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- Tasks: Support governance activities and collaborate with senior managers at SOAS University.
- Company: Join SOAS University, a leading institution for Asian, African, and Middle Eastern studies.
- Benefits: Enjoy 44 days of holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in higher education governance while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in administration or governance roles, strong communication and organisational skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 35749 - 42208 £ per year.
Department: Legal and Governance
Contract Type: Permanent
Grade: 6
Salary: £35,749.57 to £42,207.57 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance
Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom
Hours: 35 per week (Hybrid working with 3 days in the office)
SOAS University of London is the leading higher education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.
About the Role: The Governance Officer provides the committee support as well as secretariat for several sub-committees of the Board of Trustees, working closely with Committee Chairs and senior managers for both academic departments and professional services. The Governance Officers within the team will have individual committee portfolios allocated in addition to support of core governance work. It is imperative that as a team, the Governance Officers work collaboratively as a multidisciplinary team to provide a seamless Governance service to the University, and will provide cross cover in order to deliver a high standard of service. Governance Officers are collectively required to provide an onsite presence five days per week during core hours, and it is mandatory to attend allocated Committee meetings in person.
About the Department: The Governance Department provides guidance and direction, support and co‑ordination for the University's core governance activities, working with senior staff, the SOAS Board of Trustees and other internal and external stakeholders.
- Maintaining the University’s constitutional arrangements
- Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
- Leads risk management activity within the university, including the risk management policy, strategic risk register and supporting the institution to maintain and mitigate locally identified risks
- Maintaining the Incident Management Plan for the university, and supporting the institution to maintain business continuity plans
- Management of public complaints and whistleblowing concerns raised
About you: We invite candidates from the following backgrounds to consider this role, including:
- Senior administrators who have experience of working at an Executive level in a medium to large organisation - such as Executive assistants, office managers, project coordinators.
- Early‑Career Governance or Compliance Professionals who have worked in governance support or public administration roles - such as Governance assistants, compliance officers, paralegals.
- Process‑Improvement Professionals for those who enjoy refining systems, improving workflows, and ensuring organisational efficiency such as business analysts, operations coordinators, project managers.
Excellent communication skills, including oral and written skills and verbal reasoning
Excellent organisational skills, able to prioritise and work to tight timescales
Strong stakeholder management skills, able to work with all levels of organisations including senior management
Well‑developed analytical and problem‑solving capability both with situational management as well as with written information
Able to demonstrate commitment to working as part of a team but able to work on own initiative.
What We Offer:
- Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
- Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
- Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
- Health and Well‑being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
- Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
- Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.
How to Apply: Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.
Closing date: 29th March 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
Interviews to be held: 15/16th April 2026
Further information Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK. If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS. For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.
Governance Officer employer: School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
Contact Detail:
School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Governance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Governance Officers at SOAS or similar institutions. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching SOAS's governance structure and recent initiatives. Show us you’re genuinely interested in how they operate and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Governance Officer, you'll need to articulate your thoughts clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or use online platforms to refine your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the SOAS team.
We think you need these skills to ace Governance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Governance Officer role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your communication and organisational skills.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Be specific about your experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Teamwork and Initiative: We love candidates who can work well in a team but also take the initiative. Make sure to include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others and taken charge of projects in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about SOAS and what we stand for.
How to prepare for a job interview at School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London
✨Know Your Governance Stuff
Make sure you brush up on governance principles and practices relevant to higher education. Familiarise yourself with SOAS's mission and values, as well as any recent developments in governance that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Governance Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed communications in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations or when dealing with senior management.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role. Be ready to discuss your experience working in multidisciplinary teams and how you contribute to a positive team environment. Highlight any specific instances where your teamwork led to successful outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and analytical skills. Think of scenarios related to risk management or compliance issues you've faced before, and be prepared to explain how you approached them and what the outcomes were.