In Country Representative (SOAS University of London) at IDP Education Ltd

Role purpose

• The in-country representative (ICR) will be an employee of IDP in Nigeria with the sole purpose of supporting SOAS University of London. Working under the day-to-day operational supervision of the Partnerships Manager, the post will support the recruitment activities of the university in the region in line with the University’s strategic recruitment goals.
• The ICR will generate leads through local market activities, such as outreach activities and attending student exhibitions. In addition, the ICR supports the conversion of student leads from the University and IDP colleagues through to application and enrolment.
• The post holder will have close contact with IDP agency staff; the Student Recruitment team, in particular, the International Recruitment Manager (Sub-Saharan Africa) 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 the school'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

• Assist in the development and implementation of the international marketing and recruitment strategy to ensure international student recruitment targets and objectives are met.
• Undertake travel as required 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 and on occasion to other countries.
• Provide professional customer-focused service to students, parents and their advisors on all aspects of studying at SOAS University of London.
• Provide professional one-to-one attention to prospective students and applicants including assistance during the application and visa processing.
• Identifying opportunities to further establish and build on market visibility and presence within the Nigerian and broader sub-Saharan Africa market.
• Undertake Market research and source key market intelligence to direct and develop ’s profile, brand and portfolio within Nigerian and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Keep abreast of market developments and opportunities including the most appropriate methods of communicating to our target audiences.
• In conjunction with the International Recruitment Manager (Sub-Saharan Africa) plan and deliver a full range of recruitment and marketing activities across a broad mix of marketing and communications channels both remotely and through in-country activity.
• Contribute to the yearly plan of marketing and recruitment activity in Nigeria and provide regular updates on plans and feedback on all activities carried out on behalf of the University.
• Assist in the production of appropriate online and offline marketing collateral required to promote the University in Nigeria
• Organize and participate in digital recruitment activities as required e.g. Virtual fairs, webinars with offer holders in designated markets
• Develop our relationship with external organizations such as overseas embassies, funding bodies, overseas schools and other education institutions in Nigeria to maximize recruitment through these channels.
• Help identify and maintain relationships with key personnel in various organizations to raise the profile of the SOAS University of London.
• Assist in the identification of appropriate institutional partners to aid our recruitment efforts in country.
• Maximize links and cooperation with ’s well-established and well-connected Nigerian Alumni Network within in key cities.
• Nurture the relationship with agents in Nigeria to ensure the University maximizes the potential of its overseas agents to recruit students on its behalf.
• Advise on the recruitment of potential new agents and carry out training with our network of education agents in Nigeria.
• Represent the University at agent-organized events such as fairs, presentations and counseling sessions.
• In conjunction with the International Recruitment Manager (Sub Saharan Africa) and the international Co-ordinator, maintain regular contact with our agent network. and ensure we provide prompt and efficient support.
• Maintain and develop productive relationships with colleagues in IDP and across the University.
• Gather and disseminate market intelligence about local market issues impacting recruitment to inform strategic decision-making to colleagues in International Recruitment and across the University.
• Assist in the preparation and promotion of visits by SOAS University of London staff to Nigeria including organising itineraries of appropriate activity.

Required Experience

• Demonstrable experience working in International Student Recruitment and outreach activities.
• Experience of designing and implementing data driven market plans for international student recruitment and of planning a calendar of activities with key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Nigerian and UK education systems and qualifications
• Ability to research and deliver innovative online and offline marketing activities
• Proven success in developing and managing effective international networks and external relationships
• Cultural awareness and experience in dealing with international organisations and individuals
• Proven empathy with students and understanding of the applications process to HE
• Knowledge of the application and admissions processes to Higher Education in the UK
• Experience and awareness of the global student recruitment market and of the issues impacting on HEIs within this market
• Knowledge of International Schools, International Pathways programmes and alternative University preparation qualifications
• Experience of working with International Recruitment Agencies
• Knowledge of Key Stakeholders including the British Council, UKISA, UKVI, UCAS, CIS