In-country Desk Officers at the University of Southampton - UKEAS

UKEAS is an education consultancy which provides free, impartial counselling and application services for international students wishing to study at high schools, colleges and universities in the United Kingdom. The business was founded in Taiwan in 1993, and since then has helped thousands of students to study in the UK. The organisation has grown considerably and has offices in Taiwan, China, Vietnam, the Philippines and Nigeria; as well as a base in the UK.

University of Southampton
The University of Southampton has a global reputation for academic excellence and is recognised as one of the UK's top 20 research universities. A founder member of the Russell Group of leading UK research universities as well as the WUN (Worldwide University Network), Southampton is consistently highly ranked in the UK and World league tables.

Since receiving a Royal Charter in 1952, the University has expanded significantly and built a strong national and international reputation for research and teaching excellence.

The University of Southampton offers first-rate opportunities and facilities for study and research across a wide range of subjects including law, arts, humanities, social sciences, medicine, health science, engineering and mathematics. Our researchers are addressing a wealth of challenges with global impact including food security, bio-fuel technology, reducing carbon emissions, developing new approaches to the treatment of blood cancer, accessibility of government data, web science and bringing electricity to remote communities. Three of our professors featured in The Times "100 most important figures in British Science."

Another element key to our success is our focus on enterprise. The University is in the top three world-wide for our spin-out companies and our impressive record includes companies such as Fibercore (Cisco) whose optical fibres drawn at the University navigate 95 per cent of commercial airliners, the Hubble Telescope and the Mars Rovers.

Southampton is a thriving modern city, steeped in history and culture. Just over an hour south of London, Southampton has excellent transport links with the rest of the UK.

Southampton is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: In-country Desk Officer (Full time)

Ref: UKEAS 06:14
Location: UKEAS branch Lagos
Contract: Fixed term (one-year) with extension option
Responsible to: Regional Director with responsibility for Nigeria at Southampton and the UKEAS Country Director.

Job Purpose

• This position is an exciting and novel opportunity to work with an established and highly regarded UK institution whilst also developing a vital and strategic role within UKEAS, one of the University's key worldwide agencies. The job focuses on the expansion of the crucial Nigerian market, conversion of already high application numbers from both potential undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as providing year-round specific support and advice for all referred applicants.
• Management of this position will be the responsibility of the Regional Director who has responsibility for the Nigerian market; however any potential disputes or disciplinary matters should be raised with the Assistant Director for possible action.
• The in-country Desk Officer will be an employee of UKEAS in Nigeria with the sole purpose of supporting the University of Southampton. The post holder will therefore have close contact with UKEAS agency staff, the Recruitment and International Relations Department, members of University academic staff along with those involved with international recruitment, admissions and our foundation programmes.

Key Accountabilities / Primary Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the relevant International Officer responsible for Nigeria and the Regional Director within the Recruitment and International Relations Department, to contribute to the recruitment of international students, including assisting with marketing plans for recruitment, building up expert cultural knowledge, market intelligence and relationships with key influencers.
• To carry out visits to support the University's links with schools, language schools, colleges and universities in Nigeria whom have a significant student base that are considering furthering their education in the UK.
• To maximise international student recruitment and profile raising opportunities for the University; to undertake domestic and if necessary, international travel as required at education exhibitions, schools and events in Nigeria and other target countries within Africa.
• In conjunction with UKEAS staff and the relevant International Officer within the Recruitment and International Relations Department, to manage the admissions and support of international students, including communicating with enquirers, applicants and academic colleagues to achieve high rates of conversion to registration.

Key Duties

• To be a competent and professional representative of the University of Southampton in all dealings with customers and, handle any enquiries in an expert and timely manner.
• To keep informed and adjust to new developments relating to the University, as expected of all academic and non-academic staff .
• To generate new applications for the University of Southampton through the UKEAS network.
• To manage the conversion of referred applications with offers, offering a local contact point with advice and counselling for the rest of the application process.
• To work with the Faculty Admissions Offices at the University of Southampton to ensure the complete application process runs as smoothly as possible.
• To give professional one-to-one attention to prospective students and their parents and submit a weekly report on the status of all applications (referrals and UKEAS generated).
• To provide expert visa advice and to manage the application process to ensure no visa refusals.
• To assist in the preparation of University of Southampton visits to Nigeria, including promotional activity and contacting of existing enquirers and applicants.
• To liaise with UKEAS colleagues in all the Nigeria offices to ensure high visibility of University of Southampton's offering.
• To participate and feed into University of Southampton's Nigeria conversion strategies.
• To represent the University at promotional events such as recruitment fairs, exhibitions, conferences and school visits in Nigeria, and on occasion, other countries (subject to visa restrictions).
• Travel extensively across Nigeria to conduct student interviews sessions, pre-departure briefings and counselling at agents' and partners' offices when necessary. To manage a range of PR activities in Nigeria to increase brand awareness and market visibility.
• To act as a key contact and keep up to date with changes in regulations that may affect application figures.
• To Gather and disseminate market intelligence and opportunities in Nigeria to both UKEAS and the University.
• To assist with the creation of interesting and up-to-date content for the University's social media feeds including Facebook and Twitter.
• Undertake projects relevant to the University's objectives, to be decided as and when necessary.
• To fulfil any other duties as appropriate within their competence, as required by the University from time to time.

Internal & External Relationships

Internal:

• Recruitment and International Relations, UKEAS, Faculty Admissions Teams, Accommodation, Marketing and Communications, Alumni and Development, , School Marketing Officers, and The Centre for Language Studies.

External:

• International schools, colleges, universities, private education providers, funding bodies, Embassies, British Council, agents and University of Southampton alumni to increase the University's international profile and numbers of international students.

Person Specification

• The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to carry out the job.
• Applications are assessed against each of the criteria either at application or interview stage. Applications will be deemed unsuccessful if an essential criterion is not met.
• This may also help you self-select if you are suitable for the role.

Qualifications / Training
Desirable:

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent qualification).
• UK educated (preferably degree level).
• Marketing qualification

Experience / Knowledge

• Proven experience in international student recruitment
• Cultural awareness of UK and experience in dealing with international organisations
• Previous experience in a busy/pressured environment
• Knowledge of student recruitment markets
• Knowledge of key stakeholders including British Council, UKCISA, UCAS, CIS and EnglishUK
• Recruitment marketing or sales background
• Experience with working with international recruitment agencies
• Fluency in foreign languages
• Knowledge of the International Schools sector both overseas and in the UK
• Detailed understanding of UK Immigration policy and procedures, especially with regard to language testing and progression requirements
• Knowledge of Nigerian providers of Foundation and alternative University preparation qualifications

Skills / Abilities

• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages
• Proven ability to combine strategic thinking with attention to detail
• Ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences both in writing and orally, including strong presentation skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Ability to work efficiently, accurately and calmly under pressure
• Ability to work well within a team to achieve UKEAS  s objectives
• Project management skills.
• Budget management skills

Additional Attributes:

• Goal orientated and highly motivated
• A flexible approach to work
• Flexibility and willingness to undertake regular travel in Nigeria and, on occasion, overseas including flexibility of evenings and weekends
• Ability to empathise with the purpose and values of the University and to work effectively with academic staff and students
• Potential and motivation to develop a successful career in higher education

Application Closing Date
23rd June, 2014.

How to Apply
Interested Applicants that meets up with the job criteria are advised to send an updated version of their Resume along with a one page cover letter to: [email protected]

Click here for more information

Note: Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.