Academic programmes officer jobs

Rape Crisis South London (RCSL) is entering an exciting new chapter. With a strengthened leadership team and an ambitious vision for the future, we are building on our foundations to deliver a bold and impactful organisational strategy.

We are now seeking an Training & Prevention Officer to join our Training & Prevention team at this pivotal time. This opportunity is available as permanent position.

As a specialist charity supporting survivors of sexual violence across twelve South London boroughs, we provide counselling, group therapy, advocacy, prevention education, and professional training. With an annual income of approximately £4 million, we are growing and strengthening our infrastructure to better serve survivors and communities.

About the Role
Using your facilitation and relationship-building skills, you’ll help embed consent education, challenge harmful attitudes, and raise awareness in businesses, schools and communities across London. This is a rare opportunity to hone your training craft and deliver something vital, urgent and right at the heart of today’s conversation around gender, power and safety. Join us to flip the script on sexual violence.

What You'll Do
You will play a vital role in expanding Rape Crisis South London’s prevention, awareness-raising, and income-generating activities within the Fundraising & Communications team. You will deliver trauma-informed training, workshops, and briefings – rooted in our decade’s long specialist experience — to challenge myths, break the silence around sexual violence, and embed supportive cultures across partner organisations. You will build sustainable partnerships, especially with corporate businesses, not-for-profit agencies, schools, universities and youth settings, that both deepen our impact and help grow our income through funded training and prevention programmes. In doing so, you’ll ensure prevention and awareness remains central to our mission, while enabling our organisation to scale services and income in a way that upholds the highest training standards.

About You

• Excellent presentation and group facilitation skills 
• Ability to engage and interact with corporate professionals, as well as young people, to challenge attitudes and behaviour to reduce violence against women and girls and support gender equality 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills 
• Adaptability and flexibility to effectively deliver compelling training whether to corporations, schools, charities or community groups 
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively on difficult subjects and confident to confront distressing issues 
• Demonstrable ability to show empathy, actively listen, and respond sensitively and appropriately when engaging with individuals affected by or discussing sexual violence 
• Ability to create positive working relationships with external agencies whilst also being confident to hold boundaries as needed 
• Strong relationship management skills with the ability to understand what motivates different sectors (e.g. education, corporate) to invest in training, and to confidently position our training packages as meeting their specific organisational goals and values 
• Can work independently and within a team, to plan, prioritise, manage workload and implement work effectively to meet deadlines 
• Ability to reflect on own practice and identify areas for own professional development 
• Strong administrative skills including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and SharePoint 
• Willingness and ability to travel to locations across London 

Person Specification
Essential

• Experience of delivering workshops to professionals 
• Experience of working in a multiagency setting, developing partnerships with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and private sector organisations 
• Experience of delivering training to educational professionals

Desirable

• Experience delivering training to children and young people in education and youth settings 
• Relevant training qualifications 
• Experience of generating sales and repeat training bookings  
• Experience of providing direct support to female survivors of sexual violence  
• Experience of working within a specialist sexual violence or violence against women and girl’s organisation 
• Experience in using CRM systems

What You Bring

• Deep understanding of trauma‑informed practice and the impact of sexual violence
• Strong communication skills
• A commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• The ability to foster a safe, supportive and high‑performing team culture

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment 

Rape Crisis South London is committed to safeguarding survivors and service users. The post holder will contribute to maintaining the organisation’s safeguarding standards. 

This includes: 

• Promoting the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk 
• Identifying and reporting safeguarding concerns 
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and procedures 
• Supporting a culture where everyone feels safe, respected and supported 

Our safer recruitment processes include: 

• Values-based interviews 
• Verification of identity, qualifications and employment history 
• Reference checks 
• Enhanced DBS checks where required 
• Safeguarding training and supervision 
• Equality, Feminist Commitment and Values. 

Intersectionality and Reasonable Adjustments 

We recognise that experiences of sexual violence are shaped by intersecting factors such as: 

• Race and ethnicity 
• Disability 
• Sexuality and gender identity 
• Socioeconomic background 
• Immigration status 
• Faith and culture 

Our work is grounded in feminist principles, recognising sexual violence as both a cause and consequence of gender inequality. We centre survivor voices and prioritise empowerment, inclusivity and intersectionality. 

Applicants are encouraged to let us know if they require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, such as: 

• Alternative interview formats or timings 
• Additional time for written tasks 
• Accessible documentation 
• Support relating to disability, neurodivergence or health needs 

Interview Process 

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview, conducted via MS Teams.
 
Stage one: MS Teams with the Training and Prevention Manager, the Director of Fundraising & Comms, and one other panel member.

The whole process from advertisement to appointment, may take up to 3-4 weeks.
 
Post holder will be required to undertake Enhanced DBS
The role will initially be open for one month (until filled). However, due to the urgent need for support, applications will be reviewed and interviews arranged on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged.

This post is open to women only (Schedule 9, Paragraph 1, Equality Act 2010).
We particularly welcome applications from women underrepresented in leadership roles in the VAWG sector. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

How to apply 
Please submit: 

• Your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.
• Interview date(s): Rolling basis

Thank you for your interest in RCSL. If you have not heard from us within one month of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.
We encourage you to follow us on LinkedIn @rapecrisissouthlondon for future opportunities and updates.

AI in Job Applications
We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences 

Seeking a purposeful career change? Start on your transformative journey with the On Purpose Associate Programme, offering a unique opportunity for mid-career professionals to transition into impactful work. This paid, year-long leadership programme is designed for those ready to develop the skills, knowledge, mindset, and connections to create a regenerative, equitable and just future.

Key info:

• Based in London, UK

• Full-time (4.5 days at placement & 1 half day training weekly)

• £27,010 per annum salary

• Programme dates: April 2027 - March 2028 (50 weeks)

• Apply by Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST

About On Purpose:

On Purpose is tackling the greatest challenge of our time: transforming our economy from profit to purpose. Our leadership programmes develop people who will play their part in this transformation.

Together, we learn to see a different future and take action towards realising it in the organisations we work in. Our programmes seed a vibrant community who care, inspire, challenge and support one another as we make this transformation a reality.

Programme structure:

Two 6 month placements 

• Through work placements with organisations driving impactful change, you'll gain hands-on experience tackling pressing social and environmental issues 4.5 days of the week. Some of our current partners include Better Society Capital, Bow Foodbank, BELU and VISA.

Weekly expert-led learning 

• Our intensive Learning & Development programme involves half a day, weekly in-person sessions led by experts from across sectors. The blend of professional training and academic rigour equips you with the skills, knowledge and mindset to lead organisational and systemic change. 

1:1 mentoring & coaching

• Receive support through fortnightly mentoring sessions and quarterly executive coaching, fostering both your personal and professional growth.

Join a supportive, impactful community

• You’ll be part of a tight-knit cohort of ~20 Associates, participating in training sessions every Friday afternoon together. You’ll also join the wider On Purpose community with 1000+ alumni, connecting with a global, influential network of impact-driven professionals offering life-long inspiration, collaboration and opportunities.

Benefits:

• Earn a £27.01 k salary - On Purpose stands out by offering a paid learning and training opportunity, saving you significant costs compared to paying for other leadership programmes or MBAs.

