Interim Director of Chevening Secretariat
£57,187 - £66,149
Fixed term maternity cover contract
35 hours per week
London WC1H 9HF (currently working remotely)
Closing date: 2nd March 2021 12pm
Interview date: 15th – 16th March 2021

Are you an experienced leader looking for an opportunity to lead a high-profile global educational programme? 

The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) is looking for a dynamic and experienced individual to lead and manage the Chevening Secretariat responsible for the administration of the Chevening Awards Programme.  Chevening is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s flagship international scholarships and fellowships programme, and has been delivered by the ACU since 2012.  

The ACU is an international organisation dedicated to building a better world through higher education.

We believe that international collaboration is central to this ambition. By bringing universities together from around the world – and crucially the people who study and work within them - we help to advance knowledge, promote understanding, broaden minds, and improve lives.

We champion higher education as a cornerstone of stronger societies, supporting our members, partners, and stakeholders as they adapt to a changing world. Part of this includes our distinguished reputation for managing prestigious and internationally renowned scholarship schemes, including Chevening. 

The successful candidate will be responsible for the delivery of one of our key government contracts, leading the largest team (approximately 50) in the organisation. You will manage the client relationship with the FCDO on behalf of the ACU and work closely with government to ensure delivery against objectives. You will work closely with the Head of the Scholarships Unit at the FCDO who has overall responsibility for the programme and manages the contract with the ACU. 

The Chevening Programme develops and adapts to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.  To this end, your work will entail advising the FCDO on strategy and objectives for the programme, and in wider areas of international education/scholarship and soft power. You will also identify new opportunities for developing the programme, and represent Chevening and the ACU at ministerial, national and international meetings. 

We welcome applicants from other organisations who would be interested in the role on a temporary secondment basis.

Our benefits include 31 days holiday per year (including 4 Christmas closure days) plus bank holidays, competitive pension scheme (10% employer contribution plus 5% employee contribution), season ticket loan and excellent support for learning and development through a range of educational and networking activities.

At the ACU, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of gender, race, religion, marital status, disability, age, and sexual orientation. 

As Director of Chevening you will be employed by ACU Trading Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary. 

The ACU is currently working remotely, but once we have transitioned back to office working the successful candidate would split their time between the ACU offices and the FCDO’s Scholarships Unit. This role requires FCDO security clearance, the process for which will be undertaken on behalf of the appointee by the FCDO. The FCDO policy is that eligibility for security clearance at the required level for this role requires 5 years’ continuous residence in the UK

The ACU is committed to Safeguarding, reinforcing a culture of zero tolerance towards any form of inappropriate behaviour, abuse and harassment. All staff are required to share in this commitment through complying with our Safeguarding policy and code of conduct and undertaking Safeguarding training. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work with us.