential Technical/Functional Skills and Experience
- Accredited to HPAS Level 2 or equivalent and/or have successfully completed IHO Cat B education or equivalent, with five years’ relevant experience.
- Current knowledge of the latest methods of hydrographic data collection, processing, and appraisal standards/techniques.
- Able to develop hydrographic solutions tailored to customer needs across broad spectrum of hydrographic survey related activity.
- Able to scope and plan hydrographic surveys; draft technical specifications and hydrographic instructions; manage contractual processes; manage and oversee selected contractor; oversee data appraisal process to contract completion.
- Good knowledge of Maritime Safety Information and its practical application.
- Displays tact, diplomacy, sound judgement and professional self-confidence borne out of experience.