• Develop your ability to make an impact - Equip yourself with the skills and insights needed to drive meaningful change. Our alumni are leading transformative change worldwide in all parts of the system, with 92% currently working in the impact sector.

• Unlock purpose-driven career opportunities - Our Associates have moved into a range of impact roles, ranging from CEOs of social enterprises to leadership positions within traditional companies driving change from within. We have a former Consultant now Director of Impact at B Lab UK, a former accountant now CEO at Ellen MacArthur Foundation, and a  journalist and editor now co-CEO of Heard.

• Standard UK holiday allowance

• A 3-day residential (expenses paid)

Who we’re looking for:

This programme is ideal for you if you’re either:

• at a stage in your career where you’ve built solid professional experience and want to use your professional skills to create change in organisations, systems and beyond;

• not currently in a career that aligns with your beliefs, but looking to transition into one;

• or you’re already in the impact sector and want to deepen your understanding of how systems and organisations work, develop the skills to lead transformational change, clarify your purpose and vision, and join a cohort and wider network of peers committed to putting purpose before profit.

Specific sector or industry experience is not important. We’re looking for talented people from diverse industries who have a determination to bring their skills and experience to purpose-driven projects and to driving systemic change. We seek ambitious individuals with:

• A minimum of three years full-time professional experience

• The right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme

• Fluency in English 

• Office environment experience 

• Skills including project management, stakeholder engagement, adaptability, interpersonal communication, problem-solving, quantitative analysis and strategic thinking.

• Excitement and commitment towards building a career that helps transform our economy from profit to purpose.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We welcome and encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences and those who are often under-represented in the impact sector, including but not limited to individuals with disabilities and those from diverse ethnic, gender identities, sexualities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds.

How to apply:

• Read our Associate Programme brochure for more information.

• Register your interest via our website to receive a link to your online application form.

• Closing date for applications: Monday 12th October, 9:00 am BST

• Interviews will be held in mid-late November.

This role leads two of the most consequential shifts in our 2026–2028 strategy. First, our move from a narrative-based to an evidence-based organisation: designing our impact measurement framework, leading the rollout and adoption of the Impact Hub (our custom CRM and data platform), and embedding data-driven decision-making across every team. Second, the community around our programmes: the trusted community and education referral partnerships that bring young people to us, and the structured alumni community that keeps them connected, supported and contributing after they complete our programmes.

WHAT YOU OWN

• Impact framework : the organisation's impact measurement framework, metrics and indicators.

• The Impact Hub (CRM) : the platform, its roadmap, adoption and supplier relationship.

• Data governance : data quality standards, validation protocols and UK GDPR compliance.

• Evaluation methodology : how programmes and services are evaluated, including external evaluation partnerships.

• Referral partnerships : the community and education referral partnership model and its members.

• Alumni strategy : the alumni engagement model, tiered support structure and Advisory Council.

• Organisational reporting : impact reporting to the board, funders and the public.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Impact Measurement & Evidence ~ Develop and own the organisation's impact measurement framework, defining metrics and indicators that reflect outcomes and effectiveness rather than interest or activity alone.

2. Organisational Insight & Foresight ~ Act as the organisation's insight lead: translate quantitative and qualitative data into organisational insight that shapes strategy, programme design and resource allocation.

3. The Impact Hub ~ Lead the delivery, rollout and adoption of the Impact Hub, including migration from Upshot, in line with the phased plan in the Data & Digital strategy : and own its roadmap as the organisation's insight platform thereafter.

4. Stakeholder Engagement Framework (Governance) ~ Act as guardian of the unified stakeholder engagement framework, defining the standards, data capture requirements and reporting consistency that all teams apply across our five stakeholder groups.

5. Community & Education Partnerships (Referral Pipeline) ~ Design and deliver the structured referral partnership model set out in the Talent & Engagement strategy, piloting quarterly cohorts of university, faith-group and community-organisation partners with clear MOUs, shared objectives and referral tracking through the Impact Hub.

6. Alumni Community & Engagement ~ Design and deliver a structured 12-month alumni engagement calendar with audience-segmented communications, supported by Impact Hub data.

7. Reporting & Funder Evidence ~ Produce evidence-based impact reporting for the board, funders, partners and public communications, supporting grant bids, corporate stewardship and the annual report.

8. Team Leadership ~ Line-manage the Data Administrator, Progression coaches and any future team members, providing guidance, training and performance oversight.

9. Organisational Leadership ~ Contribute to organisational strategy, annual planning and budgeting as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Read the full Job Description attached to see the full Key repsonsibilites, Person specification and 12 month success metrics.

Friends of Palestinian Universities (FPU) is looking for a motivated, organised and thoughtful Programme Officer to join our small and growing team.

FPU works in partnership with Palestinian universities, academics and students to strengthen the resilience and recovery of Palestinian higher education, build meaningful international academic partnerships, and transform understanding and practice within UK and international higher education.

This is a varied, hands-on role at the heart of our work. You will help us develop partnerships between Palestinian and international universities, produce research and resources, support advocacy and public engagement, organise events and convenings, and provide the programme and administrative coordination that enables a small charity to deliver effectively.

You will work closely with the Director, wider FPU team and Palestinian university partners, as well as academics, universities, sector bodies, unions and civil society organisations in the UK and internationally.

What you’ll be doing

Your work will span several areas of FPU’s programmes.

Advocacy and public engagement

You will help deliver FPU’s advocacy and awareness-raising work, including:

• researching and contributing to briefings, reports, toolkits and other public-facing resources;

• building relationships with academics, university departments, higher education networks, unions and student groups;

• supporting campaigns and initiatives responding to the destruction of Palestinian higher education and scholasticide in Palestine;

• helping organise public events, webinars and other opportunities for engagement.

Building international academic partnerships

A major part of the role will be helping strengthen links between Palestinian universities and institutions internationally.

You will:

• research potential university partners and opportunities for collaboration;

• support the development of partnerships, fellowships, research collaborations and exchanges;

• help produce an expanded edition of FPU’s handbook on partnerships with Palestinian higher education;

• engage with Palestinian universities to understand their priorities and identify opportunities for international partnership;

• maintain relationships, contacts and partnership information;

• help organise FPU’s Annual Conference and other sector convenings.

Supporting Palestinian partners

A core principle of FPU’s work is that Palestinian universities, academics and students should shape the international responses that affect them.

You will help create opportunities for Palestinian partners to participate in international meetings, events and initiatives, prepare research and briefing materials, and support convenings in which Palestinian scholars and institutions can share knowledge and shape agendas.

Programme coordination and administration

As part of a small organisation, strong administration is essential to effective programme delivery.

You will help:

• coordinate meetings, events and programme activity;

• organise agendas, papers, invitations, notes and follow-up;

• maintain accurate databases, records and shared files;

• coordinate travel and logistics for Palestinian partners where required;

• support programme-related expenses, procurement and other administrative processes;

• track programme activities, deadlines, outputs and outcomes;

• contribute to quarterly planning, monitoring and reporting.

The role will combine substantive programme work with practical administration, and we are looking for someone who is comfortable doing both.

About you

We are interested in people who can bring strong transferable skills, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to our mission.

