Senior Programme Manager, Academic Pillar (Refugee-Led Research Hub)University

Location: Queen Elizabeth House, 3 Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3TB.

The Oxford Department of International Development (ODID) is seeking to recruit a Senior Programme Manager, Academic Pillar who will be working within the Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH), based in the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC).

As RLRH expands its global reach and programme portfolio, we are seeking an experienced senior leader to oversee and develop our Academic Pillar. Managing a team of 8+ colleagues across multiple locations, the Senior Programme Manager, Academic Success will lead efforts to achieve RLRH’s goal of supporting 1,000 refugee and displacement-affected learners to enrol in master’s degrees worldwide by 2028. The role will drive the scaling and strategic development of the academic access portfolio, strengthening the systems and structures needed to deliver programmes effectively at scale.

The position is offered full time Full-time 37.5 hours per week and Fixed-term until 30 September 2028 (with possibility of extension subject to further funding).

The successful candidate will hold a postgraduate degree or have equivalent professional experience. They will have proven experience delivering organisational strategy through programme design, planning, resource management, and performance oversight. The ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and take accountability within specialist programme areas is essential.

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.  As part of your online application, you will be asked to upload:

1.      CV (no more than 3 pages)

2.      Cover letter addressing the following points

a.      Why this leadership role with RLRH is the right fit for you at this stage in your career.

b.      How your experience aligns with the key responsibilities and selection criteria.

c.      Confirmation of your availability to work from the Oxford office for a minimum of three days per week.

d.      A note contextualising your submitted work sample (see below)

3.     One work product - in part or in full - that you led the development of and that is relevant to the responsibilities of the role. Where appropriate, this work product could also take the form of a writing sample.

Only applications received before 12 midday on Monday, 19 October 2026 can be considered.

£49,119 to £58,265 per annum