UNIQ+ Coordinators (Fixed-term, from 30 May 2023)

As part of an interdisciplinary team working with our Graduate Admissions and Recruitment staff, UNIQ+ Coordinators will help to design and deliver a programme of in-person talks, discussions and social events to give students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups insight into PhD life at Oxford. Additionally, UNIQ+ Coordinators will provide peer-to-peer welfare support to interns (training will be provided).

This is an excellent opportunity for those looking to develop their understanding of and experience in access and public engagement work, and to get involved with the University’s work to improve equality, diversity and inclusion in our graduate student body.

We welcome applications from anyone who is passionate about improving access to postgraduate study and research to a wider audience.

About UNIQ+

The University and colleges are doing more than ever to increase the number of promising postgraduate students from under-represented groups at Oxford. A number of pioneering initiatives to improve access to graduate study have been launched, including UNIQ+.

First introduced in 2019, UNIQ+ is a residential programme of summer research internships designed to encourage access to postgraduate study from talented undergraduates from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds.

From 3 July 2023, around 120 UNIQ+ participants will undertake a research project at the University with supervision from Oxford’s academic staff, supported by programme of events to introduce participants to the University and its staff and the key stages in considering and making postgraduate applications.

About the role

Up to 8 positions will be available, with a combination of remote working for the planning and coordination of events and in-person briefing, training and attendance at UNIQ+ events.

Each appointment will be for an average of 8 - 12 hours per week (no more than 12 hours per week), for a 12-week period from 30 May 2023 to 18 August 2023. The positions are offered at an hourly rate equivalent to Grade 6.1 on the University’s grading scale (£17.02 per hour).

UNIQ+ Coordinators will have five weeks to plan events (30 May to 30 June), working up to 8 hours per week, followed by seven weeks (while the interns are in Oxford) to deliver events (3 July to 18 August) and provide peer-to-peer support as required, working 8 - 12 hours per week.

UNIQ+ Coordinators will report directly to the Graduate Access and Widening Participation Officer based in Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and may also coordinate events with academic members of staff representing each of the University’s academic divisions. A small budget will be available to help to deliver events.

Successful candidates will work both independently and in two small teams of four to plan and organise events for UNIQ+ interns undertaking projects based in the Humanities & Social Sciences divisions and the Medical Sciences & Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences divisions. Both programmes will include a mix of social and academic-focused events tailored to the interests of UNIQ+ interns, as well as giving them an insight into life at Oxford, research and postgraduate study.  You will also be expected to provide peer-to-peer welfare support to interns, signposting to welfare resources, and escalating issues as appropriate. Training will be provided.

You should ensure that you follow the Paid Work Guidelines for graduate students in taking on employment. In accordance with these guidelines, DPhil students should discuss plans to take on additional work with their supervisor. If you are offered this position, you will be asked to confirm that you have obtained your supervisor’s agreement to take on paid work.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for the role, please email your CV and a short supporting statement (around 1-2 pages) explaining how you meet the criteria for the position to uniqplus@admin.ox.ac.uk by midday on Tuesday 11 April.

Successful candidates should be available to attend the following training / events in person: 

• Coordinator Briefing – Tuesday 30 May (11am – 12pm)
• Welfare Training – Thursday 8 June (1pm – 5pm)
• UNIQ+ Introduction Session & Lunch – Tuesday 4 July (9am – 2pm)

You will also be expected to attend some of other core in-person UNIQ+ events taking place between Tuesday 4 July and Friday 18 August – around one per week.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to attend a short interview in person, scheduled to take place on Thursday 20 or Friday 21 April 2023. Please include any times you are not available for interview in your application. If you are unable to be in Oxford on either of those dates, please let us know, and we will make arrangements for a remote interview.

Responsibilities

This position will involve:

• Working closely to a provided brief to develop and organise a programme of events for UNIQ+ throughout the internship programme, to both engage and inform participants.
• Developing your understanding of the requirements of the UNIQ+ audience, e.g. through analysing feedback from past cohorts and reviewing current literature on graduate access.
• Planning and organising events for the UNIQ+ cohort, including liaising with speakers and contacting venues.
• Attending and contributing to UNIQ+ events held during the internship, including the coordination of groups and discussion during events where necessary.
• Close and consistent collaboration with other UNIQ+ Coordinators and University staff working on UNIQ+ to discuss proposals and assign tasks.
• Communicating with other departments, offices and individuals within the University where necessary to request participation in UNIQ+ as event speakers, contributors to digital content etc, offering a professional degree of courtesy and consideration.
• Regular reporting on progress and preparing draft work for approval by members of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and the UNIQ+ Management Group, including discussion and implementation of any requested changes and other feedback.
• Offering a point of contact for UNIQ+ participants in order to provide advice, support and mentoring.
• Providing peer-to-peer welfare support to interns, signposting to welfare resources, and escalating issues as appropriate. Training will be provided.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria

• Current DPhil student (including Doctoral Training Centre students) or early-career academic researchers (including post-doctoral researchers) at the University of Oxford at the point of recruitment.
• An interest in access work aimed at encouraging university applications from underrepresented groups
• Experience of directly engaging with current university students through events, with a demonstrated understanding of the key issues and challenges involved in delivering a successful event
• Experience of offering mentoring, support and/or pastoral care to students, demonstrating excellent interpersonal skills and a high level of judgement, discretion and compassion
• Excellent planning, organisational and time management skills, combined with strong attention to detail and experience of being involved in the planning, co-ordination and/or management of events or projects. This will include evidence of an ability to seek out and resolve problems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision and as part of a team, ensuring high levels of communication, organising and prioritising your own workload, and taking personal responsibility for achieving deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of access or widening participation work
• Experience of mentoring or supporting undergraduate students or prospective applicants to the University of Oxford
• Experience of organising or coordinating events or teaching