You will have:

• excellent written and spoken English and strong research skills;

• excellent organisation and attention to detail;

• experience coordinating projects, programmes, events or campaigns;

• the ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations;

• confidence managing multiple priorities and taking responsibility for your own work;

• good administrative and digital skills, including maintaining accurate records and information;

• the ability to work collaboratively and flexibly as part of a small team;

• a commitment to FPU’s mission and to respectful, partner-led ways of working;

• sensitivity when working across different institutional, cultural and political contexts.

It would be particularly useful if you bring some of the following:

• experience in higher education, charities, civil society, advocacy or campaigning;

• knowledge of the UK higher education sector;

• knowledge of Palestinian higher education or experience working on Palestine;

• experience producing reports, briefings or other public-facing resources;

• experience of monitoring, evaluation or programme reporting;

• Arabic language proficiency.

Working with Friends of Palestinian Universities

This is an opportunity to join FPU at an important stage in its development and make a practical contribution to strengthening Palestinian higher education.

You will work closely with Palestinian university partners and a growing network of academics, universities and sector organisations in the UK and internationally.

Because we are a small team, you will have the opportunity to work across different areas of the organisation and develop experience in programme delivery, academic partnerships, advocacy, research, events and international engagement.

FPU is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and covering letter through CharityJob.

In your covering letter, please explain why you are interested in the role and how your experience and skills would enable you to contribute to FPU’s work.

Please see the attached Job Description for full details of the role.

Closing date: 2 September 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026

Job Description: Programme Officer

Key responsibilities

1. Advocacy and awareness-raising

• Work with the Director to deliver FPU’s advocacy and awareness programme in line with our strategic priorities.

• Research and contribute to producing accessible, high-quality resources for academic, policy and civil society audiences, including briefings, reports, toolkits and event materials.

• Build and maintain relationships with higher education networks, faculty and staff unions, academic departments, student societies and other relevant organisations.

• Support campaigns responding to the destruction of Palestinian higher education and the scholasticide in Palestine, including outreach, messaging and coordination with partners.

• Help deliver FPU events, including planning, speaker liaison, logistics and follow-up.

2. Building Palestinian–international academic partnerships

• Work with the Director to strengthen academic links between Palestinian universities and institutions in the UK and internationally.

• Research and help prepare an expanded second edition of FPU’s handbook on partnerships with Palestinian higher education.

• Support the design and delivery of institutional partnerships and collaborative projects, including research collaborations, fellowships and exchange initiatives.

• Research and map potential partners and opportunities and help develop targeted engagement plans with Palestinian and international universities.

• Maintain an accessible, accurate and up-to-date database of contacts, institutions and partnership opportunities.

• Help organise FPU’s Annual Conference, including programme planning, partner engagement, invitations and registration, logistics and post-event follow-up.

3. Palestinian university liaison

• Contribute to FPU’s engagement and partnership-building with Palestinian higher education institutions.

• Develop a strong understanding of institutional priorities, needs and potential areas for international partnership.

• Map and collate partnership opportunities and priorities, helping ensure that FPU’s wider work reflects the needs of the Palestinian higher education sector.

• Maintain regular communication with institutional partners and support effective follow-up on agreed opportunities and areas of collaboration.

4. Representation and convening

• Help convene and facilitate spaces in which Palestinian scholars, students and university partners can exchange knowledge, develop relationships and shape international agendas.

• Support approaches grounded in Palestinian priorities and collective leadership.

• Prepare research, briefings and background materials for the Director and Palestinian partners participating in meetings, conferences and public engagements.

• Support Palestinian partner representatives to participate effectively in international meetings and events.

5. Monitoring, evaluation and learning

• Work towards objectives and KPIs agreed through FPU’s annual work plan and contribute to quarterly planning and review.

• Track programme activities, outputs and outcomes.

• Gather feedback from partners and stakeholders and help translate this into programme learning and continuous improvement.

• Prepare quarterly programme updates and reporting for the Director and Board of Trustees.

• Help maintain accurate information on programme progress, partnerships and outcomes for reporting to funders and other stakeholders.

6. Programme and administrative support

• Provide administrative and coordination support to the Director, Deputy Director and wider team to support the effective delivery of FPU’s programmes and organisational priorities.

• Support the organisation of meetings, events and convenings, including scheduling, invitations, agendas, papers, note-taking and follow-up.

• Maintain accurate programme records, contact lists, databases and shared files, ensuring information is well organised and accessible.

• Assist with travel, accommodation and other logistical arrangements for Palestinian partners and representatives participating in FPU activities where required.

• Support programme-related operations, procurement, invoices, expenses and other administrative processes in coordination with the Deputy Director.

• Provide other reasonable administrative and operational support required for the effective functioning of a small charity.

7. Working as part of FPU

• Contribute actively to FPU’s collective planning and delivery.

• Work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues across the organisation.

• Take responsibility for your own areas of work while contributing to a culture of shared endeavour, respect and mutual support.

• Promote FPU’s mission, values and partner-led way of working.

• Follow organisational policies and processes and maintain high standards of professionalism.

• Uphold confidentiality and data protection in all work with partners and sensitive information.

Job title: Programme Assistant, Enquiries 

Line manager: Team Leader, Enquiries (Senior Officer, Enquiries, in Team Leader’s absence) 

Salary: £30,000 

Type of contract: Permanent 

Start date:  Late October 2026 or shortly thereafter 

Benefits: 

• Challenging and rewarding work, always life-changing, sometimes lifesaving 
• Competitive salary 
• Team and individual training opportunities, including dedicated training budget and team lunch and learn activities monthly 
• Commitment to personal development, including opportunities to develop skills and experience to support wider Cara strategy participating in working groups, contribute to office improvement initiatives 
• Hybrid working, home and office (minimum 2 days each week in the London office) 
• Eight hours each day Monday – Friday, with flexible working by arrangement around core hours of 10am – 4pm 
• 25 days annual leave entitlement plus Bank Holidays and two weeks Christmas and New Year office closure
• 8% employer pension contribution 
• Wellbeing support, access to counselling when required, Mental Health First aid and supportive small team environment
• Convenient office location at Elephant and Castle, close to Tube (Bakerloo and Northern lines) and bus routes 

Role purpose statement:  The Programme Assistant, Enquiries, plays a vital administrative role in the Fellowship Programme working directly with academics facing immediate risk in their home countries. The role exists to provide effective and efficient administration, completing due diligence tasks and onward signposting to prospective applicants. Duties include managing an individual caseload of applicants, assisting prospective applicants and administrative support for general enquiries, the Enquiries team as well as support across the Fellowship Programme when needed. 

Organisational Background 

The Council for At-Risk Academics is a UK-registered charity founded in 1933 under the leadership of William Beveridge, to assist academics suffering persecution under the rise of Nazism and facilitate their continued work in safety. Sixteen Cara Fellows from the 1930s and 1940s became Nobel Laureates, and many more innovators in their fields, including, Nikolaus Pevsner, Lise Meitner and Karl Popper. 

