Africa Recruitment Manager supporting Manchester Metropolitan University, UK at Grok Global Services

The Company

Grok Global Services is a professional services firm that provides support to higher education institutions in accessing and developing important education markets. Grok is not an agency or a pathway provider. By joining our team as an Africa Recruitment Manager, you focus solely on supporting Manchester Metropolitan University while working in an environment of like-minded professionals supporting higher education institutions from around the world.

The Role

We are looking for a talented, dedicated professional to be a Lagos-based Africa Recruitment Manager supporting Manchester Metropolitan University via Grok Global Services’ Program Office.  The post holder will work closely with the Grok team and Manchester Metropolitan University to support the delivery of the international recruitment strategy.

Responsibilities

• To contribute to and support student recruitment within the region of Sub-Saharan Africa. This will include achievement of key performance indicators;
• Support the Regional Development Manager to achieve objectives set out in the international strategy for student recruitment in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Represent the University at external recruitment events and provide specialist advice and guidance to prospective international students, parents and their advisors on all aspects of studying at Manchester Met. This will be through e-mail, phone, social media and face to face;
• Contribute to enhancing brand profile and conversion of enquirers through to enrolment utilising a range of communication methods;
• Working with the Development and Alumni Relations Office to help support the university’s alumni activity in market;
• Support with account management of established and potential recruitment partners, such as Education Agents, and supporting the development of these partnerships. This will include making recommendations for developing the relationship; and
• Although staff will have core responsibilities, you may be asked to support with additional tasks or projects as required.

Key Tasks

• Provide a range of activities to support recruitment and conversion operations of Manchester Met to capitalise on market growth and increase market share, which will require significant travel within the region of Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Focus shall be on current target markets (Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya) with potential for scoping visits to emerging markets;
• Support the increase of new enrolments to meet annual regional targets whilst monitoring any trends that may pose a risk to recruitment;
• Provide recruitment and counsellor services to prospective students to aid conversion, supporting them with their queries acting at all times in accordance with Applicable Laws and in compliance with immigration laws;
• Gather information and provide market intelligence to Manchester Met on a regular basis to monitor any risks and support the development of the University’s international strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa;
• Respond to all enquiries and correspondence within three working days
• Communicate with the University’s Recruitment and Conversion team on a weekly basis and provide monthly activity market reports;
• Maintain an accurate, up-to-date knowledge of immigration and UKVI regulations, government legislation, market trends, trade agreements and other matters pertaining to student recruitment and internationalisation;
• Provide assistance with academic and International Office visits;
• Engagement with the agent network:
  • Provide fast and effective customer service to agents
  • Undertake a regular schedule of training
  • Hold interview sessions for students
  • Attendance at exhibitions and fairs
  • Relationship building with counsellors and key contacts
• Assisting with International Partnerships:
  • Assist with regular academic visits and guest lectures to increase applications.
  • Assist with relationship building and support for recruitment activity with existing and new partners.
  • Support visits to the region by senior university, external relations and international office leadership.
• Assisting with Development and Alumni Relations activity:
  • Working with the University’s Development and Alumni Relations Office to help support the university alumni activity in market
  • Provide scoping for suitable venues for alumni events
• Monitor and review expenditure and performance of local activities; and
• Carry out such other brand and recruitment activities as the University reasonably requests from time to time

Requirements

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills, including ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds;
• Excellent administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work, manage multiple tasks and deliver to tight deadlines under pressure;
• Ability to assimilate, distil and summarise large amounts of data and information for a range of audiences to inform strategy;
• Ability to identify stakeholder requirements, trends and changes in circumstances, respond quickly and adjust plans and activities accordingly;
• Knowledge of international education and international student recruitment;
• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualification, or equivalent experience;
• Strong English (minimum IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (e.g. at least a C6 in English WAEC/NECO);
• Experience of developing and delivering market plans and proven record of exceeding targets over a sustained period of time;
• Experience in a customer service role, demonstrating a strong understanding of and commitment to customer service;
• Willing to work flexibly when required (including evenings and weekends) in line with the demands made on the office;
• The post holder will be required to undertake regular visits within the region and must be prepared to travel on a regular basis (often at short notice), which may result in the post holder being away in excess of 12 weeks per year; and
• The role will require visits to the university campus in the UK for training.