Senior Governance Officer x2

SOAS, University of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Learning and development

Health and well-being initiatives

Enhanced family leave

Employee assistance programme

Discounted gym membership

Job summary

SOAS University of London is seeking a Senior Governance Officer (Maternity cover) in the Legal and Governance department. The role provides support to the Head of Governance and the governance team, ensuring timely delivery of board and committee management duties.

The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of Board subcommittees, deputise for the Head of Governance when needed, and help maintain compliance and risk management processes across the Directorate.

Qualifications

• Strong stakeholder management with excellent communication at all levels.
• Analytical and problem-solving capability with situational management.
• Ability to work to quality under tight timescales.
• Ability to identify and implement initiatives for improvements in processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to the Head of Governance and wider governance team, ensuring high-standard delivery of governance duties.
• Hold own portfolio of Board subcommittees to oversee and manage.
• Deputise for the Head of Governance during any absence.
• Support governance and committee management and core governance activities across the Directorate.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Work under pressure

Process improvement

Teamwork

Job description

Job title:Senior Governance Officer(Maternity cover)

Department:Legal and Governance

Contract Type:12 months FTC or12 months Secondment Opportunity for SOAS employees only.

Grade: 7

Salary:£44,073to £51,483per annum inclusive of London Allowance

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 leadingrole 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.

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 well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement:Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
• Flexible Working Arrangements:We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
• Generous occupational pension scheme:To provide financial security for your future
• Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Health and Well-being Initiatives:Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
• Enhanced Family Leave:We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
• Employee Assistance Programme:Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
• Discounted Gym Membership:Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.

Closing date: 26th October2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Interviews to be held: 5th November 2026

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.

SOAS employees interested in applying for this role as a secondment opportunity are encouraged to discuss the possibility with their current line manager before submitting an application.

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

We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working-class, first-generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.

We have already considered your application if you applied for this role when it was advertised in September 2026. Thank you.

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

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