NTCA IoCT(tm) Innovation Consultant (Newcastle, GB)

Salary: £30,805 to £31,637 with progression to £34,132 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 28 August 2025

The Role

We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Innovation Associate with a keen interest in ageing and innovation to work on a North East Combined Authority Combined Authority part funded project to support the development of the world’s first Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) Cluster to support the region’s businesses.

The Internet of Caring Things® (IoCT™) Innovation Associate will work directly to support businesses in searching and accessing project support. They will undertake assessments for businesses across the North East Combined Authority (NECA) to identify opportunities for growth, training and development, working with colleagues to scope work and deliver support services. They will support engagement activities with businesses across the NECA, being strong advocates for the programme to build profile.

Innovation Associates play an important role in the project team. There are opportunities to make a real contribution to the NECA programme as it works across the region to develop economic opportunities whilst promoting positive impact on society at scale.

You will be ambitious and work to very high standards, whilst taking responsibility for your own development in a supportive and challenging environment where you will enjoy variety and continuous learning.

The UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing (NICA) at Newcastle University is funded by the Government and Newcastle University to create a world in which we all live better, for longer. We team with innovation experts, industry, academics and the public, to identify, develop and bring to market data driven innovative business models, services and products, enhancing life as we age and developing new economic opportunities for organisations while promoting positive impact on society at scale.

The IoCT™ Project has been part funded by the North East Combined Authority Combined Authority (NECA) for 5-years to assist businesses in the region to increase economic growth, create jobs in key NECA sectors, and ultimately improve resident wellbeing through developing IoCT™ enabled products and services. We are building, with partners, a World class innovation ecosystem providing economic and social opportunities and innovations, with a central focus on citizens and community that will mark the region as an international leader for IoCT™ innovation.

For informal enquiries, please contact Internet of Caring Things® Programme Lead on jennine.jonczyk@@newcastle.ac.uk

Key Accountabilities

You will be expected to work flexibly, contributing to a wide variety of assignments, delivering projects to time, cost and quality, working with colleagues drawn from across NICA. Typically reporting to a Senior Innovation Associate you will contribute by: Carrying out background research; Project development and delivery activities; Conducting literature and policy reviews; Managing and analysing surveys; Helping organise and contributing to engagement activities such as webinars, seminars and workshops; Analysing complex data from a variety of sources; Contributing to the creation of reports, presentations and other artefacts, as required for internal and external clients; Presenting to internal and external audiences; Contributing to team and client meetings; Relationship management with internal and external partners and stakeholders; Undertaking routine administrative tasks appropriate to the grade and undertake other duties as specified commensurate with the effective operation of the organisation overall.

Whilst delivering this work you will benefit from mentoring from immediate team colleagues and senior leaders who will work with you to develop your skills.

The Person (Essential)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Proven relevant experience in a similar role Strong analytical, written and communication skills; Excellent IT skills including MS Office; Strong quantitative research skills, including statistical analysis and/or relevant professional work experience; High level of organisational and time management skills and able to manage a range of tasks simultaneously; Excellent communication skills both verbal and written; Knowledge and understanding of effective project delivery; Experience of delivering digital services;

Desirable

Knowledge and understanding of the external environment within which NICA operates Experience of delivering innovative and engaging communications, using a variety of appropriate channels and techniques to a wide audience. Experience of successful event administration and coordination. Experience of developing strong business relationships and engagement activities.

Attributes and behaviours

A positive customer focussed attitude; Ability to work collaboratively and manage time effectively; Self-motivator with the ability to accept responsibility and prioritise own workload and meet deadlines; Negotiation and persuasion skills; Flexibility and willingness to ‘lend a hand’ commensurate with working within a small, dynamic and rapidly evolving organisation; Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure.

Qualifications

Minimum of a 2.1 first degree in a discipline such as economics, data science, politics, geography or science; A Master's degree in a relevant discipline (desirable)

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

Requisition ID: 28429