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About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Project Officer to support the work of Charters and Benchmarks in delivering the university’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities. You will be responsible for proactively supporting the Race Equality Charter (REC) Project Lead to manage the university’s commitment and priorities to the REC and developing and coordinating a range of engagement and insight activities (for example presentations, research, reports, workshops and focus groups) related to the REC for stakeholders across the University. You will also work closely with colleagues from university faculties, schools and professional units in addition to committees, steering groups, staff networks.
Funded by Medr’s (Medr) Anti-Racism funding, you will have specific responsibility in supporting the delivery of Welsh Government strategic priorities, specifically the Wales Anti-racist Action Plan. Working closely with colleagues in Wales as well the central EDI team, you will take a holistic approach to recognise how race and ethnicity intersect with other protected characteristics and societal groups and issues, planning and delivering activity aligned with this.
Please note: This is a 1 year fixed term contract position. There is a possibility that this role will be extended beyond 1 year, however this cannot be guaranteed at this time.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactively support the REC Project Lead in the continuing development and compliance of equality charters, benchmarking, projects and submissions
- Through good project management drive accountability and continual progress of the REC project and submission actions by building and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders across the university
- Proactively contribute to the effective outcomes of the EDI team and REC committees by providing executive support including being a first point of contact for enquiries in relation to the REC charter attending relevant meetings, preparing agendas and papers, diary management and note taking
- Support the embedding of anti-racist policies and practices, aligning activity to meet the expectations of the Welsh Government’s Anti-racist Wales Action Plan
- Design and co-ordinate events such as workshops and focus groups sessions.
- Using a range of data and sources including desktop research, contribute to the development of evidence-based papers, policies, briefing notes, presentations and reports
- Work with Communications colleagues to develop and deliver appropriate and timely communications plans to staff and students throughout the lifecycle of a project or related activities
- Undertake other duties which may be required including contribution to other charter work.
- Support the Race Equality Project Lead with the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data to support the race equality work.
About You
Essential:
- Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to understanding racism, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, equity, and inclusion.
- Experience in leading or supporting projects, initiatives, or accreditation frameworks related to race, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Proven ability to solve problems through analytical thinking and evidence-based decision-making, utilising both quantitative and qualitative data.
- Excellent organisational, project management, and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet competing deadlines.
- Exceptional interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills (both verbal and written) including the ability to develop and deliver presentations, reports, and briefings tailored to stakeholders with diverse levels of understanding and objectives.
- Strong ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, managing personal workload efficiently.
- Relevant work experience or qualifications at RQF Level 6 (England and Northern Ireland), SCQF level 9 or10 (Scotland), CQFW Level 6 (Wales) and NFQ level 7 or 8 (Ireland).
Desirable:
- Experience of the Higher Education sector
- Knowledge of the Race Equality Charter and an understanding of race equality issues and intersectionality of race with other protected characteristics
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
This is a remote role, however occasional attendance (approximatley once per quarter) may be required on site in Milton Keynes, and Cardiff however any travel costs will be covered.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
Shortlisting will take place on the 5 December 2025, with interviews likely to take place on the 15 December 2025.
Early closing date notification
We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):
- CV
- Alongside your application, you will be asked to answer 8 supporting questions. Each answer should be no more than 200 words. These questions are part of the application form and will appear when you click "apply" and submit your CV.
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English. Please state if you would like to use Welsh in an interview or any other type of assessment. We will provide an interpreter if one is required.
