Programme Administrator, African Studies Centre

FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Oxford School of Global and Area Studies (OSGA) as a Programme Administrator supporting the African Studies Centre on a full-time, permanent basis.

The Role: We are seeking a talented, organised and proactive administrator to support the delivery and day-to-day administration of postgraduate programmes within the African Studies Centre. This is a varied and rewarding role within the OSGA Education Team, reporting to the Programme Coordinator and Examinations Lead. The post-holder will play a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of the programme and contributing to a high-quality student experience.

You will act as the first point of contact for prospective and current students, managing enquiries and providing accurate advice throughout the student lifecycle. You will support course administration, including maintaining programme information, coordinating timetables and student communications, and assisting with student inductions and supervision arrangements.

The role also involves supporting academic staff with admissions processes, course planning and programme delivery, as well as coordinating events, meetings and committees. You will contribute to examinations and assessments administration, including managing submissions, liaising with examiners, and supporting marking and results processes.

Working closely with colleagues across OSGA and the wider University, you will also assist with programme-related communications, student feedback processes, and operational activities that underpin teaching and learning. This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly and collaborative team in a dynamic academic environment.

About You: You will have experience of academic administration or a similar role within a complex organisation, ideally within higher education. You will be highly organised, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver work accurately to deadlines.

You will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students and academic staff. Strong IT skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

A flexible and proactive approach, along with a commitment to providing excellent service and supporting an inclusive academic environment, will be key to success in this role.

Working Arrangements: This role is based in Oxford, with a hybrid working arrangement (typically a minimum of three days per week on-site, subject to operational requirements).

Application Process: If applying as an internal applicant, applications should be made online via the University of Oxford internal recruitment portal. Otherwise, please apply via the ‘Apply Now’ button below. You will be required to upload a CV, the names and details of two referees and a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria for the role. Informal enquiries may be addressed to: recruitment@area.ox.ac.uk Please quote the vacancy reference 185756 in all your correspondence.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 28th April 2026. Applications received after the closing date cannot be considered.

Interviews will be held in person on Friday 22nd May 2026.

If you, as an applicant, require reasonable adjustments to be made in the interview process, please do reach out and discuss this with our HR team. We will do our best to facilitate and accommodate reasonable adjustments. The University of Oxford holds an institutional Silver Athena Swan award, acknowledging the progress made in addressing a number of gender gaps across the University. Applications are particularly welcome from men and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in professional services in Oxford.

What We Offer:

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• An excellent contributory pension scheme
• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Cycle loan scheme and electric or ultra-low emission vehicle loan scheme
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs

This role also offers the opportunity for hybrid working, with a current expectation of at least 40% on-site work. The OSGA Professional Services offices are located in Oxford city centre, surrounded by its stunning architecture, history and culture.

The University of Oxford holds an institutional Silver Athena Swan award, acknowledging the progress made in addressing a number of gender gaps across the University. Applications are particularly welcome from men and black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented in professional services in Oxford.