In-Country Representative Assistant at the University of Kent

The University of Kent is a leading UK institution with an excellent reputation for outstanding teaching, strong research and international links. There are many new initiatives underway to build on existing strengths, such as Signature Research Themes, the Institute for Cultural and Creative Industries and the Kent and Medway Medical School.

The University is continuing to look to the future whilst responding to sector-wide challenges. Kent has set out a vision and strategy that builds upon strong foundations in education, student experience and research, embracing flexibility and growth to ensure a sustainable future for our community, and to enable the University to further its position and navigate these challenges successfully.

As part of this, we’re reshaping our operating model to ensure our directorates and academic divisions are effective, efficient and focused sharply on delivering the University’s ambition to be a leading civic university; delivering an outstanding student experience, outcomes, and world-leading research.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: In-Country Representative Assistant

Reference ID: O4190xx - Tx
Location: Intake Education Abuja office
Employment Type: Full time
Contract: Ongoing
Responsible to: International Officer and Intake Country Management
Responsible for: Activities: Representing the University at recruitment events in Nigeria andcarrying out conversion campaigns
Job Family: Administration, Professional & Managerial
Department: International Recruitment
Expected Start Date: 15th June, 2022.

Job Purpose

• The In Country Representative will be an employee of INTAKE in Nigeria with the sole purpose of supporting the University of Kent.
• The post holder will have close contact with INTAKE agency staff; the International Recruitment team, in particular the In Country Officer (Nigeria) based in Lagos, Nigeria, the International Officer (Africa) based on the Canterbury campus in the UK and all members of University staff involved with international student recruitment and marketing.
• This position is an exciting opportunity to raise our profile in Nigeria and develop our global network of international schools, feeder institutions and agents to enhance Kent’s reputation and increase international student opportunities for the University.
• Activity will focus on the expansion of the crucial Nigerian market, attracting potential undergraduate and postgraduate students and the conversion of applicants into enrolled students as well as providing year-round support and advice for all relevant stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities
The following are the main accountabilities for the job. Other duties, commensurate with the grading of the job, may also be assigned from time to time:

• Maximise recruitment from the region by attending online and in-person education events to ensure student recruitment targets and objectives are met.
• Develop strong working relationships with applicants and provide a high level of customer service to maximise conversion of high quality students to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
• Participate in organising visits by members of University of Kent staff to Nigeria
• Maintain and develop productive relationships with colleagues in INTAKE and across the University
• Support the work of the In Country Officer (Nigeria) and International Officer (Africa) and carry out other duties commensurate with the post that maybe assigned by the International Officer (Africa).

Key Challenges and Decisions:
The following provide an overview of the most challenging or complex parts of the role and the degree of autonomy that exists:

• The role holder will be expected to work autonomously, especially when on university trips with minimal guidance from the University or INTAKE
• The post holder should have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the University, entry requirements and visa regulations to effectively respond to a wide range of queries and advise potential students regarding their choice of university and course
• Organising and undertaking travel, often alone, to represent the University through various activities including: exhibitions, presentations, conversion events, agent visits and other activities and meetings appropriate to student recruitment in Nigeria. Events are often held outside typical working hours eg at weekends and evenings
• Participate in significant numbers of outbound telephone conversion campaigns to move enquirers and applicants through the application process

Facts & Figures

• The post holder will be expected to contribute to achieving the yearly recruitment targets from Nigeria at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. These are set on each year in line with the International Recruitment strategy.
• We would expect a significant number of events to be attended both online and in person.

Note: There are a number of busy periods within this role and some degree of flexibility around working hours and holidays will be required. Some evening and weekend work is to be expected.

Internal & External Relationships
Internal:

• International Recruitment, INTAKE, MORA Directorate, Marketing & Recruitment Managers, Academic staff, current Nigerian students, International Programmes.

External:

• International Schools, Language Schools, Colleges, Universities, Private education providers, UK based Embassy staff, Funding bodies, Agents, Exhibition and Event organisers, University of Kent alumni.

The role holder is expected to demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion; promoting collaboration and positive partnerships, working harmoniously with colleagues, students and other stakeholders of all cultures and backgrounds.

Health, Safety & Wellbeing Considerations
This job involves undertaking duties which include the following health, safety and wellbeing considerations:

• Working in isolation
• Regular use of Screen Display Equipment
• Conflict resolution
• There may be a requirement to work evenings and weekends.
• Overseas travel is a requirement of the role.

Person Specification
The person specification details the necessary skills, qualifications, experience or other attributes needed to carry out the job. Applications will be measured against the criteria published below. Selection panels will be looking for clear evidence and examples in an application, or cover letter (where applicable), which back-up any assertions made in relation to each criterion.

You’ll be able to demonstrate the following Skills, Experience, Abilities and Personal Interests:

Salary

• Fixed.
• Salary Scale: On appointment.

Application Closing Date
21st May, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and Cover Letter to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note

• Interviews will be held one week after the closing date
• Send CV & Covering letter in PDF as one document (not separately)
• Only Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.