Programme Manager - CSCC

Location: Hybrid - London WC1H (We operate hybrid, flexible working practices with 20% of your time per month being office based)

Join the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) as CSCC Programme Manager and use your extensive project management experience to lead the delivery of the Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC), a flagship initiative responding to the Commonwealth Declaration on Sustainable Urbanisation.

The ACU offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the higher education sector. We are one of the largest, most diverse international university networks, bringing together over 440 universities in over 40 countries. We support Commonwealth Universities to collaborate and to work together to build a more equitable and sustainable world.

The ACU Programmes, Business Development and International Mobility Team look after a portfolio of research capacity strengthening and education mobility programmes. These programmes are externally funded and are often developed in collaboration with ACU member universities and other strategic partners. The team supports the ACU’s policy and advocacy work, aiming to benefit our members by fostering international research and education collaboration at both individual and organisational levels. 

The role

The Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Coalition (CSCC) is a transformative, multi-level, multi-sector coalition designed to address the intersecting challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change across the Commonwealth. The CSCC is a collaboration between the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), the Commonwealth Association of Planners (CAP), the Commonwealth Engineers’ Council (CEC), and the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), working with The King’s Foundation (KF).

The CSCC Programme Manager will set up and oversee the CSCC Secretariat function, coordinate governance structures, and, in collaboration with the ACU Senior Policy and Networks Manager, lead the delivery of a cross-cutting skills agenda through the ACU’s newly launched Expert Group model. The role will also support CSCC partners in establishing three transdisciplinary Action Groups - focused on housing, integrated planning, and urban finance - and support delivery of three National Dialogues in selected Commonwealth countries. This role offers a unique opportunity to help establish the CSCC, a platform that will shape policy, strengthen capacity, and mobilise higher education expertise to support sustainable urban development across the Commonwealth.

You will need:

• Proven experience in project management (PMP certification or equivalent) within international development, sustainable urbanisation, or higher education sectors.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills, particularly in multi-level governance and cross-sector collaboration.

• Experience of working with transdisciplinary teams and integrating cross-cutting themes into project delivery.

• Experience in data analysis, survey design, and workshop facilitation.

• Strong stakeholder management and diplomacy skills, with the ability to foster constructive collaboration, to ensure project alignment and accountability.

• Strong experience of managing complex budgets and finances across several project partners

• Demonstrated high level of autonomy and initiative, with an ability to work flexibly and independently, exercising sound judgement.

• Ability to balance competing priorities under pressure of deadlines without compromising the quality-of-service delivery.

• Familiarity with Commonwealth institutions and sustainable urbanisation priorities.

• Understanding of higher education systems and their role in skills development.

• Knowledge of theories of change and logical frameworks and experience managing project monitoring and evaluation.

• Knowledge of climate resilience, urbanisation, and capacity-building in low- and middle-income countries.

What to expect:

We see equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our mission and we value the many different perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our collective performance (you can find out more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and safeguarding on our website). 

We believe in investing in all our people and creating cultures in which everyone can thrive. 

We offer a fantastic package of benefits including: 

• 27 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees), plus 4 Christmas closure days

• Generous pension scheme – 5% employee contribution, 10% employer contribution 

• Volunteering days

• Enhanced maternity, adoption, paternity and shared parental leave

• Give As You Earn charitable donations scheme

• Cycle to work scheme

• Sabbatical leave

• Ability to request flexible working from day one

Apply via our recruitment portal, submitting your CV (maximum 2 pages) and online application form (maximum 1000 words) outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the criteria for the role. Please include your motivation for applying.

Closing date: 12 October 2025 @ 23:45

Interview will take place on: 16 October 2025 (will take place virtually)