Research and Programme Assistant

The Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) Programme is seeking an organised and pro-active individual to join their team. MECS is a £99 million programme funded by UKAid through the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, led by Loughborough University. The key purpose of the role is to work specifically alongside the Programme Director, supporting him on a task and finish basis. The post holder will also engage with partners from a wide variety of backgrounds and countries. The post holder must be willing and able to travel overseas for extended periods of time (up to 3 weeks), multiple times per year. If you are an organised, pro-active individual, with excellent communication skills, this is a great opportunity to join our team and to gain experience of working in a large scale, international research programme.

• The post is confirmed to 31st March 2027, with a high likelihood of further extension to 31st March 2028 (subject to confirmation of future funding)., You'll be highly organised, able to work on and prioritise multiple tasks at once.
• You'll be passionate about the role that research and evidence can play in shaping some of the biggest challenges facing the planet.
• You'll be approachable and eager to learn from others within the team and across the sector.
  
  Universities are one of this country's greatest assets. We're educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.
At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better. About the Department MECS sits within the Geography and Environment department in the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and inclusive School delivering excellence in learning and teaching, research, and enterprise across the Social Sciences and Humanities. Inter-disciplinarity and international encounters are fostered across six departments Environment; International Relations, Politics and History and Law. Geography and Environment is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and is has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. Geography and Environment is internationally recognised for its research in geographies of children, youth and families.

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include: Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme. Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities. Health and wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support. Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting. about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University. Closing Date: Sunday, 17th May Interview Date: Wednesday, 27th May 2026