Cara has been a lifeline to academics at risk for over 90 years enabling them to continue their teaching and research in safety, as and when world events have placed them in the line of fire: Hungarian Uprising, Cold War, Apartheid South Africa, Iran, Latin American Juntas, Vietnam, Kosovo, DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, Zimbabwe etc. and, more recently Iraq, Turkey, Yemen, Palestine, Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Today, our Fellowship Programme convenes a network of 135 UK universities in the UK to secure research placements for at-risk academics and support for their families, continuing a longstanding commitment of protecting academics and preserving their knowledge and expertise.

Cara Objectives‘To assist academics who have been, or are at risk of being, subject to discrimination, persecution, suffering or violence on account of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, to relieve needs among them and their dependants and ensure that their specialist knowledge and abilities can continue to be used for the benefit of the public.’ 

‘To advance education by supporting academics and their educational institutions in countries where their continuing work is at risk or compromised, to ensure that such academics and institutions can continue to fulfil their critical role as educators for the public benefit.’ 

Role & Responsibilities 

Casework 

• Signposting prospective applicants to the application form. 

• Manage own caseload, preparing cases for eligibility review, including arranging calls to speak with applicants, booking English language tests, and gathering all relevant documentation. 

• Escalating complex cases to the Team Leader as required. 

• Maintain accurate and GDPR-Compliant records of casework activity. 

• Researching international affairs to develop understanding about risks applicants face. 

• Attending weekly case review meetings with the team. 

Administration 

• Provide general administrative and logistical support, including answering phone enquiries. 

• Manage the general enquiries inbox, alongside another colleague, answering emails about the enquiries’ process, the Fellowship Programme and Cara. 

• Signpost enquiries to relevant colleagues internally and to other organisations where applicable. 

• Assist with compilation of reports to funders. 

• Present and collect data on general enquiries and applications to the Programme. 

• Ensure safekeeping of confidential information. 

• Maintain excellent detailed records of correspondence, documents, and activities. 

• Provide administrative support to colleagues on projects across the organisation as required. 

Managerial Support 

• Take part and contribute to Cara wide working groups across a range of research and strategy topics, including contributing to efficiency improvements.

• Provide advice and guidance to colleagues where applicable. 

Ad Hoc Responsibilities 

• Show adaptability and willingness to take on additional work when necessary. 

• Support the Fellowship Programme and Cara as a whole with ad hoc responsibilities. 

Responsibilities also include related activities that might arise in relation to the Fellowship Programme and Cara's other programmes as required by the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive & Fellowship Programme Manager, and other senior colleagues. 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

• Bachelor’s degree 

• Fluent English (spoken and written) 

• Proactive with a willingness to learn and contribute to a growing organisation 

• Confident and empathetic with strong interpersonal and communication skills 

• Ability to remain adaptable and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment 

• Keen team player who is ready to support and help colleagues 

• Excellent record keeping and attention to detail 

• Ability to work independently in a hybrid work setting 

• Good time management with ability to manage competing priorities and work to deadlines 

• Understanding of issues of confidentiality 

• Ability to handle difficult conversations with sensitivity and resilience 

• Interest in and commitment to the work of Cara 

• Confident using Microsoft package 

• Awareness of current global issues 

Desirable 

• Master’s or equivalent experience 

• Casework experience 

• Arabic language skills are desirable. Other foreign languages (such as Farsi/Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian and Russian) will also be considered 

• Salesforce/CRM software experience 

• Lived experience or experience in supporting people who’ve gone through forced migration or other forms of severe adversity 

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be willing to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if offered this position. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an initial online interview on the week starting 21st September and if successful, will be required to attend an in-person interview at our office in London on the week starting 28th September. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process, please mention this as part of your application. 

Our staff team is a small (approx. 20 staff), committed and dedicated team, who works with our organisational values of Community & Collaboration, Trust & Integrity and Resilience through Knowledge & learning, we welcome applications from those with diverse identities and you will find a warm and welcoming team, committed to the highest standards as we seek to support those at risk around the world.

Application Instructions 

Please send a CV along with a cover letter in response to the screening questions below. Applications that do not follow this guidance will not be considered. 

At Cara, we do not utilise AI tools at any stage during the recruitment process, and all applications we receive are reviewed by at least two members of our team. 

We recognise that whilst artificial intelligence can be a useful tool in preparing a job application, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. 

Applicants may find AI useful for: 

• Refining and clarifying ideas and thoughts in your application 

• Researching publicly available information about Cara 

• Checking spelling, grammar and clarity of your answers 

However, we ask you to refrain from using AI for: 

• Generating responses to application questions and copying these into your application 

• Inventing or exaggerating your skills and experiences 

• Using live AI during interviews to answer questions 

We tend to find that applications that rely too heavily on AI-generated responses are not as competitive, and at Cara we value answers informed by personal experiences. We may also reject applications where AI has been used inappropriately. 

Please respond to the following questions in your cover letter (max. 2 pages).

1. What interests you about Cara and the work of supporting at-risk academics, and how do your experience and skills relate to this role? (max 500 words)
2. Describe a specific situation in which you had to manage competing priorities? How did you approach the situation? (max 250 words)
3. Tell us about a time when you had to deal with a person who was in a vulnerable situation. How did you handle this and what did you learn from this experience? (max 250 words)

We reserve the right to close applications for this role early if we receive a high number of applications.

About DadVocates

DadVocates is a new four-year project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that will train, mentor and supervise young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood to act as volunteer peer advocates for young fathers going through children’s social care (CSC) proceedings, including Child Protection, Child in Need and Public Law Outline.

The project responds to evidence from our work with over 800 young dads, which shows that the majority felt negatively about CSC proceedings from the outset: many hold fatalistic expectations about losing contact with their children and are reluctant to engage. By matching young dads with a trained volunteer DadVocate at the earliest possible stage, the project aims to build agency, improve engagement and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

Over four years, the project will train 40 volunteer DadVocates, support 100 young dads through CSC proceedings, and deliver father-inclusive practice training to 160 social workers and other professionals across five local authorities. It will also co-design clear guidance on what good father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams.

This is a genuinely ambitious project, working at the intersection of lived experience, peer advocacy, social care practice and systems change. It was conceived by a young dad who is now a NEYDL trustee and qualified social worker and has been co-designed with 174 young dads over three years.

The role

The DadVocate Programme Manager will lead this project from the outset. You will recruit, train, mentor and supervise our volunteer DadVocates; chair and manage the project Steering Committee; lead the development and delivery of professional training for social workers; oversee monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting; and manage the project budget.

This is a programme management role, not a casework role. Cases are held by NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers; the DadVocates you manage provide peer support within those cases. You will have direct relationships with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and learning events, but your primary responsibility is managing and supporting the DadVocates and the systems around them.

The DadVocates are young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood, not professional practitioners. They will need significant support, encouragement and professional development to operate effectively in what can be a challenging environment. The quality of that management and support is central to the success of this project.

You will work alongside training and research providers, closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as the case holders and be supported day-to-day by the CEO.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with substantial experience, knowledge and competency working within the children’s social care and social work arena, alongside a track record of managing projects in the voluntary sector. The ideal candidate will bring both: professional grounding in children’s social care/social work and the programme management experience to lead a complex, multi-strand project over four years.

