Senior Programme Officer

About Friends of Palestinian Universities

Friends of Palestinian Universities builds UK and international academic solidarity, partnership, and exchange with Palestinian higher education institutions facing systematic attack. 

We work to support the resilience of Palestinian scholars and students, strengthen international cooperation, and uphold the principles of freedom, equity, and justice for the future of education in Palestine.

Position Overview

The Programme Officer will support the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ advocacy and awareness, and building UK-Palestine higher education links programmes. This role involves working closely with the director, partners, managing projects, and ensuring the effective delivery of initiatives aimed at mobilising support for Palestinian universities and raising awareness about the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.

Key responsibilities

1. Building UK–Palestinian Academic Links

• Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual building links plan in line with programme and organisational goals.

• Support the design and delivery of partnerships and collaborative projects with Palestinian universities, including research, fellowships, and exchange initiatives.

• Liaise with partners in Palestine and the UK to map opportunities for meaningful and equitable cooperation.

• Create and maintain an accessible and up to date database of UK, Palestinian and international networks. 

• Lead on organising Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual conference.

2. Advocacy & Awareness-Raising

• Support the development and implementation of Friends of Palestinian Universities’ annual advocacy & awareness plan in line with programme and organisational goals.

• Research and prepare public-facing resources (e.g. briefings, reports, speaker events) for academic, policy, and civil society audiences.

• Build relationships with UK-based higher education networks, staff unions, academic departments, and student societies.

• Design and implement Friends of Palestinian Universities’ Education, Occupation & Liberation programme of events.

• Support the Director and Palestinian partner representatives with research and briefings as necessary for public facing engagements. 

3. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Work to achieve KPIs agreed in the annual work plan.

• Work with the Director to plan and evaluate programme strategy and delivery.

• Monitor programme impact and contribute to reporting for donors, Trustees, and partners.

• Produce quarterly reports on programme activities and outcomes for the Director and Board of Trustees.

4. Representation & Convening

• Represent Friends of Palestinian Universities in coalitions, conferences, and sector forums as appropriate and with the agreement of the Director.

• Facilitate spaces for Palestinian scholars, students, and advocates to share knowledge and shape agendas in line with their collective priorities.

5. General Support and Team Contribution

• Actively support and promote Friends of Palestinian Universities’ mission and values.

• Work as a part of a team and contribute to collective staff wellbeing. Adapt to the flexible working of a small organisation.

• Follow Friends of Palestinian Universities’ policies and processes.

• Undertake administrative tasks as necessary for the effective implementation of the role. 

Skills & Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in programme management or related field, preferably within the non-profit or education sector.

• Strong understanding of the contemporary social and political reality for Palestinians, awareness about the educational context in Palestine and the challenges faced by Palestinian students and educators.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to sustain and develop effective professional relationships.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software.

• Right to work in the UK.

• Fluency in Arabic.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in a relevant field

• Experience working with international partners and stakeholders.

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should submit the following:
1. A cover letter outlining their qualifications and motivation for applying.
2. A current CV.
3. Contact information for two professional references.

Unfortunately, Friends of Palestinian Universities is unable to sponsor work visas. Candidates should be able to attend the office in London at least one day a week.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.

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