Senior Governance Officer (Maternity cover) 12 months FTC

Contract type: 12 months fixed term contract

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom

Hours: 35

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 primary purpose of this role is to provide support to the Head of Governance and wider governance team to ensure Governance and committee management and core governance duties are delivered to a high standard and within a timely manner, which includes provision of senior support to the governance officers within the team. In addition, this post holder will hold their own portfolio of Board subcommittees to oversee and manage, and will deputise for the Head of Governance during any absence.

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.  

The Governance Directorate also has responsibility for core compliance and assurance activities, including areas such as:

• Maintaining the University’s constitutional arrangements
• Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
• Centralised management of policies, procedures and guidelines
• 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 Honorary Awards and Emeritus Titles
• Management of public complaints and whistleblowing concerns raised
• Other core governance functions, including management of the gift and hospitality register and contact for University-wide subscriptions.

About you

We are looking for someone who has:

• Strong stakeholder management skills with excellent communication skills (including oral and written skills and verbal reasoning), with ability to work effectively with own team as well as all levels of organisations.
• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability including situational management to enable development of improvements.
• Ability to adapt and work to quality under tight timescales whilst also meeting multiple requirements.
• Ability to identify, develop and implement initiatives for improvements in processes, working arrangements, culture etc.
• Ability to demonstrate commitment to working as part of a team whilst also able to demonstrate initiative in supporting management.  

How to apply: 

Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement. 

Closing date: 6^th September 2026 at 11:59pm

Interviews to be held: Week commencing 21^st September 2026

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