Programme Leader

Think Pacific; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

ThinkEurope is launching Madrid programmes in 2027 and is seeking enthusiastic Programme Leaders to support UK Further Education students during their international experience in Spain.

As a Programme Leader you will oversee day-to-day experience, safety and wellbeing, lead educational activities, cultural visits and group travel around Madrid, working with ThinkEurope staff and local partners to deliver a safe, memorable visit.

Qualifications

• Native or fluent Spanish.
• Fluent English at C1 level or above.
• Experience working with young people, students or groups.
• Experience in group leadership, education, youth work, travel, activities, hospitality or another people-focused environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Confidence managing group dynamics and addressing minor behavioural issues.
• An understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and student welfare.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when plans change or unexpected situations arise.
• Good digital skills, including familiarity with Google Workspace.
• Flexibility to work varied hours during programme delivery periods.
• The ability to spend extended periods walking, standing and travelling around Madrid.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily activities, educational visits, cultural experiences and excursions in line with the programme itinerary.
• Keep students organised, motivated and engaged while managing schedules, transport and group movements around Madrid.
• Provide approachable pastoral support, helping students navigate a new environment and manage challenges such as homesickness or anxiety.
• Follow established safety procedures, deliver safety briefings, monitor student wellbeing and report or escalate concerns accordingly.
• Work collaboratively with programme managers, college staff, local partners and activity providers.
• Maintain attendance records, document incidents, gather student feedback and contribute to programme evaluations.
• Support student welcomes, transfers, accommodation arrangements, initial briefings and safe departures.

Skills

Spanish (native/fluént)

English (C1)

Youth work

Group leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Safeguarding knowledge

Flexibility

Google Workspace

Calm under pressure

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Location: Madrid, Spain (hybrid, with regular travel across the city)

Contract: Fixed-term

Salary: €20,000 per annum

Start date: January 2027 and March 2027 (multiple positions available)

End date: 19 July 2027

About ThinkEurope

ThinkEurope is a specialist provider of international education and mobility programmes across Europe, powered by Think Pacific. We design and deliver Erasmus+, Turing Scheme and bespoke international mobility experiences for colleges, schools and universities.

Our programmes combine education, industry, culture and sustainability to help students develop confidence, employability and global citizenship.

As we launch our Madrid programmes in 2027, we are looking for enthusiastic and responsible Programme Leaders to support UK Further Education students during their international experience in Spain.

About the role

As a Programme Leader, you will oversee the day-to-day experience, safety and wellbeing of a group of UK Further Education students throughout their programme in Madrid.

You will lead educational activities, cultural visits, excursions and group travel, helping students engage with Spanish culture, develop independence and make the most of their time abroad.

Working closely with the ThinkEurope team, accompanying college staff and local partners, you will help ensure programmes run smoothly and deliver a safe, positive and memorable experience.

This is a hands-on, people-focused role suited to someone who enjoys working with young people, leading groups and adapting to the practical challenges of an international environment.

Key responsibilities

• Programme delivery: Lead daily activities, educational visits, cultural experiences and excursions in line with the programme itinerary.
• Group leadership: Keep students organised, motivated and engaged while managing schedules, transport and group movements around Madrid.
• Student welfare: Provide approachable pastoral support, helping students navigate a new environment and manage challenges such as homesickness or anxiety.
• Health, safety and safeguarding: Follow established procedures, deliver safety briefings, monitor student wellbeing and report or escalating concerns appropriately.
• Communication and teamwork: Work collaboratively with programme managers, college staff, local partners and activity providers.
• Administration and reporting: Maintain attendance records, document incidents, gather student feedback and contribute to programme evaluations.
• Arrivals and departures: Support student welcomes, transfers, accommodation arrangements, initial briefings and safe departures.

We are looking for candidates who are positive, reliable, adaptable and confident working with young people.

Applicants must have:

• Native or fluent Spanish.
• Fluent English at C1 level or above.
• Experience working with young people, students or groups.
• Experience in group leadership, education, youth work, travel, activities, hospitality or another people-focused environment.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Confidence managing group dynamics and addressing minor behavioural issues.
• An understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and student welfare.
• The ability to remain calm and professional when plans change or unexpected situations arise.
• Good digital skills, including familiarity with Google Workspace.
• Flexibility to work varied hours during programme delivery periods.
• The ability to spend extended periods walking, standing and travelling around Madrid.

Candidates should be proactive, culturally aware and comfortable taking responsibility while recognising when issues need to be escalated to senior colleagues.