You will possess a deep understand of the children’s social care and social work system, be able to design and deliver training that changes professional culture and have the people management skills to support a team of volunteer young dads who are developing professional skills alongside their advocacy role. You will also need to build trusted relationships with young dad beneficiaries, social workers, academic partners and a range of local statutory and voluntary organisations.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from people with personal or professional experience of children’s social care proceedings (including professionally qualified social workers) and people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant project at the forefront of father-inclusive practice

Job purpose

To lead and manage the DadVocates project, a four-year National Lottery-funded programme training volunteer young dads as peer advocates for young fathers in children’s social care proceedings; delivering professional training to social workers; and working towards the embedding of father-inclusive practice across children’s social care teams in five local authorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Project management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for the management and delivery of the DadVocates project across all strands of activity
• Manage the project budget, monitor expenditure and liaise with the CEO and Finance Officer
• Update and maintain NEYDL’s Evaluation Framework with DadVocates-specific indicators and methodologies within the first two months of the project start date
• Ensure the project meets its funder milestones and KPIs, maintaining accurate records of outputs and outcomes
• Produce quarterly progress reports for internal review and contribute to annual funder reports
• Commission and manage the external evaluator for the four-year evaluation
• Identify and escalate risks and challenges to the CEO, recommending solutions

2. Steering Committee

• Chair and manage the project Steering Committee, which meets every two months and comprises young dads, NEYDL frontline staff, the safeguarding lead, social work professionals, related experts and academic partners
• Induct Steering Committee members, including young dads, into their roles, providing tailored support to ensure they can contribute confidently alongside professionals
• Use Steering Committee meetings to review progress, identify challenges and agree recommendations for the next period of delivery

3. Co-creating the DadVocate training programme

• Work with training and research providers, young dads and Steering Committee members to co-create a 100-hour peer advocacy training programme for volunteer DadVocates
• Deliver the DadVocate training programme alongside NEYDL staff and delivery partners
• Lead annual reviews of the training programme and update content in response to learning and feedback

4. Managing and supporting volunteer DadVocates

• Recruit and train 10 young dad volunteers per year (40 over four years), all with lived experience of young fatherhood
• Provide ongoing mentoring, supervision and wellbeing support to all active DadVocate volunteers: at least 50 hours per volunteer per year
• Set clear objectives for each volunteer, conduct regular appraisals and team meetings, and support their professional development and progression
• Recognise that DadVocates are young dads with lived experience rather than professional backgrounds, and provide the high level of structured support this requires, including supporting them to navigate professional environments with confidence
• Support the progression of volunteers into employment, further training and community leadership roles

5. Matching DadVocates with young dads in CSC proceedings

• Build and maintain referral pathways with social services, midwifery, Family Nurse Partnerships, Family Hubs and other local networks across target local authorities
• Match 100 young dads over four years with a volunteer DadVocate (10 in year 1, rising to 40 in year 4)
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers, who hold cases, to coordinate peer advocacy support within CSC proceedings
• Maintain oversight of active advocacy arrangements, ensuring DadVocates are appropriately supported and that safeguarding obligations are met at all times
• Engage directly with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and project learning events

6. Professional training for social workers

• Co-create professional training content with social workers and young dads on the Steering Committee, drawing on national research and NEYDL’s practice experience
• Deliver half-day induction training to 15-20 social workers per local authority at the outset of each area’s involvement, co-facilitated by young dads or DadVocate volunteers
• Deliver annual refresher training in each local authority
• Facilitate quarterly case review and learning meetings with social workers in each local authority, involving DadVocate volunteers
• Co-design guidance on what father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams, with social workers and young dads (first version in year 2; updated version in year 4)
• Organise and host two information-sharing events for social care professionals in years 2 and 4 (approximately 100 professionals per event)

7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning

• Coordinate data collection with young dads, DadVocate volunteers and social workers using NEYDL’s evaluation tools and new instruments co-designed for this project
• Produce annual evaluation reports and disseminate learning through NEYDL’s wider networks, events and conferences
• Share learning through stakeholder events, professional networks and NEYDL’s regular sector-facing activity

8. Safeguarding

• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements are in place for all project activity, particularly for DadVocate volunteers operating within CSC proceedings
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Safeguarding Lead to ensure policies and protocols relevant to the project are current, understood and followed by volunteers and partners
• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding concerns arising within the DadVocates project

9. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as case holders, ensuring a joined-up and consistent approach to supporting young dads involved in the project
• Build and maintain relationships with academic, statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Work with the Business Development Manager to help secure longer-term Local Authority funding for DadVocates, using evidence of impact from the project to support conversations with Local Authorities and expand the project’s reach beyond the areas and targets in the original funding bid
• Represent NEYDL and the DadVocates project at external meetings, networks and conferences
• Contribute to NEYDL’s wider communications and engagement activity

10. Other

• Deputise for the CEO as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment
• This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

Senior Academic Representation Coordinator

Are you passionate about empowering others to be heard and drive meaningful change?

Do you want to help student leaders navigate the higher education landscape and shape their academic experiences?

Then we’d love you to join us as our Academic Representation Senior Coordinator! You’ll be responsible for leading operational delivery of academic representation systems across departments and faculties, creating an empowering and supportive environment to ensure students have an active voice in shaping their academic experiences. In this role you’ll coach senior student leaders, manage high impact volunteers, and build collaborative voice mechanisms in partnership with university stakeholders.

The Role

Role: Academic Representation Senior Coordinator
Hours: 35-hours per week (to be worked flexibly)
Salary: Grade C £31,357.00 to £35,550.18 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Exeter/Hybrid

Who are we?

The Students’ Guild is the University of Exeter’s students’ union, led by students for students. We’re an independent charity, offering a wide range of opportunities, services and support to help students get the most out of their unique journeys at university. This includes everything from social activities to making sure things are going well on their academic course. We have nearly 300 student groups and all of our work is led by, and in the best interest of, our members.

The Guild is a truly rewarding place to work. Our talented and passionate staff make a real difference to the lives of students every single day, working together to achieve the Guild’s purpose: to shape an excellent student experience for all students at Exeter by empowering them to take their place in the world and make a positive difference. We are looking for people who recognise that the Guild is student-led and share a genuine passion for student engagement and empowerment. If you share a commitment to our values and want to be part of a radically inclusive organisation with a seriously exciting future ahead, we can’t wait to hear from you.

What will you bring?

• You’ll be able to create and embed inclusive volunteer practices and support systems that empower a diverse range of student leaders to be impactful.
• You’ll know how to navigate complex university policies or higher education topics, translating them into practical insights that empower student leaders to lobby for change.
• You’ll be skilled in managing operational processes, project timelines, and resources to ensure academic representation systems run effectively.

To view the role profile and to find out more about working with us and how we help our students LOVE Exeter, please visit our website.

We offer lots of great benefits including enhanced family pay, at least 6-weeks’ holiday, sustainable travel incentives, access to exclusive discounts and perks and a free confidential advice service. We’re committed to helping you achieve a healthy balance between your work and home life through a real commitment to flexible and hybrid working. We also provide access to great development opportunities, including a personal development budget for you to spend on sharpening your skills. We’ll also help you to gain valuable experience, ensuring that you have opportunities to grow your career both here at the Guild and beyond.

