RKE Funding Assurance Manager

School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London; City Of London; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in London seeks an experienced RKE Funding Assurance Manager to lead financial management and compliance for externally funded projects. The successful candidate will design systems for transparency and compliance, collaborating across departments to uphold standards. This strategic role offers competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including generous holidays and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Generous Holiday Entitlement

Flexible Working Arrangements

Occupational pension scheme

Learning and Development opportunities

Health and well-being initiatives

Enhanced Family Leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted Gym Membership

Qualifications

• Experience in financial management and compliance.
• Ability to translate complex funding regulations into guidance.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial management for RKE projects.
• Design robust systems for transparency and compliance.
• Collaborate with academics and audit teams.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Financial compliance expertise

Leadership in cross-functional environments

Problem-solving

Job description

Overview

Job title: RKE Funding Assurance Manager

Department: Research and Knowledge Exchange Directorate

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: 8

Salary: £51,248.57 - £60,268.57 per annum Inclusive of London Allowance

Location: Bloomsbury

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.

What We're Looking For

• A strategic thinker with deep expertise in financial compliance and assurance.
• A collaborative leader who thrives in cross-functional environments.
• A proactive problem-solver with a passion for continuous improvement.
• Someone who can translate complex funding regulations into clear, actionable guidance

About the Department

Join SOAS as our RKE Funding Assurance Manager - Where Strategy Meets Impact!

Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the future of research and knowledge exchange at one of the world's most forward-thinking institutions? SOAS is seeking a dynamic, detail-driven RKE Funding Assurance Manager to champion financial integrity and compliance across a rapidly growing portfolio of externally funded projects - projected to reach £24 million annually by 2030.

This is more than a finance role. It's a strategic position at the heart of SOAS's research mission, ensuring every pound of funding is maximised, every audit is flawless, and every project is delivered with precision and purpose.

What you'll do in the role

• Lead the charge on financial management for all externally funded RKE projects.
• Design and implement robust systems that ensure transparency, compliance, and operational excellence.
• Collaborate across SOAS, working with academics, researchers, funders, and audit teams to uphold the highest standards.
• Drive innovation in funding assurance, shaping policy and practice to support world-class research.
• Be the expert on funder terms and conditions, ensuring SOAS remains audit-ready and future-proof.

You can find further information on the key criteria for the role in the Job Description and Person Specification, along with a full list of duties and responsibilities, which can be found on the SOAS website

What We Offer

We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your wellbeing and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 closure days over Christmas and Easter).
• Flexible Working Arrangements: Options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments.
• Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future.
• Learning and Development: Diverse opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives: Cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan.
• Enhanced Family Leave: Enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Confidential support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership: Access to discounted gym membership.

How to Apply

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

Closing date: 8th October 2025

Interviews to be held: TBC

Use of AI

While AI tools can be beneficial, we value the personal touch and authenticity in job applications. We encourage you to highlight your unique experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, ensuring all information is accurate. Please use AI tools responsibly and with integrity throughout the application and selection process.

Further information

Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.

If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS

For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.