At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate travel, organise events, and provide admin support for a major research programme.
- Company: Join the African Cities Research Consortium, a leading international research initiative.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension, festive closure, and exclusive employee discounts.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives welcomed; great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in urban development while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and experience in event planning are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Projects and Events Administrator within the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC). This role offers an exciting opportunity to support a large, internationally recognised research programme led from the Global Development Institute, School of Environment, Education and Development, Faculty of Humanities. ACRC is a £24.78m research programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), working with partners across Africa to improve living conditions, services and life chances in rapidly changing cities. You will join the programme during an exciting implementation phase, supporting action research and delivery across five cities: Accra, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Nairobi.
You will be responsible for:
- Coordinating complex travel arrangements and accommodation for staff, partners and visitors, ensuring compliance with University and FCDO policies
- Organising and supporting UK‑based and international meetings, workshops and events (in‑person, online and hybrid), including logistics, documentation and on‑the‑day support
- Providing high‑quality administrative support to senior stakeholders, including diary management, document preparation and maintaining trackers and filing systems
- Supporting finance and procurement processes, including expense claims, requisitions, invoices and casual worker timesheets
- Assisting with due diligence checks and straightforward consultancy contracts, working closely with International Project Managers
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience organising meetings, events and complex travel arrangements
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
- High attention to detail, discretion and a commitment to excellent customer service
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in Higher Education or supporting research projects
- Experience supporting international programmes or partnerships
- An interest in international development
Our Benefits Include
- Generous employer pension contribution
- Christmas closure in addition to annual leave and bank holidays
- Purple Place employee discount platform
This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.
Projects & Events Administrator, African Cities Research Consortium in Manchester employer: The University of Manchester
The African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within the prestigious Global Development Institute. Employees benefit from generous pension contributions, a unique Christmas closure, and access to the Purple Place employee discount platform, all while contributing to impactful research that aims to improve urban living conditions across Africa. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and diversity, ACRC fosters professional growth and provides opportunities to engage with international partners in a meaningful way.
Contact Details:
The University of Manchester Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Projects & Events Administrator, African Cities Research Consortium in Manchester
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We think you need these skills to ace Projects & Events Administrator, African Cities Research Consortium in Manchester
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How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Manchester
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When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of The University of Manchester. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
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