Inclusion is central to the Guild. We approach our work collaboratively, empower our people and celebrate our uniqueness. If you’re driven to empower others and achieve great things, you’ll fit right in. Our people are proud of who they are and value each other’s differences, and we are committed to creating a diverse community that is radically inclusive of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

How to Apply

NOTE: To apply for this position, you will need to submit your application via our recruitment portal located on our website. 

Application Timeline:

• Closing Date: 10am on Wednesday 26 August, 2026
• Shortlisting: Thursday 27 August, 2026
• Interviews: Wednesday 2 September, 2026

You will need to provide an up-to-date copy of your CV, and answer the following questions related to the person specification for the role:

• Please outline your experience of supporting and managing diverse volunteers to deliver positive impact.
• Please tell us about your approach to empowering others to understand, navigate and challenge complex policies or decision-making.
• What is your understanding of our values, and how would you use them to support student representatives in the Guild?

Please note:

• We will contact you to let you know the outcome of your application. This can sometimes take a few days.
• You must be able to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before starting work with us. We are not currently able to sponsor employees requiring a visa.
• Unfortunately, if we receive your application after the closing date, we will not be able to consider it.

Meet your new Manager, Tom Clemo Academic Representation Manager

If you’d like an informal chat with me to find out more about the role, the team and what we’re looking for in the Academic Representation Senior Coordinator role, you can get in touch using the details located on our website.

Education Programme Coordinator

We are seeking Education Programme Coordinators to help disadvantaged young people build confidence, improve their academic progress and fulfil their potential.

Position: Education Programme Coordinator, two opportunities available
Salary: £26,000 to £30,000 FTE, depending on the role and experience
Location: London, with the Saturday position based in Walworth
Hours: Part–time, Term-time only, with weekday and Saturday opportunities available
Closing date: Wednesday 2 September 2026

About the role

There are two flexible opportunities available:

Weekday Education Programme Coordinator: Working 14.5 to 22.5 hours per week or full-time, plus four additional paid weeks annually. You will deliver structured small-group tuition programmes in schools across London, support pupils and volunteer tutors and coordinate programme delivery.

Saturday Education Programme Coordinator: Working 8 to 12 hours per week, including sessions in Walworth on Saturday mornings from 9.00am to 11.30am, plus two additional paid weeks annually. You will support the delivery of engaging tuition sessions for boys aged 8 to 18.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Facilitating structured small-group tuition sessions
• Creating a positive, inclusive and well-managed learning environment
• Supporting pupils to build confidence and make academic progress
• Providing guidance and practical support to volunteer tutors
• Building positive relationships with young people, families and school staff
• Maintaining attendance records, programme information and assessment data
• Gathering feedback and contributing to programme reports
• Following safeguarding procedures and promoting young people’s wellbeing

The weekday position does not involve full-class teaching, extensive lesson planning or significant marking.

About you

For the weekday opportunity, you will have Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent classroom or youth sector experience, alongside strong group management and organisational skills.

For the Saturday opportunity, you will have experience working with children or young people in education, youth work, mentoring or community settings. QTS or a youth work qualification would be welcomed but is not essential.

For either opportunity, you will be able to engage and motivate young people, build effective relationships and demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding.

About the organisation

The organisation is an education charity working to reduce the attainment gap experienced by disadvantaged pupils. Through structured tuition, volunteer support and partnerships with schools and community organisations, it helps young people improve academically while developing confidence and resilience.

These roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Programme Coordinator, Education Coordinator, Programme Manager, Youth Programme Coordinator, Learning Mentor, Teaching Assistant, Youth Worker, Community Education Officer or Saturday School Coordinator.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, NFP People.

In this brand-new role, you will take the lead on supporting our young carers, volunteer mentors, and partner schools—making a real, lasting difference in the community and to the young carers we support. 
Our vision is for all young carers to flourish. Through long-term mentoring, group programmes, and our annual Aspirations Conference, we help young people succeed in education, build confidence, and unlock future opportunities. We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic self-starter who is genuinely passionate about helping others thrive.

You’ll be right at the heart of our service delivery—whether you’re working directly with inspiring young people, empowering our volunteer mentors, or collaborating with the wider team on fundraising and events. Alongside being part of a supportive team, this role has a degree of autonomy, meaning you'll need the excellent organisational skills to manage your own day, the interpersonal spark to build strong relationships, and the flexibility for evening work.

Main Responsibilities

• Service delivery lead in Wiltshire of all YCDT programmes

• Volunteer recruitment, training, management and supervision

• Supporting young carers to achieve their educational potential

• Monitoring and evaluation

Hours: Full-time

Pay: £83,840 - £88,490 GBP gross per annum (dependent on experience)

Duration: Permanent

Location: Manchester, UK (hybrid working available), with an expectation of up to 25% international travel to support UK-Med's international programmes, governance and humanitarian operations. The postholder must be deployable and able to travel internationally at short notice where operationally required)

Are you an exceptional finance leader ready to shape the future of a global humanitarian organisation?

UK-Med is a frontline medical aid charity, born of the NHS and committed for over 30 years to ensuring that everyone can access the healthcare they need when crises and disasters strike. We deploy emergency medical teams and health specialists worldwide, supporting communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks and natural disasters, whilst strengthening local health systems and preparedness.

Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Director of Finance will provide strategic leadership across UK-Med's financial stewardship, sustainability, governance and organisational performance. As the organisation's principal financial adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Board Committees, you will help shape UK-Med's long-term strategy and ensure the organisation remains financially resilient and well positioned to deliver its humanitarian mission.

Working closely with the Associate Director of Finance and colleagues across the organisation, you will lead the finance function and support delivery of UK-Med's Five-Year Strategy by strengthening financial governance, resilience and organisational sustainability across a complex, multi-country organisation.

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with substantial experience providing strategic financial leadership at executive level within a complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of advising CEOs, Boards and Audit & Risk Committees, leading organisational change and financial transformation, and overseeing complex budgets, diverse funding streams and robust financial governance. Experience within the humanitarian, international development, healthcare or wider charity sectors is essential, with knowledge of institutional donor funding and grant compliance highly desirable.

This is a unique opportunity to influence the strategic direction of one of the UK's leading humanitarian organisations, helping ensure UK-Med remains financially resilient and ready to respond wherever communities need us most.

Can you help build a world prepared to help?

How to apply

We strongly recommend that you read theCandidate Information Pack - Director of Finance - August 2026before applying for this role.

To apply, please submit a current CV and a supporting letter (2 pages) through our online jobs portal.

Please apply below, as soon as possible and no later than Monday 31st of August 2026.

UK-Med is committed to safeguarding of our personnel and beneficiaries and has a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse. We conduct thorough vetting before any appointment is confirmed.

UK-Med is committed to the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive environment where employees feel respected and supported to be able to fulfill their potential.

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 FTE (£48,000 - £64,000 Pro rata for part-time), commensurate with experience

Contract: Permanent | Part-Time (0.8 FTE) | Year-round (Flexible working patterns considered)

Reporting to: The Head

St Catherine’s is seeking a visionary Director of Strategic Partnerships & Development to join our Senior Leadership Team. In this pivotal executive role, you will lead the strategy for our fundraising, external relations, corporate partnerships, and business development initiatives—shaping the future financial resilience and educational ambition of the School.

