Governance Officer

Job title: Governance Officer

Department: Legal and Governance

Contract Type: Permanent

Grade: 6

Salary: £35,749.57 to £42,207.57 per annum, inclusive of London Allowance

Location: Bloomsbury, Camden, Greater London, United Kingdom

Hours: 35 per week (Hybrid working with 3 days in the office)

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 Governance Officer provides the committee support as well as secretariat for several sub-committees of the Board of Trustees, working closely with Committee Chairs and senior managers for both academic departments and professional services. 

The Governance Officers within the team will have individual committee portfolios allocated in addition to support of core  governance work.  It is imperative that as a team, the Governance Officers work collaboratively as a multidisciplinary team to provide a seamless Governance service to the University, and will provide cross cover in order to deliver a high standard of service.

Governance Officers are collectively required to provide an onsite presence five days per week during core hours, and it is mandatory to attend allocated Committee meetings in person.

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
• 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 public complaints and whistleblowing concerns raised.

About you:

We invite candidates from the following backgrounds to consider this role, including:

• Senior administrators who have experience of working at an Executive level in a medium to large organisation - such as Executive assistants, office managers, project coordinators.
• Early‑Career Governance or Compliance Professionals who have worked in governance support or public administration roles - such as Governance assistants, compliance officers, paralegals.
• Process‑Improvement Professionals for those who enjoy refining systems, improving workflows, and ensuring organisational efficiency such as business analysts, operations coordinators, project managers.”

In addition, we are looking for someone who has:

• Excellent communication skills, including oral and written skills and verbal reasoning
• Excellent organisational skills, able to prioritise and work to tight timescales
• Strong stakeholder management skills, able to work with all levels of organisations including senior management

• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability both with situational management as well as with written information

• Able to demonstrate commitment to working as part of a team but able to work on own initiative.

What We Offer:

• Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure 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.

How to Apply: 

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

Closing date:  29th March 2026 at 11:59 p.m.                              

Interviews to be held: 15/16th April 2026

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.