Projects & Events Administrator, African Cities Research Consortium

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Projects and Events Administrator within the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC). This role offers an exciting opportunity to support a large, internationally recognised research programme led from the Global Development Institute, School of Environment, Education and Development, Faculty of Humanities.

ACRC is a £24.78m research programme funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), working with partners across Africa to improve living conditions, services and life chances in rapidly changing cities. You will join the programme during an exciting implementation phase, supporting action research and delivery across five cities: Accra, Harare, Kampala, Lagos and Nairobi.

You will be responsible for:

• Coordinating complex travel arrangements and accommodation for staff, partners and visitors, ensuring compliance with University and FCDO policies
• Organising and supporting UK‑based and international meetings, workshops and events (in‑person, online and hybrid), including logistics, documentation and on‑the‑day support
• Providing high‑quality administrative support to senior stakeholders, including diary management, document preparation and maintaining trackers and filing systems
• Supporting finance and procurement processes, including expense claims, requisitions, invoices and casual worker timesheets
• Assisting with due diligence checks and straightforward consultancy contracts, working closely with International Project Managers

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience organising meetings, events and complex travel arrangements
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• High attention to detail, discretion and a commitment to excellent customer service

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working in Higher Education or supporting research projects
• Experience supporting international programmes or partnerships
• An interest in international development

We value transferable skills, adaptability and a positive, solution‑focused approach as much as formal qualifications.

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer pension contribution
• Christmas closure in addition to annual leave and bank holidays
• Purple Place employee discount platform

For more information, please see
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/connect/jobs/benefits-working-here/.
You can also find information on Flexible and Hybrid working here:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/people/current-staff/flexible-and-hybrid-working/.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy:
https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=32905.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews
Name: Clarisse Erana
Email Address: clarisse.erana@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries and administrative support
recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk

Technical and job portal support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.