You will be responsible for securing philanthropic support, cultivating major donors, developing strategic partnerships and generating sustainable income opportunities. Whether your background is in corporate partnerships, high-value fundraising, commercial growth, hospitality, or professional services, this is an extraordinary opportunity to leverage your relationship-building expertise to make a lasting impact. Prior experience in the education sector is not required.

The Opportunity

As a senior ambassador for St Catherine’s, you will shape and execute an ambitious strategy to diversify income, engage key stakeholders, and maximize the value of the School’s brand and physical assets.

Reporting directly to the Head, you will oversee our Development and Alumnae Relations functions while collaborating closely with Admissions, Marketing, and Finance.

Key Priorities:

• Philanthropy & Major Gifts: Build and steward a pipeline of prospective donors, leading capital campaigns, grant applications, and major gift initiatives across alumnae, parents, and benefactors.
• Strategic Partnerships & Commercial Growth: Identify and secure mutually beneficial collaborations across business, technology, arts, sport, and the wider community.
• Alumnae & Community Engagement: Deliver an exceptional engagement strategy that turns network affinity into meaningful advocacy, mentorship, and support.
• Asset Optimization: Partner with executive colleagues to identify commercial opportunities within the School’s Site Masterplan and facilities.
• Data-Driven Strategy: Champion CRM systems and performance insights to track growth, evaluate potential initiatives, and guide executive decision-making.

About you:

• Senior Commercial Leadership: Proven success in a brand-led, growth-focused, or customer-centric organization.
• Relationship Mastery: Outstanding networking, negotiation, and influence skills with high-net-worth individuals, foundations, or executive stakeholders.
• Strategic Vision & Execution: The ability to translate big-picture strategy into clear, measurable execution frameworks.
• Data Literacy: Comfortable utilizing data insights, CRM systems, and performance dashboards to track pipeline conversion and guide choices.
• Ethos & Integrity: Alignment with St Catherine’s values, a commitment to holistic education, and an uncompromising dedication to child safeguarding.

Why Join Us?

At St Catherine’s, we offer a collaborative environment and a competitive benefits package, including:

• Flexible Working: Part-time (0.8 FTE) with flexible working patterns considered.
• Pension Scheme: Generous employer pension contributions (up to 12% employer).
• Holiday Allowance: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata), available to book year-round.
• Fee Remission: Discounted school fees for daughters attending St Catherine’s.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive Health Cash Plan, complimentary lunches during term time, and a Cycle to Work scheme.
• Convenience: Free ample on-site parking.

How to Apply

Please submit your application online via My New Term by 10:00 AM on Tuesday 1st September 2026.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled prior to the closing date. Early application is strongly recommended.

St Catherine’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an Enhanced DBS with Barred List check. St Catherine’s is an equal opportunities employer.

Research Initiatives Manager
£47,240 per annum plus excellent benefits
Hybrid working – London office and home-based
35 hours per week, full-time
Permanent

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) is seeking an experienced and motivated Research Initiatives Manager to lead programmes that strengthen research capacity, capability and innovation across the paediatric workforce.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Research and Evidence team and play a leading role in shaping the future of child health research. Working closely with senior clinicians, including the Officer for Research and the Officer for Genomics, you will lead a portfolio of projects and initiatives designed to support paediatricians in developing academic skills, engaging in research and preparing for emerging developments in healthcare, including genomic medicine.

Reporting to the Head of Research and Evidence, you will lead the delivery of  a range of research initiatives focused on building research capability across the profession and manage the RCPCH Genomics Programme. You will work collaboratively with colleagues, external partners, researchers, clinicians and funders to develop resources, events and programmes that support the paediatric workforce and improve outcomes for children and young people.

You will also manage a small team, oversee funded projects and represent the College across national research and genomics networks, helping to position RCPCH as a leading voice in paediatric research and innovation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the delivery of research initiatives that strengthen research capacity and capability across the paediatric workforce
• Managing the RCPCH Genomics Programme and supporting the integration of genomic medicine into paediatric practice
• Developing and delivering educational resources, webinars, workshops, conferences and events relating to research and genomics
• Providing strategic project leadership to support paediatricians undertaking academic and clinical research
• Managing research funding and funded projects, ensuring strong governance, compliance and achievement of objectives
• Acting as operational lead for relevant committees, working groups and project boards, ensuring effective governance and reporting
• Building and maintaining relationships with clinicians, academics, funders, policymakers and external partners
• Representing the College on external committees, advisory groups, conferences and stakeholder forums
• Working with colleagues across the College to develop communication plans and promote research initiatives and opportunities
• Supporting the identification of funding opportunities and contributing to grant applications and income generation activities
• Deputising for the Head of Research and Evidence when required
• Managing and developing two direct reports to deliver high-quality outcomes across the programme portfolio

Essential skills and experience include:

• Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in a research, health sciences, life sciences, genetics or genomics-related field
• Strong understanding of the UK clinical research infrastructure and research funding landscape
• Experience managing research funding, funded projects, budgets and compliance requirements
• Experience developing funding bids, grant applications or research proposals
• Knowledge of child health research and the clinical academic environment
• Experience producing high-quality reports, briefing papers, presentations and communications for a range of audiences
• Experience building and managing relationships with academics, clinicians, committees and external stakeholders
• Strong programme and project management skills, with experience delivering complex initiatives and managing multiple priorities
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively
• Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and organisational boundaries
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to work independently

Desirable:

• Knowledge of research methodology and data analysis techniques
• Experience organising conferences, workshops, webinars or professional events
• Understanding of genomic medicine and its application within healthcare
• Knowledge of research governance, ethics, data protection and patient confidentiality requirements
• Experience working within healthcare, research, academic or professional membership organisations

The RCPCH has more than 25,000 members and fellows worldwide and plays a leading role in improving child health and supporting paediatricians across the UK and internationally. Through our Digital Health Programme, we are helping to ensure that paediatricians have the skills, knowledge and resources needed to embrace innovation and improve outcomes for children and young people.

Our values – Include, Influence, Innovate and Inspire – are central to everything we do. We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are under-represented at this level of the organisation.

We operate a flexible and modern hybrid working policy. This role is based across our London office and home working, with two days per week in our London office and the remainder working remotely.

The RCPCH is committed to safeguarding the children, young people and adults it has contact with. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. If you are interested, please submit your application as soon as possible.

Closing date: 27 August 2026

This exciting new role sits within REUK’s Education Pathways work which has been in a pilot phase for the last few years and is rapidly growing now that the UK government has made a commitment to expanding safe and legal routes to higher education in the UK for refugee students.

Once a student is selected for participation and offered a university place, this postholder becomes their core anchor and primary REUK point of contact. This role oversees the entire student journey—from pre-departure preparation and arrival orientation to ongoing academic support, psychosocial wellbeing, community building on campus and monitoring of student outcomes.

The postholder will work alongside the newly created Education Pathways Universities Lead. While the Universities Lead focuses on institutional partnerships, you will focus on the student support side of the pathway: equipping university welcome groups to develop integration plans, pairing scholars with academic mentors (with support from REUK’s educational mentoring team), building a vibrant national student network, and providing hands-on casework escalation when complex issues arise.

