Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub) in Oxford

Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub) in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 49119 - 58265 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
University of Oxford

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic direction and expansion of the Professional Pathways Pillar for refugees.
  • Company: Join the Refugee-Led Research Hub at Oxford's Department of International Development.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time role, and potential for extension.
  • Other info: Embrace diversity and promote equality in a supportive work environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in advancing refugee leadership in professional spheres.
  • Qualifications: Experience in project management and expertise in refugee livelihoods required.

The predicted salary is between 49119 - 58265 £ per year.

The Refugee-Led Research Hub is seeking to recruit a Senior Programme Manager for their Professional Pathways Pillar to work from the Oxford Department of International Development (ODID).

About the role:

The selected candidate will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and exponential expansion of RLRH’s Professional Pathways Pillar, ensuring the programme remains responsive to the evolving global labour market and the professional aspirations of RLRH affiliates. You will be responsible for building and sustaining high-impact relationships with a wide range of employer partners, including (I)NGOs, multilaterals, research institutions, and private sector actors, ensuring that these collaborations translate into bringing to life RLRH’s mission: advancing transformative refugee leadership in professional spheres.

  • Location: Oxford
  • Salary: Grade 8, £49,119 - £58,265
  • The position is offered full-time and fixed-term until 30 September 2028, with possibility of extension subject to further funding.

About you:

The successful candidate will have substantial experience in complex and multi-stakeholder project management, with proven experience in leading and influencing multi-disciplinary teams, through line management and/or matrix structures. They will also have technical expertise in refugee professional pathways/livelihoods and economic inclusion, with working familiarity of the humanitarian and/or development sector. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience of preparing reports, briefings, and presenting to senior stakeholders are essential for this role.

Further information:

For more on what it's like to work at RLRH, browse our website and application pack. At ODID we embrace and cherish our differences, and endeavour to be considerate and welcoming of all. You are most welcome at ODID, without the need to hide any part of who you are. We acknowledge societal inequalities and how these affect us, and those around us, personally and professionally. We hold an Athena Swan bronze award in recognition of our efforts to introduce organisational and cultural changes which promote equality, cherish diversity and create a better working environment for all. We are also taking active steps to promote race equality and reduce the risk of bias and discrimination. We work together to enrich, fortify and grow our community and dedicate our combined efforts to teaching and research to increase our impact and influence in development debates at the national and global level. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply for our vacancies and join us in pursuing our goals.

Applications for this vacancy are to be made online. You will be required to upload a CV and a cover letter, including a brief commentary to help contextualise your work product/writing sample, as well as one work product, in part or in full, that you led the development of and is relevant to the responsibilities of the role. Examples include a partnership development presentation, a learner training resource, a learning series or training package, a strategic plan, or a comparable piece of work. Where appropriate, this can take the form of a writing sample. The cover letter should also address the following:

  • Why this leadership role with RLRH is the right fit for you at this stage in your career.
  • How your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and selection criteria.
  • Confirmation of your availability to work from the Oxford office for a minimum of three days per week.

Only applications received before 12 midday (UK time) on Monday, 17 August 2026 can be considered.

Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub) in Oxford employer: University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant research environment that fosters creativity and innovation in neuroscience. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow professionally through various development opportunities. Located in the historic city of Oxford, the university provides a unique blend of academic excellence and cultural richness, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and impactful careers in research.

University of Oxford

Contact Details:

University of Oxford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub) in Oxford

Get Involved Locally

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Tap into Professional Networks

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Showcase Your Commitment

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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub) in Oxford

Strategic Direction
Project Management
Multi-Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Technical Expertise in Refugee Professional Pathways
Economic Inclusion
Humanitarian Sector Familiarity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of University of Oxford. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.

Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Senior Programme Manager (Professional Pathways Pillar, Refugee-Led Research Hub), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.

Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.

How to prepare for a job interview at University of Oxford

Show Your Passion for Social Change

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 University of Oxford. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.

Highlight Project Experience

We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.

Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices

Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.

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Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!