Transitions Coordinator: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Project Coordinator to join the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge, to manage a Scholar Transition Project. The goal of the Transition Project is to facilitate Scholar's transition into the workforce for impact, across Africa and beyond.

The person appointed to this role will support the programme in achieving the strategic aim of supporting Mastercard Foundation scholars secure engagement they see as dignified and fulfilling, after graduation. The Transitions Coordinator will play a vital role in bridging the gap between academic learning and the professional world, assisting students equip themselves with the skills required to succeed in their careers. This role will be responsible for managing the four pathways that make up the transition project. These include graduate placements, further studies (PhD), direct employment, and entrepreneurship & job creation.

This role requires a significant amount of independent thinking and carries a high level of responsibility and oversight over student engagements. The successful applicant will have strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with students, employers and other stakeholders. They would be very proactive, results oriented and flexible in their approach to work. Previous career service experience in a higher education environment would be advantageous.

The role is offered on a part-time basis (0.8 FTE, 4 working days/per week). The contract is open-ended, subject to funding. In the first instance, the funding for this post ends on 31 July 2030.

Main Responsibilities

Partnership Building and Employer Engagement: The role holder is expected to nurture existing partnerships with a wide range of industry partners.

Coordination: The role holder will manage all aspects of the placement project and serve as the point of contact for all transition inquiries. They will resolve issues arising from projects and identify issues that should be escalated.

Planning and organising: The role holder will liaise with colleagues in the career service to organise workshops and events focused on career development, job search strategies, interview skills, job readiness, and employability skills enhancement.

Budget management: They would plan, manage and track budget expenditure in relation to transitions activities for Scholars.

Your Skills

Excellent organisational ability, extensive administrative experience, and good inter-personal skills.

Ability to take initiative, pro-active and result oriented.

Previous experience of careers work in a Higher Education setting.

Previous experience creating and nurturing industry partnerships with organisations with a global reach.

In return we will offer you

A Professional development plan to include University training courses, to encourage growth.

A supportive, inclusive and engaging hybrid working environment.

Additional information regarding the role can be found within the Further Particulars. When applying, please upload your CV and cover letter which clearly sets out how you meet the criteria listed in the person specification of the Further Particulars (the knowledge, skills, and experience required for the role) along with relevant examples. Candidates will be shortlisted and invited to interview based upon these criteria.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to: Leonide Azah Awah, Programme Manager: Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme (Azah.Awah@admin.cam.ac.uk)

The closing date for applications is: 10th December 2024

The interview dates for the role are: 16th/17th December 2024

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact SSCjobs@admin.cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference AT43728 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information

Further Particulars

Apply online