This is a critical role within a small, high-capacity specialist unit within REUK. Because this is an emerging and new area of work you must be comfortable working with risk and ambiguity, refining and learning rapidly as parameters evolve. You will be a versatile practitioner - equally skilled at designing cohort orientation programmes and delivering student workshops as you are at managing administrative workflows, tracking student outcomes, and delivering compassionate, individual casework support.

Role outcomes

1. Refugee Education Pathway students transition smoothly into UK higher education through comprehensive pre-departure guidance, arrival orientation, and holistic onboarding. To this end, key responsibilities include: 

• Serving as REUK’s primary point of contact for scholars in the months immediately preceding travel, delivering pre-departure briefings and managing expectation-setting.

• Supporting the Education Pathways Lead to recruit, select and match eligible students.

• Coordinating arrival logistics and initial orientation in close collaboration with partner universities and campus welcome groups.

• Establishing clear, trauma-informed onboarding protocols to help students adapt quickly to the academic and cultural environment of UK universities.

• Designing and delivering (in collaboration with young refugees who participated in the pilot pathway) high-quality orientation resources, toolkits, and interactive induction sessions tailored to the unique practical and psychosocial needs of newly arrived refugee students.

• Working alongside the Universities Lead to conduct campus visits to ensure scholars are safely settled and Welcome Groups are offering appropriate integration support

2. Scholars thrive academically, socially, and emotionally through tailored REUK-added support structures, mentorship, and peer networks. To this end, key responsibilities include: 

• Supporting the Universities Lead in training campus welcome groups (staff, student unions, and peer volunteers) and maintaining ongoing liaison to ensure high-quality local support.

• Overseeing REUK’s added-value support framework, including:

  • Sourcing, matching, and managing academic mentors for students on the programme;

  • Facilitating a vibrant, national network for education pathway students, organising regular in-person and online meet-ups and peer connections, as well as referrals to REUK’s refugee student leadership programme;

  • Providing occasional direct, high-level casework support and conflict resolution when complex student welfare, academic, or integration issues are escalated from universities to REUK.

• Fostering an empowering community environment that prioritises student agency, mental health, and long-term wellbeing throughout their studies.

3. Student support operations, cross-team coordination, safeguarding and administrative processes are managed efficiently and self-sufficiently. To this end, key responsibilities include: 

• Managing all student-facing administrative processes, communication channels, and record-keeping systems independently without junior administrative support. 

• Working in close alignment with the Universities Lead to ensure institutional arrangements and campus support delivery are fully synchronized.

• Maintaining robust safeguarding and data protection protocols across all student casework, communications, and interactions. 

• Liaising with external specialist organizations (e.g., legal advisors, healthcare providers, mental health services) when complex casework exceeds standard university support.

4. Student progress and outcomes are robustly evaluated and clearly communicated, contributing to programme learning and REUK’s wider mission. To this end, key responsibilities include: 

• Reporting directly to the Education Pathways Lead and Chief Executive on cohort wellbeing, retention rates, academic progress, and key student outcomes.

• Designing and implementing (with the support of REUK’s Research Manager) student feedback mechanisms, regular check-ins, and longitudinal evaluation frameworks to track scholar progression.

• Supporting grant reporting and contributing qualitative impact stories and student reflections for funders, communications and organisational learning.

• Working alongside the Youth Advocacy Manager to provide Education Pathways students opportunities to engage with our Refugee Changemakers team

• Feeding student-led insights and operational learning into REUK’s broader research, policy, and systemic change work to improve refugee education nationwide.

Person specification

Although each role requires particular competencies, we seek staff members - irrespective of role - who are willing and able to demonstrate core competencies related to 1) character and values, 2) personal working style and 3) team working. Please see the applicant pack for more details. The competencies required for this specific role are:

• Student support and safeguarding: Proven track record of delivering direct support, pastoral care and complex casework for displaced young people or international/refugee students in higher education and supporting others to do the same.

• Training and resources: Experience designing and delivering transition, orientation, or onboarding programmes that support cross-cultural adaptation and academic readiness.

• Volunteering management: Strong experience in recruiting, training and supporting volunteers and volunteer groups (e.g., akin to academic mentors or campus welcome groups).

• Network and community building: Skills in facilitating student-led networks, organizing cohort events/meet-ups, and building inclusive peer-to-peer support spaces.

• Operational self-sufficiency and willingness to travel: High level of personal organization, ability to manage admin independently without junior support, and willingness to travel regularly across the UK.

• Knowledge of education pathway models: Familiarity with international refugee education pathway models (such as Canada’s WUSC; Australia’s RSSP/SkillPath and or others operating in Japan, Italy, Ireland etc).

• Knowledge and understanding of refugee tertiary education and the needs of resettled refugees more broadly: Strong understanding of the systemic barriers faced by refugee students in higher education both in the UK and internationally in first countries of asylum, as well as the support needed on resettlement to a third country.

• Student participation: Deep understanding of the principles of youth or student leadership and co-production, with the ability to embed these meaningfully across the education pathway 

• Interpersonal skills: An ability to build and maintain positive, warm and confidence inspiring working relationships with internal colleagues and external partners and stakeholders, including in complex situations.

• Communications: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including ability to appropriately communicate nuance and complexity; confidence communicating with and presenting to a variety of audiences.

Students’ Union UCL is an organisation that exists to make more happen. We are the representative body for University College London’s (UCL) students, one of the most diverse student communities in the world.  Our vision is to provide an outstanding experience for all UCL students and to be one of the best students’ unions in the UK and the world.  We aim to build a vibrant and empowered student community with real influence in UCL and beyond, that enables students to enjoy their time at university; pursue their interests and passions; see the world in new ways; and develop the skills and experience to change the world for the better.

We are a registered charity employing over 150 career staff and 300 student staff, delivering a wide range of services and representative functions for UCL students. We have the widest portfolio of services of any student organisation in the country, managing UCL’s extracurricular programmes for sport, music, drama, dance, media, volunteering, academic societies and intercultural engagement; providing a wide range of fantastic social spaces; leading on student democracy and representation across UCL; and offering excellent student support services.

It's an exciting time to join our growing organisation as we lead the delivery of UCL’s ground-breaking Student Life Strategy. This is enabling us to build more programmes to improve students’ mental and physical wellbeing, promote genuine equity for all, build students’ skills and confidence, develop their international connections and intercultural skills, and make a real contribution to our local community.

The role is full time and fixed term contract for 1 year. This role will be based at Bloomsbury campus with a hybrid working arrangement in place 40/60 split (40% working from office). We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible, and job share basis wherever possible.

The Societies Development Manager is a vital role within the Student Activities team, providing accurate, consistent and innovative support to the student volunteers running over 300 societies. This role will support the delivery of a variety of student led events and activities, empowering and enabling student leaders. This role will put students’ experience at the forefront of everything we do, focusing on providing excellent management of stakeholder relationships, problem solving and risk management with student activities. The Societies Development Manager will work collaboratively across the Student Experience directorate to empower student leaders to run impactful activities for their peers - removing barriers to engagement wherever you find them. They will be responsible for leading major events across the Union and project managing key cross-departmental initiatives such as our annual awards celebrations. The successful postholder will be there to expand our programmes, fostering vibrant and inclusive communities and ensuring all students can access the amazing opportunities extra-curricular opportunities available to them no matter what their level of experience.