Programme Manager

Our vision is of a world better led, a world better served and a world better governed. We are a global school committed to improving the quality of government and public policy making worldwide, through three routes: teaching current and future leaders; generating research with impact; and engaging with governments and practitioners.

The Blavatnik School of Government is a collaborative, friendly, and dynamic department based in an award-winning building in Oxford. We host regular events with leading global figures, all of which are open to staff. On the social side, we have regular staff coffee/cake mornings, a family-friendly Halloween event, and Christmas and summer parties.

As an employer, we genuinely care about our employees’ wellbeing, and this is reflected in the range of benefits that we offer including:

• 38 days’ annual leave
• Family leave schemes and a comprehensive range of childcare services
• Cycle loan scheme and discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans
• Membership to a variety of social and sports clubs
• Opportunities for remote working.

More information about working at the School can be found on our jobs page .

The post-holder will manage the operational planning, coordination and delivery of the DFAT project and other assigned projects within the What Works Hub for Global Education, ensuring objectives, budgets and deadlines are met. They will oversee project plans, budgets, resources and risks, working with academic, technical and operational colleagues to support effective programme delivery.

Working collaboratively with international partners, funders and colleagues across the University, the post-holder will coordinate project activities, oversee donor reporting and contractual requirements, and provide financial and operational analysis to support informed decision-making. They will also contribute to governance, funding proposals and programme planning, while identifying opportunities to improve project management processes, efficiency and accountability.

You will have an undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience, together with excellent project management, organisational and communication skills. You will have experience managing research or policy projects, delivering complex activities on time and within budget, reporting to donors on major multi-country projects, and contributing to funding proposals.

You will have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build effective relationships, exercise sound judgement and manage competing priorities independently. You will demonstrate tact, discretion, flexibility and attention to detail, with experience of line management and a commitment to the missions of the Blavatnik School of Government and What Works Hub for Global Education.

The closing date for applications is12 noon (UK time) on Monday, 16 November 2026.

Our work will directly affect up to 3 million children, and reach up to 17 million more through its influence.

A group of strategic partners, consortium partners, researchers, policymakers, practitioners and professionals working together.

Share our goal of literacy, numeracy and other key skills for all children ? Follow us , work with us or join us at an event .